The first Razors Edge release in over 3 years welcomes back some heavyweights of the Metalheadz camp in Loxy, Ink, Resound and Gremlinz.
A post-millennium anthem in 'Headz Roll' gets the remix treatment from what has got to be one of the most dangerous looking quadruples in dnb history, and the result is an uncompromising and refreshing twist on an already much-recognised sound. On the flip we're exposed to the gritty energy of 'Think' by Ink, Loxy & Resound who as a trio have been making waves and gathering momentum on their own imprint in recent times.
A defining member of the hardcore techno scene in the early nineties and stretching his influence across a range of sub genres, from jungle to house music, there’s not one section of the cultural shifts since then which Nookie hasn’t seeped his influence into. Whether it’s been pivotal moments on imprints such as Labello Blanco, Reinforced, Moving Shadow or Good Looking, he’s proven the span of his creativity with every track he’s released across a plethora of labels. This continues with a brand-new single on Metalheadz, extending across an array of styles and a natural progression from his acclaimed remix of Goldie’s ‘Inner City Life’.
The Rage mix of ‘Kaeya’ has already received support from radio icon Pete Tong as his 'Essential New Tune' which sets the standard for this release. With deep, heavy sub bass and pounding kick drums skipping underneath the track, softened slightly by its vocals this is a formidable record which speaks of the current climate and proof that club-orientated tracks are still having a seismic effect on listeners. The D&B mix flips the tempo, dipping between each note sequence with a lulling sense of security, meanwhile closing the single is its ‘96 rework, standing out through its rolling breaks and reminiscent feel.
They each pull together a seminal standalone offering from Nookie, and one which will reidentify fans with his commitment to musical exploration as well as the impression he’s had throughout his three decades worth of history, now proudly displayed under the Metalheadz banner. And this is just the start.
Quartz has been constructing some of the most cutting edge and enjoyable drum and bass we have heard in recent times and we've been eagerly anticipating the day we can follow up his 2018 'Hall of Mirrors EP'. That day is fast approaching as we proudly reveal the 'Coercion EP' set for release on 19th February.
Comprised of 4 technical achievements propped up by a persistent underlying quality this is Quartz demonstrating a raw yet refreshing sound we can promise a lot more of in the coming years. Key elements of Quartz's character have seen him develop a relationship with Goldie who has been ever-present in both refining his technique and carving out a new journey that doesn't comprise in the slightest. Also featuring Artilect on 'Folding Water', the 'Coercion EP' is a fantastic reflection of Quartz's intricate approach to making music the way he wants to.
The third part of the 25 Years of Metalheadz series sees us revisit the industrious sounds of 'Drum Trip' by Kaotic Chemistry aka 2 Bad Mice. Originally released on Moving Shadow an astonishing 29 years ago 'Drum Trip' has remained a DJ's favourite to this day, a testament to the foundation work laid down by the pioneering trio.
The revival was prompted by a heavy-hitting remix by Metalheadz's own Detboi and was followed with an elegant, rolled-out interpretation from Madcap. The frustration caused by the loss of the original ‘Drum Trip’ recording was quickly forgotten as Wheeler went in and ultimately produced an outstanding full-scale rebuild. A second 'Low Ends & Amens' version by Detboi retains the original tempo and features as a digital bonus alongside a previously unreleased Kaotic Chemistry track in 'Jupiter' which was brought back to life with the astute skills of Steve Kielty (SCAR).
It’s an unquestionable truth that we’re delighted to present this classic era of electronic music restored and rejuvenated as part of the 25 Years of Metalheadz project.
Adam ‘Adred’ Baker is an imperative part of the US drum & bass scene, providing a home for its fans amongst the cultural hub of New York City. Alongside his work as a promoter for ‘Natural Selection NYC’, he’s also dropped music on labels such as Metalheadz, Soul:R and 31 Recordings, proving that he’s as multi-faceted as they come. This is something which shines through on his LP ‘KIM’ set to be released on Goldie’s Metalheadz; named after his late father whose Fender Rhodes features prominently in much of Adred’s music and is a central part of his inspiration. The album is an introspective look at the producer’s history and one which will identify the elements which have made him both such a successful artist and drum & bass event host.
From crossover success to being pillars of the drum & bass community, both René LaVice and duo Future Cut have histories which highlight the genres diversity. Whilst René LaVice has spent over two years on the Radio 1 airwaves, showcasing the very best tracks from throughout the global scene, Future Cut have several UK #1s, alongside helping the growth of drum & bass within Manchester’s pivotal growth during the 90s. Now together they unleash a new release on imperative platform Metalheadz, an imprint which has already played host to Future Cut and one which will soon be seeing its first delivery from René LaVice. Spearheaded by Goldie, its heritage is undeniable, and it’s become a lasting part of UK dance music culture, stretching its influence throughout the world.
Rolling breaks and growling bass layers characterise the opening track ‘Nine Strings’. Meanwhile, ‘Eyes’ looks at contemporary trends through a new light alongside drum heavy sequences. Each track pulls together another massive signing from Metalheadz; together René LaVice and Future Cut add three more tracks to the label’s antique collection.
The Italian-born, London-based producer encapsulates the modern day Metalheadz sound across 4 sublime solo tracks, from the effortless fluidity of the title track to the raucous vibrations of 'Break The Rules'. There's a familiar tastefulness from start to finish, full of thrills, twists and turns but also very raw in nature, something HLZ continues to execute throughout his impressively growing discography.
You'd be forgiven for not realising this is Nymfo's first EP for Metalheadz considering he is one of the Netherlands' finest drum and bass exports boasting releases on some of the genre's most revered labels.
Opening with the title track 'Sting Blade', the EP hits hard in true Nymfo fashion, but as he's shown over the last decade and more he is perfectly capable of executing several styles, something exemplified as you journey deeper into the release. Fellow Dutchman and Berghain staple Martyn also features for a vigorous work out on 'What's Happening".
A first release for Seba & Paradox as a duo on Metalheadz is as special as its billing makes out to be.
Although being situated in Sweden and Lithuania may provide many stumbling blocks, not to mention Paradox's insistence on physical 'in personal' studio sessions, the guys still manage to retain a production line amongst the best in underground jungle.
20 years on from meeting at the legendary Music House we're delighted to be welcoming Digital & Outrage as a duo to Metalheadz for the very first time.
Their debut Metalheadz Platinum 3-tracker is headed up by the long-coveted, dubbed out 'Kingdom' with a further 2 offerings in 'Reunion' and 'Diligence' exhibiting the duo's natural gift in building killer hooks and compelling basslines. An essential piece of 2020 drum and bass.
We’re delighted to present Lenzman’s brand new album - ‘Bobby’. Gliding through sub-genres of hip-hop, jazz and soul, Lenzman’s new album is forward-thinking with complimenting crossovers that still connect with the current drum and bass scene. Across this boundary defying journey, Lenzman draws on a cascade of mellow and weighty subs, soft and rich vocal tones from collaborators DRS, Children Of Zeus and Konny Kon whilst guest producers Artificial Intelligence and LSB lend their notable skills to the LP with nostalgic melodies. Amongst the intricate sound design also lies sentimental influence of family and childhood that has served as the essential foundation to bind the LP together: “I became a father a year or so before starting the album. My daughter had also named her stuffed toy “Bobby” at the time,” Lenzman explains. Although the LP was already taking shape that was fitting for me as a title. Becoming a Dad had made me revisit my own childhood and look at it from a different angle. The memories, influences and music from that period of my life were the most vivid in my mind… the moods and feelings, all translated into the music on the LP. I was raised by my father and he used to draw a lot back in those days, so it was fitting for him to draw the cover, fragments of my childhood put onto paper.
The first Metalheadz release of 2017 comes courtesy of Phil Tangent and Penny Giles and we’re very excited to welcome them into the Metalheadz camp. The two tracks are perfect for Headz platinum as they fuse the rough with the smooth, something the sister label has become known for the course of its history. We have deep basslines playing set against subtle rave stabs and break edits on the solo effort from Phil Tangent, whilst on the collab from Phil Tangent & Pennygiles things go deeper with the atmospheres and effects.
Limited one-sided pressing. What can we say about 'Metropolis' that hasn’t been said already? Adam F delivered a piece of sonic art for the label, a visceral, complex anthem that stopped people in their tracks on its initial airings at Blue Note.
Very excited to welcome back Dub Phizix to Metalheadz, arguably one of the biggest artists in drum n bass delivers an impeccable release. The last time he graced the label was with Skeptical on Platinum Breakz 4 and its great to have him back, two tailor made tracks that fit the Headz vibe perfectly.
OneMind is a new project from DLR & Mako, a new sound and direction for the pair. The sound of OneMind explores the pairs love for textures, bass and breaks, pushing the envelope of production but never losing sight of the soul. The project will utilize multi- media to present its agenda: video, art and sound. For the first EP OneMind has brought in Om Unit and Ulterior Motive and the results speak for themselves. We look forward to presenting more music by OneMind.
What can we say about 'Metropolis' that hasn’t been said already? Adam F delivered a piece of sonic art for the label, a visceral, complex anthem that stopped people in their tracks on its initial airings at Blue Note, backed with the sublime 'Mother Earth' this made for a massive release
Hidden Agenda were a vital part of the first wave of Headz and this release reminds of what that is. The tracks defied convention and married soul with dancefloor weight, something they were masters at.
a1. Is It Love? b1. On the Roof b2. The Flute Tune
Absolute classic three tracker from Photek, a fearless EP that broke boundaries and has stood the test of time. A must have for anyone there the first time or just becoming accustomed now.
We're happy to announce the next EP on MethXX by Villem (Mute) & Phase. Villem and Phase have brought some guests along for the ride in vocalist Steo and McLeod. The EP is an accomplished piece of work, it’s a great partnership between Villem and Phase and we’re happy to be putting it out.
One of 2014’s biggest albums is back in remix form via an all-star line- up hand picked by the south coast’s premiere production duo. We have new interpretations from Break, Icicle & Lenzman and you can tell from just reading that line up how high the quality levels are. We have no doubt that this package will have the same mark that the album did.
Commix expands on the 'Generation' EP series. Part 1 was a reintroduction via new material peppered with older material. EP 2 is all new material and very excited to be able to release it. The EP spans BPMs and palettes, it’s the sound of Commix not only sharing his influences but adding to those influences with his own contributions. Already a firm favourite with the electronic music scene the EP is a exactly what we want to hear from Commix at this point in time.
3x12" Vinyl LP. This full length album for Headz from Jungle Drum & Bass alumni Dom & Roland comes at a perfect time for the artist and the label, it follows his massive “Outta Endz / Unofficial Jah remix” release and comes at a time where the label has been at its most fertile in recent memory. The album harks back to pioneering 90s aesthetic of the music but it doesn’t feel retrospective, in fact it feels futuristic- a thread that Dom has made sure ties all his work together. The reference points for the album stretch far and wide, from the inspiring and equally green eyed Sunday Sessions at Blue Note to RZA’s approach to sampling. Dom’s own words on the album perhaps shed the most light: “The album is inspired and processed via a collection of moments I had through growing up, the things i was into, memories of good and bad times i'd had and the music i was listening to at the time” Collaborations are kept sparse and potent, US legend Hive turns in a very rare appearance on “D.M.T” and vocal features come from Robert Manos and Natalie Duncan. The album is Dom & Roland exorcising his artistic demons and we’re proud to be releasing the project on Metalheadz. Let’s leave Goldie to have the last word on the album: “It blows everything else away. Hands down...Right now.... Dom's album destroys everything.”
CLEAR VINYL PRESSING in PVC sleeve The whispers have been building gradually for Dom & Roland’s album for Metalheadz and now we’re very happy to be able to reveal the sampler for the project * Sampler 2 steps things up a notch with Dom’s uncompromising take on d'n'b. Sampler 2 is all about the breaks and earth shattering bass, “Inna Soul Jah” could well be the soundtrack of the apocalypse whilst “DMT” feat long time sparring partner Hive is no less eye opening and it’s a welcome return for the Stateside’s best d'n'b producer.