Marking one year following Phase Fatale’s (aka Hayden Payne’s) last EP on his label BITE, ‘Love Is Destructive’ is a clear shift into true techno territories, integrated with his distinct curation of narrative and sonic framework, imprinted with a musical diet of sleek, synthesised storytelling.The 4-Track EP reflects the turbulent ebb-and-flow found with emotional conclusion - a genesis soundtracked by raw energy and driving undercurrents. The Berlin-based DJ, Producer and Label-owner’s propensity for creating a symbiotic harmony by blending seemingly divisive elements from his genre defying repertoire, demonstrates his masterful understanding and control of the listener’s borderless, auditory journey. Exemplified by his marathon closing sets at Berghain, as well as techno arenas such as Khidi in Tbilisi (both of which he is a resident), Phase Fatale’s recent DJ performances and production endeavours reflect his fresh approach to pure techno sensibilities. 

The title track sets the tone with imperative grooves, energetic vigour and intrepid attitude. Following a progression of techno propulsion in ‘Magma Driver’, infused metallic textures and trippy, headier elements add depth, whilst the body of work’s cutting edge sound design echoes spacey vivacity and purification in equal measures. Dichotomy comes forward with tracks ‘Ambivalence’ and ‘Introjection’, processed vocal samples with dub techno leanings and hints towards broken rhythms are sculpted by Payne’s focused approach, resonating a feeling of hopeful resolution akin to resurgence. These romantic sensibilities offset by cold mechanical nuances are reflected in the EP’s artwork, depicting roses against the backdrop of engine-like machinery.

‘Love Is Destructive’ is dedicated to Juan, Simone and Luis. Featuring artwork by Silent Editions.

Phase Fatale - Love Is Destructive (BITE032)

industrial and black death metal
robbing graves
polish blegium yoo

Passionate about techno and drum & bass, always seeking out deep, driving beats and high-energy rhythms.
Lives for the underground sound, with a keen ear for atmospheric vibes and hard-hitting basslines.

BITE is the Berlin-based techno label co-founded by Hayden Payne (aka Phase Fatale) in 2018. Beginning with the debut collaborative EP by Silent Servant & Phase Fatale, the label aims to platform artists who operate outside the conventional preconceptions of techno and are united by an ambition to push the boundaries of electronic music. This drive is further exemplified by regular showcases at renowned institutions Berghain, Basement, and Tbilisi’s KHIDI as well as a multitude of clubs throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

With a vast artist roster from stalwarts such as Ron Morelli and Teste to contemporary talent from the likes of Pablo Bozzi and Gael, the eclectic variety of releases touches upon a range of styles along the moodier fringes of electronic music. BITE has proved itself as the imprint to watch. Fresh off the heels of their 5 year anniversary in 2023 culminating in the acclaimed triple LP compilation ‘Shedding Skin,’ BITE moves into more dancefloor territory with their next releases by label head Phase Fatale and remixes by Rrose. The display of the music is also represented in its visual prowess with cutting designs and colorways intended to take the sound into another dimension. From proper techno to synthpunk and to sparse minimalist industrial, BITE never fails to deliver fresh and razor-sharp sounds tying together the narrative of dance music.