Balrog’s debut album, “The Northern Powerhouse” is composed of 8 hard-hitting techno tracks, focusing on heavy, groove-ridden drums, driving basslines and obscure, distorted vocals. His tracks take influence from classic, hard-grooving techno but with a fresh injection of modern, industrial power.
The framework for the tracks was developed in the midst of the fallout from the UK leaving the EU and the numerous attempts to “level up” the north of the country through The Northern Powerhouse scheme, from which the album derives its name. Conceptually, the album is an attempt from the artist to dissociate himself from Brexit and the conservative government which has consistently stigmatised the most vulnerable in UK society and spread lies on an industrial scale in order to push forward their agenda.
Through the album, a series of linked tracks mirror the raw divisions in society, not just between The North and The South of the UK, but also more widely representing divisions throughout the world. As the album develops, a more hopeful outcome is suggested, seeing the culture of underground music as having the potential to build connections and incite resistance in an increasingly divided world.

The Northern Powerhouse

Divide & Conquer [IOD053]

Techno artist from the Netherlands 🇳🇱.

TeChNo_HardTechno_Schranz_Vinyl 
Cultura rave.
[I’m not a Dj]
Fresh#Improvisado#Vinyl#LiveSets  en YT.
Enjoy!Have fun! & Thanks 🫶🏻

FREE TEKNO...! 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

Upcoming Dates (2025):
08/02 - Hi-Tech @ Beaverworks, Leeds
28/02 - Siah @ Bunker Club - Turin, Italy
11/04 - Northern Groove Association @ Mintwarehouse, Leeds
03/05 - Mint Festival, Leeds (Disco & House Set)
09/05 - Interuption, Dublin
10/05 - Twistd @ Lavery's, Belfast
30/05 - Poznan, Poland
20-23/06 - Collide Festival, Bristol
26/07 - TBC, Poland 
08/08 - Noctivus, Cardiff
09/08 - Techno Gathering @ Freedom Mills, Leeds
22/08 - Void Disco, London
05/09 - Northern Groove Association @ Eastern Bloc., Manchester
04/10 - Hi-Tech @ Beaverworks, Leeds

The Industrial Groove Association…

Hailing from Leeds in the north of the UK, Balrog (Alex) is an artist whose style focuses on heavy rolling drums, driving bass lines, and distorted vocals. His tracks take influence from classic funky and groove focussed techno but with a fresh injection of modern industrial power. Focussing on this signature sound of industrial groove techno has seen him release on labels including Soma, Ear To Ground, Hydraulix, Crisis Of Man, Player, NAKT, Instruments Of Discipline, Moments In Time and Green Fetish.

The industrial groove sound also characterises Balrog’s high-energy DJ sets which have seen him headline events in cities such as New York, Berlin, London, Leeds, Manchester, Budapest, Glasgow, and more.

Balrog also runs his own record label, Khazad Records, which releases music from the very best industrial groove and hard techno talent around.

In addition to his Balrog alias, Alex also also plays and produces under, The Groovemeister General, focussing exclusively on moulding together deep, funky and grooving house and techno records. 

UK & International Bookings: ali@siahmusic.com

Divide & Conquer [IOD053]

Balrog (AKA. The Groovemeister General)