Darkcore
A dark, serious form of hardcore that led towards jungle and drum and bass.
History
Darkcore appeared around 1991 as breakbeat hardcore became darker and more serious s1. Producers removed the happy piano riffs and added deep bass, strange sounds and simple, threatening melodies s1. The mood was often tense and uneasy, and the tracks were made for dark clubs rather than bright raves s1. 4hero's 'Mr Kirk's Nightmare' (1990) is often named as an early record in this direction s1. Goldie's 'Terminator' (1992), released as Rufige Kru, used a break that many later producers copied s1s2. Doc Scott's 'NHS' (1991) was another important record that moved hardcore towards jungle s1. The style also added a deep, low bass that became central to jungle and drum and bass s1. By 1994 the darkcore sound had grown into jungle and drum and bass s2. The style was played on London pirate radio stations. Its deep bass and dark mood became the base for jungle and drum and bass s1.
Sound
- Fast, chopped breakbeats
- Deep, heavy sub-bass
- Dark, simple or eerie melodies
- Strange sound effects and samples
- A tense, serious mood
Key figures
- Goldie — Producer behind Rufige Kru
- 4hero — London duo of Dego and Marc Mac
- Doc Scott — Producer behind 'NHS'
- Grooverider — DJ who championed the dark sound
Labels
- Reinforced Records — London , 1989
- Absolute 2 Records — London , 1990
- Moving Shadow — London , 1990
Defining tracks
Connections
Came from: Breakbeat Hardcore , Hip Hop Breaks , Industrial
Led to: Drum and Bass , Jungle , Techstep
Sources
- Darkcore — Wikipedia
- Goldie: Ramblas in the Jungle — Red Bull Music Academy (2013)