Back in 1997, at the peak of Italy’s underground hardcore movement, a young producer named Manuele Tessarollo, known today as T78 or Activator, dropped his first-ever release under the alias Manuel E.S.. The EP, titled “Welcome to the Next Level”, marked not only his debut into the world of electronic music, but also introduced a raw, energetic, and uncompromising sound that resonated deeply with the hardcore and gabber community of the time.

Released on Italian Steel, a niche sub-label of the legendary D-Boy Records, the EP quickly became a cult vinyl, passed from DJ to DJ and treasured by collectors. With no digital release and no availability on streaming platforms for decades, its legend grew quietly, fueled by word-of-mouth and rave nostalgia.

At the heart of the EP is the track “Old Soul”, a hardcore anthem that encapsulates the raw energy and emotion of the late ’90s gabber scene. 

The rest of the EP delivers exactly what the title promises: a journey into the next level of hardcore — full of distorted aggression, high-speed rhythms, and a youthful defiance that foreshadowed Tessarollo’s future evolution into one of Italy’s most respected techno and hardstyle producers.

Now, after more than two decades in obscurity, Infamia Records has finally reissued the EP using the original master recordings. This long-awaited re-release is a gift to die-hard fans and an invitation for a new generation to discover a hidden gem from one of Italy’s foundational producers.

Artist: Manuel E.S.
Title: Welcome To The Next Level
Version: Original Mix
Release Date: 05/09/2025

For infos & Licensing contact:
info@autektone.com

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Welcome To The Next Level Ep

Welcome To The Next Level (Original Mix)

INF089 - Manuel E.S. "Welcome To The Next Level" (Preview)(Infamia Records)(Out 05/09/25)

24.🫨.      GLA🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Uptempo😮‍💨

Autektone Records is an Italian label with an authentic and specific techno imprint.
Founded and managed by T78 in 2016.

Please send your demo to: https://www.labelradar.com/labels/autektone/portal