Tag Archives: Metalheadz

Classic Track: Alex Reece – Pulp Fiction

Posted on by
Reply

This one barely needs an introduction…if you’ve never heard it (or the 2010 Lynx edit) then frankly you must have been living under a rock for the past two decades, or at least never have been to many D&B raves. Released on Metalheadz back in 1995, the simple combination of jazzy brass samples, catchy vocal snippet and that oh so memorable bassline make this a firm favourite. I have immensely fond memories of Goldie closing the 20 years of Metalheadz night at Sun & Bass with this track and the crowd singing along to the bassline…epic stuff. Check it out below and relive a true piece of D&B history.

Om Unit – Inversion [Metalheadz]

Posted on by
Reply

Om Unit is a name that we just can’t get enough of over here at the Dojo and his latest work for Metalheadz could well be his best yet. Apparently Goldie himself went digging in the vaults and handed over some DATs as sample material for these tracks, and the EP definitely carries an old school ‘headz feel, combined with Om Unit’s future-jungle stylings.

You can check out a minimix of the tracks below; head to the Metalheadz store to pre-order the release on vinyl or digital now, and look out for release from Nov 17th.

SCAR – Old Ground EP [Metalheadz Platinum]

Posted on by
Reply

It’s been quite a year for SCAR – with singles for Horizons, an EP and a limited edition dubplate for Dispatch and appearances on Metalheadz Platinum Breakz 4 LP the duo have burst onto the scene with gusto. Their latest work sees them bringing a solo EP for the ‘headz camp and as you’d expect it sees them at the top of their game.

So Suddenly leads the EP, showing off an obvious affinity for tough, techy D&B. Ruby meanwhile has more of a classic ‘headz vibe, bringing to mind the sound of some of their 90s releases with more old-fashioned synth work and crustier break chops. Old Ground brings a combination of skittering drums and sub bass menance to the table, leaving Old Time Metal to close out the EP with dubby samples and hard, metallic snares.

Excellent work once again from the SCAR camp! Check out the clips below and head over to the ‘headz store to pre-order this one on vinyl or digital – full release drops from October 27th.

Ulterior Motive – The Fourth Wall [Metalheadz]

Posted on by
1

After a lengthy period of writing and a quiet buildup of hype, Ulterior Motive’s debut LP for Metalheadz has finally dropped this week. It’s clear the duo have taken the task of their first album incredibly seriously (they reportedly whittled the tracklist down from 120 demos) and they’ve managed to create a pure D&B album which still feels like a journey rather than just a collection of songs.

While all the tracks bear some hallmarks of the Ulterior Motive sound, The Fourth Wall definitely sees the duo branching out from their traditional grimey tech D&B, with tributes to the Bristol sound (Sideways) and old skool rave (Tape Pack) alongside the deeper flavours of tracks like Muted, You Must See and Chapters. There’s still plenty of room for the more “classic” UM sounds mind you, with Inta-National and Keep It Moving standing out as the best dancefloor workouts.

Doubtless everyone will have their own favourites so check out the clips below and head to the Metalheadz store to pick up the album on CD, vinyl or digital.

Friske – Speculate [Metalheadz]

Posted on by
Reply

Friske is a name I haven’t heard frequently enough since first coming across his deadly collaboration with Perpetuum, Step Up, way back in 2006. It’s good to see him back in the scene and gracing the mighty Metalheadz with new beats, and his new three tracker for the Meth XX series is well worth a listen.

All atmosphere and drum groove, the tracks remind me of Paradox’s work except for with less reliance on classic breaks, the percussion instead taking a slightly more modern approach. This one’s out now on vinyl and digital – check out the clips below and go grab a copy from your favourite outlet.

DLR – Your Mind EP [Metalheadz]

Posted on by
Reply

New material from DLR has consistently proved excellent since his split with production partner Octane (who sadly has been pretty quiet by comparison), and his latest EP for Metalheadz is no exception. While retaining plenty of dancefloor heft on the tracks, the overall vibe seems atmospheric, and even contemplative; appropriate given the title of the release.

The title track sees DLR joining forces with Mako for a skittering drumfunk extravaganza; soft pads and a plethora of percussive elements give the tune most of it’s character, but there’s some tasty bass pressure for good measure too. 10 Steps sounds more like a “conventional” DLR track by comparison, with a rolling beat and slightly more dancefloor sensibilities. An ominous and slightly hypnotic melody stalks throughout the tune, bringing to mind a slightly altered consciousness.

Sense Of Wanting continues this trend with another dancefloor friendly slice of techy business, impeccably constructed as ever. Seek Knowledge meanwhile sees Mako back on board and Rider Shafique on vocal duties for a track that sounds like the spiritual successor to the excellent Setup The Set from Octane & DLR’s Method in the Madness LP. Lastly Outbound rounds off the EP with a halfstep beat plodding along in a dubby fashion amidst creepy pads, jazzy FX and a plethora of swirling, groaning bass.

As we’ve come to expect from the Metalheadz new school this is another essential purchase – grab it now from your favourite outlet on vinyl or digital.

Mako – The Truthseekers EP [Metalheadz]

Posted on by
Reply

As if his recent output for Dispatch and Warm Comms wasn’t enough, we’ve also recently been treated to a Mako EP for the mighty Metalheadz on their XX series. The three tracks see him getting together in the studio with others for three collabs of varying persuasions, the first of which features Detail on a skittering, dubbed out half-stepper with some superb percussion.

Next up comes The Gully, a stripped back roller produced by Mako & Sine. All brooding atmosphere and ominous intent on the intro, once the tune drops it has a fearsome roll to it and some tasty bass growls to boot. Last but by no means least, Throwing Snow gets in on the action for Ju Ken, an interesting hybrid of breakbeat, UK Funky and D&B. The groove is unusual in it’s style but achieves a fantastic level of energy and insistence with the kicks and claps raining down for maximum effect.

The ever hard working Mako has also put together a promo mix to celebrate the EPs release, which you can check out below. Head to your favourite store to grab this one on vinyl or digital now, and watch out for plenty more from Mako in the future.

Mako, DLR, Villem & Ant TC1 – Hungry For Atmosphere [Metalheadz]

Posted on by
Reply

Metalheadz continue their winning form with a super collab from Mako, DLR, Villem & Ant TC1! The four D&B masterminds apparently ensconced themselves in Mako’s Bristol studio to write this one, which blends beautiful deep pads and cinematic sample work with a tough break and some fantastic warped bass. This one is all about texture and delivers it in spades.

Apparently Ant TC1 had to return to the real world but the other three continued the sesh and went in hard on the B side. A Certain Flavour delivers kick snare sucker punches a plenty with a big dirty bassline to boot and is sure to be doing the damage on dancefloors. Serious business.

Check out the clips below and grab this on vinyl or digital from Monday!

December Mixtape Roundup

Posted on by
Reply

With so many good mixes touching down over the past few weeks it seemed only right to do a wee roundup of the best we’ve heard here at the Dojo. So in no particular order…

Joe Ford presents the 41st episode of the London Warehouse Events mix series with a short, sharp selection of dark techy D&B from the likes of Noisia, Maztek, Mefjus and Nickbee, including some new (and unlisted) tunes. JF dubs perhaps?

Mikal celebrates the impending release of his Immaterial EP for Metalheadz with a 30 minute promo mix featuring tracks from the EP alongside beats from Jubei, DLR, Villem and more. Watch out for the release dropping from December 16th.

Chris Renegade presents the 23rd episode of the Lifted Music podcast featuring brand new cuts from Aeph, Memtrix, Prolix & Gridlok and more, alongside a new dub from Inward Phase, a classic from the Konflict vaults and plenty of random half-cut banter.

While actually recorded back in October the audio from Fracture’s appearance at the Boiler Room Machinedrum special has recently surfaced on Soundcloud, and as usual it’s an eclectic treat. Definitely one for the deep heads to scope out.

To celebrate the recent release of his M-Theory EP for Renegade Hardware, Maztek brings us a 30 minute mix packed full of top class techstep and neurofunk belters.

Warm Communications head honcho EHL has recorded a nice mix of all things deep ahead of the labels latest release from Mako.

Finally The Upbeats celebrate their recent appearance at Japan’s Hangover D&B night with a mix full of tidy D&B belters and a few unexpected surprises.

Dom & Roland – Unofficial Jah / Outta Endz [Metalheadz]

Posted on by
Reply

When forces as legendary as these collide, you know you’re in for a treat! Dom & Roland touches down on the mighty Metalheadz with a massive 12″ that has been tearing up the dance for months now. Unofficial Jah kicks the release off with some monstrous bass sweeps before dropping into a stomping, sub infused half-step beat that’s reminiscent of Amit’s work on recent singles like Human Warfare. Just when you’re getting comfortable Dom kicks things up into double time with a full rinse oldschool techstep beat…oooft.

Over on the B-side we’re treated to Outta Endz, a track that has seen heads bawling for the rewind time and again. Infectious and instantly memorable, the cut up vocal hook of “Straight Outta London” couldn’t resonate more with the Metalheadz crew. Watch out for this dropping on vinyl and digital from November 18th.