History of Hardcore was an event I had wanted to attend ever since they first launched in February. Unfortunately I hadn’t been able to make the others, so when History Of Hardcore 3 was announced I made sure I was free.

Based in south London, History of Hardcore is an event catering for everyone and plays everything from ‘89 acid house and oldskool, to today’s cutting-edge upfront sound. Being one of the older ravers, I knew I would appreciate all of the sets/styles on offer.

The line-up was varied and fresh ranging from current favourites like Sy and the Geos crew, Hardcore legends like Slipmatt and some of London’s finest oldskool jocks including Food Junky, Snypa & Flashback.

After a few pre-drinks around London we headed to Jacks and were greeted on the door by 2 of the promoters Insane & Mind, both were looking very pleased with the way things had started and with good reason.

Jacks is an underground venue with two arenas, we walked straight into the smaller one first and the atmosphere was already buzzin, however the main arena was calling so we headed straight on through.

The first thing that hit me was the lighting and lazers, they really were impressive and made the arena look even more special. There were also HOH banners and décor all around. It was obvious that the promoters had done that little bit extra to make their night stand out.

Fast Freddy & Nostalgic were banging out an upfront set, which the ravers were lapping up. Choons such as Skydivin 06 and Donkey Punch getting great reactions. This was a good set that really got everyone stomping and was made even better with MC’s Mayers & Doc-e on mic duty.

Next up after a slight re-arrangement with set times was Slipmatt with Rizla Dizla on the mic. I was expecting a Universal classics oldskool set but instead he went totally upfront for the hour. This set seemed to take a while for everyone to take in as most of it was unheard material but as soon as the new remix of the classic You’re Mine and other Universal remixes were dropped it all went off.

Following Slipmatt was a set many had come to see: Kevin Energy & Mc Suicide with a 96 Dream reunion set. Every time I see Energy he impresses me with his exciting mixing style and this was no exception. He crammed loads of tunes into the hour and when he dropped the remix of Ride on the wind and his own Hardcore Fever the place erupted, another brilliant set from Energy.

I had to chill out for a bit after this so I had a wander around and chatted to people that I don’t get to see very often.

The next set I wanted to catch was by promoters Insane & Mind. They started off with 95 Hardcore and gradually progressed to today’s upfront sound. This was a very well structured hour and certainly pleased everyone on the dance-floor. It was nice to hear Sharkey’s E-Nuff played out, love that tune! Following them was South Coast legend Druid with an oldskool bouncy set. I’ve always liked Druid’s bouncy sets and this one of his best. The hour included the harder remix of Six days, F**ck my best friend, Cold as ice and some excellent older dutch material. Rizla Dizla was on mic duty and complimented Druid perfectly, also nice to see Rizla back on the mic again.

After Druid I made my way into the smaller arena to catch Food Junky as I had never seen him play before. He played the set of the night for me treating the ‘sweaty’ crew to a feast of oldskool jungle and drum & bass ranging from 93-96. This is without a shadow of a doubt one of my favourite eras of music as it’s so varied and interesting. Food Junky not only had an amazing record selection but his mixing was breathtaking, keeping tunes in the mix for ages. Blending and cutting tunes such as: M Beat’s Incredible, DJ SS’s Rollers convention to name a few.

Back in the main room and I caught the close of Geos crew playing forthcoming material from their fine label: Electrik Euphoria Records. All of a sudden Marley announces their last tune and it’s now time for the last hour. “Who better to close this night then DJ Sy”? Was the question that MC Spenno put to the ravers. Sy was straight down to business kicking off with the remix of Free your mind and scratching over it as only he can. It was the usual crowd pleasing tunes from then on, to keep the remaining ravers happy for the last shift. MC Spenno was on throughout this set and on top form as usual. The crowd had thinned out a little but Sy certainly kept them more than happy till the end.

I can only say great things about this event; the music, atmosphere and attendance were all good. It is organised by promoters who obviously love Hardcore and have been around long enough to have knowledge about the music and the scene. If you are a Hardcore lover like me and appreciate all eras and styles, then you really need to make the next event a must go to.

Written By DJ Cruze....

Wicked review Cruze :)

lol!!! Whilst reading this thread I am actually listening to the set I did MC'ing for the Geos Crew at this event...

...big up Cruze for the review!!! ;-)

Wicked review guys and so true. Keep up the good work.

Agree, agree, agree........ fantastic event, tunes, sets and ppl!!!! keep it hardcore!!! Actually wondered whether the HOH crew knew about this review, got handed the ravin eye in the usual 'flyer chuckin' sesh leavin HTID 18!!! Had a good read when i could focus normally!!! OiOi HOH, Bring on the 24th!!! Keep it up indeed.......we want more HOH!!!

Hunny xxxxxxx

Glad you liked the review people!

Never done anything like that before :)

c u at the next one

cheers

nothing about the wonderful dancers at HOH then??? heheheh

nothing about the wonderful dancers at HOH then???

That goes without saying!

fair play. Well we will be back on the stage on 24th feb, doing what we do best

No but!!

quoted from hoh 4 flyer

And if that wasn’t enough the Twisted Bliss dance crew will be once again gracing the stage in Arena 1

yay!!! thats us, thats my girls.

Well done guys...Cant WAIT for the next one.

HOH is the best way to end the raving month of feb

wkd!!!
cudnt agree more bring on 24th!!
oi oiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!

The only way to end the month.... and to wind down after Raindance the week before