Masterpieces of breakcore. Recommended popular tracks.
There are many subgenres of dance music that use electronic sounds, and among what’s commonly called techno music, one genre said to have emerged from “gabber”—a style classified as one of the hardcore techno forms that appeared in the early 1990s—is the focus of this article: breakcore.
While it has some basic characteristics—such as reconstructing sampled material to the point of being unrecognizable and using high-speed breakbeats—it’s interesting that the style becomes highly subdivided depending on the artist.
In this article, we introduce standout breakcore tracks across a wide range, from classic anthems to notable recent releases.
If you’re new to the genre, be sure to check it out!
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Breakcore masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
spiralMachine Girl
Uzumaki is a track by Machine Girl, a hardcore project based in New York.
The song is a slightly unusual take on breakcore that makes effective use of a chill synth phrase.
Beyond the synths, finely detailed hi-hat sounds appear in various places, creating a dizzying overall sound.
There’s also a brief waltz-like section in the middle, which is a real highlight.
The track closes with a looped phrase that literally spirals like a whirlpool, making it a highly polished piece from start to finish.
The RaptureSabrepulse
Sabrepulse’s “The Rapture” is a track with a super satisfying slap-bass phrase.
For breakcore, it’s relatively slow in tempo, so I recommend it even if ultra-fast tracks aren’t your thing.
Also, while breakcore often uses complex rhythms, this track’s rhythm patterns are simple, making it easy to lock into the beat.
In the latter half’s break section you can feel a bit of chillout influence, which makes it really interesting—definitely give it a listen!
GristDrumcorps
“Grist” is a popular track by Drumcorps, the music project of American musician Aaron Spectre.
The song blends a heavy metal-based backing with a noise-music flavor that skillfully uses guitar harmonics as sound effects.
The highlight is the development that follows the midsection phrase featuring rapid sixteenth-note kick drums.
Also, with high-pitched shouts throughout, it’s a great pick for relieving stress!
My Gums Bleed for This Type of ShitLADYSCRAPER
Ladies Scraper’s “My Gums Bleed for This Type of Shit” starts with a synth intro that feels like grease dripping down, takes a brief break, then charges forward again—an irresistible progression.
Among breakcore tracks, which often have complex structures, this one is relatively simple and easy to ride rhythmically.
The four-on-the-floor section in the middle, in particular, should be approachable even for newcomers to electronic music.
If you like this track, be sure to check out other breakcore tunes too!
Rubber’s HeadRuby My Dear
Rubber’s Head is captivating for its otherworldly atmosphere, blending elements of ambient, hip-hop, and breakcore.
The track appears on Ruby My Dear’s album remains of shapes to come, which mixes such a wide variety of musical styles that it’s almost impossible to categorize the songs—even beyond Rubber’s Head.
To truly appreciate Ruby My Dear’s appeal, be sure to listen to the album all the way through.