Hyper Techno is a high-energy subgenre of Techno music, derived from Belgian Techno, that emerged in the early 1990s. It is known for its fast tempos, aggressive riffs, and heavy use of vocal samples, often drawing influences from Eurodance, Eurobeat, Hardcore, and 1990s rave culture.
Characteristics[]
Hyper Techno is characterized by a high BPM, usually between 150 and 170 BPM, intense kick drums, distorted and often metallic synth stabs, and the incorporation of vocal samples, shouts, or commands. It typically uses sound textures and production techniques reminiscent of 1990s dance tracks, and often carries a rave-oriented and euphoric yet aggressive sound. Some tracks may include elements from Extreme metal, Breakbeat Hardcore, Makina, and Happy Hardcore.
History[]
Origins in the early 1990s[]
The genre originated around 1992 from two independent sources. The first was a collaboration between eurobeat producers Andrea Leonardi (Bratt Sinclaire) and Alberto Contini (A.C. Wild), who combined Belgian Techno with Thrash Metal influences to create tracks like “Dance Got Sick Part Three”. Meanwhile, in Japan, the popularity of Belgian techno tracks such as “James Brown Is Dead” led to a reimagining of the style into a more hypertrophic, high-speed rave sound, which would come to define Hyper Techno.
Popularity in Japan[]
While Belgian Techno declined in Europe by the mid-1990s, Hyper Techno found enduring success in Japan, especially in clubs such as Juliana’s Tokyo. It became a staple of Japanese nightlife, club culture, and rhythm games produced by Bemani, such as Dance Dance Revolution and beatmania. It also became a core genre for the TechPara dance scene, a sub-style of ParaPara dancing.
2000s to Present[]
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Hyper Techno remained relatively niche outside Japan but retained a loyal fanbase. Its sound evolved, incorporating elements from Trance, Gabber, and other fast-paced EDM styles. It remains a nostalgic and stylistically distinct tribute to 1990s club music. The genre has seen renewed interest among fans of classic rhythm games and retro electronic music.
Examples[]
- Bratt Sinclaire & A.C. Wild – Dance Got Sick Part Three
- Go 2 – Funky Funlover
- Domino – Tora Tora Tora (Hyper Techno Remix)