Altern 8, a seminal name in the British rave scene, is an act best recognized for their distinctive brand of hardcore techno and rave music that characterized the early 1990s. The duo comprised of Mark Archer and Chris Peat, initially came together in 1990 after both members previously collaborated in a separate project known as Nexus 21. Embraced for their fast-paced breakbeats, hallucinogenic rhythms, and deep basslines, Altern 8 quickly became iconic not only for their music but also for their signature chemical-warfare suits and facemasks, an aesthetic that played into the zeitgeist of rave culture.

The height of Altern 8's fame came with a series of chart-invading releases, among them "Activ 8 (Come with Me)," which blended technicolored synths with vocal samples and frenetic beats to propel it into the UK Top 10. Despite initially parting ways in 1993, their influence remained, pervading the fabric of UK dance music. The legacy of their early work continued to be celebrated through remixes and re-emergence in the 2000s, demonstrated in releases like "E-Vapor 8 (Remixes)" and the "Activ 8 (Come with Me) [Nhs Isol 8 Remix - Edit]", which not only offered a nostalgic trip for original ravers but also introduced their groundbreaking sound to newer generations, reasserting their status as pioneers of the hardcore dance scene.

Genres

Hardcore Breaks

Hardcore Techno

Rave

Latest Release

E-Vapor 8 (Remixes)

Altern 8

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released December 1, 2023