Techno 3

A. Kat Race
B. Alarms Cyclone

Overview
Jeff Mills’ “The Bells” is one of the most iconic tracks in techno history, often called the genre’s anthem. Known for its hypnotic bell melody, driving kick, and euphoric build, it became a staple in DJ sets worldwide. The track was first played live by Mills in 1995 (e.g., at Liquid Room in Tokyo), but it wasn’t officially released until 1997 as part of the Kat Moda EP on his Purpose Maker label. This EP is the original record pressing you’re asking about—no standalone “The Bells” single exists from that era. It has since been repressed multiple times due to massive demand (over 500,000 copies sold across versions).


Original Pressing Details
* Release Year: 1997 (though the track dates to 1995 performances and test pressings)
* Format: 12” vinyl EP, 33 ⅓ RPM
* Label: Purpose Maker
* Catalog Number: PM-002
* Country: US
* Pressing Notes: First pressing on standard black vinyl. Matrix runouts indicate a repress or variant: A side - PM 002-A (RE I) NSC; B side - PM 002-B (RE I) NSC (etched, with NSC circled). The mastering has been criticized as “shit” by some collectors for its raw, unpolished sound—typical of ’90s techno but quieter than modern represses, often requiring gain boosts in DJ sets. Sold out quickly at shops like Cisco in Tokyo upon release.

Tracklist
Side	Track	Duration
A1	The Bells	4:46
A2	Kat Race	4:22
B1	Alarms (aka “Masterplan” in later compilations)	5:32
B2	Cyclone	4:48


* 	•	Production Credits: Written, produced, and edited by Jeff Mills. Published by Millsart/BMG-Ariola.
* Why Buried on an EP? Mills reportedly avoided hype-sticker promotion to let the track’s organic popularity (from crowd reactions) drive sales. Purpose Maker was for floor-focused material, contrasting his experimental Axis label.

How to Identify an Original Pressing
* Visual Cues: Gold-on-black label design. No “10th Anniversary” or remix mentions. Check for wear from heavy club play—originals often show it.
* Sound Cues: Raw, dynamic mix with prominent kick and bells; lower loudness (not -5 LUFS like some digital remasters). Test pressings exist but are rare and unnumbered.
* Value (as of Oct 2025): $20–$50 USD for VG+ condition on Discogs/Reverb; mint originals can hit $100+ due to collector demand. Recent sales: Median $30–$40.

Later Versions and Represses
The track exploded in popularity, leading to reissues. Key ones:
* 1999 Repress: Same EP format (PM-002), minor matrix tweaks. Often mistaken for original.
* 2006 (10th Anniversary): Standalone 12” on Purpose Maker (PM-020). Includes reworked B-sides (“Gift of the Hills,” “Circus”). Louder mastering; promo versions exist. ~$15–$30.
* 2006 DVD Edition: Axis (AXDV-002). Enhanced with visuals from 1997–98 footage; limited audio/video hybrid.
* 2019 Remaster: On Sight, Sound & Space compilation (Axis). Cleaner, higher fidelity; first vinyl appearance of orchestral “Blue Potential” version.
* 2025 Remaster: Digital-only (e.g., SoundCloud edits); no new vinyl confirmed.

If you’re hunting for an original, check Discogs for verified sellers—avoid fakes by matching matrix numbers. For audio, stream the 1997 version on Beatport or Spotify. Got a specific copy or need value check? Share details! 🔔

Recording 14-10-25, 11.44.19 am

great (dark)techno track of an ever greater song. 

Faithless - We Come 1 [Dave Clarke Remix]

Order vinyl=> http://bit.ly/Soma25Vinyl1

Envoy | Dark Manoeuvres Soma25 Remixes  - [SOMA474D] 

1.	Dark Manoeuvres (@Daxj Remix)
2.	Dark Manoeuvres (@norman-nodge Dub)
3.	Dark Manoeuvres (@shdw-music & @utobscure0010 Remix)
4.	Dark Manoeuvres (@Tensal Remix)

Soma proudly present the first in an exciting series of releases to celebrate 25 years at the top of electronic music as we turn to some of our favourite modern artists to reinvent some of the best from the back catalogue and up first is Envoy’s timeless classic, Dark Manoeuvres. Originally released as part of the “Coalition EP’ in 1996 (which also featured the classic Seawall), Hope Grant’s instantly recognisable hit is still found in nearly every Techno DJs record box and has continually served as a beacon of Soma since it’s release Four new versions are served up here as Dax J, Norman Nodge, Obscure Shape & SHDW plus Tensal all deliver fine interpretations of this Soma classic.

Dax’s furious style is the opener as he uses the original chords as they were intended but all the time firing his concussive drum patterns directly to the dance floor. Ostgut Ton’s Norman Nodge turns in a delectable dub version in only the way he can by keeping Envoy’s original muted and delivering a subtle, introverted version. The duo of Obscure Shape & SHDW are next up and delivery one epic take on Dark Manoeuvres. The pair build the tension early, teasing the strings then unleashing an onslaught, adding their own beautifully led, string section before hammering home. PoleGroup’s Tensal closes out our first Soma 25 releases, twisting and cutting the hook to suits his means as thunderous beats work away behind this solid tool.

With much more on the horizon, Soma has their gaze fixed firmly on the future of Techno

Mastered by Conor Dalton @ Glowcast Mastering

Dark Manoeuvres Soma25 Remixes

Dark Manoeuvres (Dax J Remix)

Envoy - Dark Manoeuvres (Dax J Remix) (Soma 474)

Slam (@paragraph) | Soma Track Series Vol. 5  
[SOMA482D] 

1.	Slam – Vapour

The Soma Track Series project hits Volume 5 with Slam continuing their prolific run of form, dropping the old-school tipped Vapour. 

Mastered by Conor Dalton @ http://glowcast.co.uk

Soma Track Series Vol 5

Vapour

Slam - Vapour (Soma Track Series Vol 5)

Johannes Heil - B2 - Exile007

FJAAK - Keep The Funk

Urania

Calliope (Original)

Magma

Stratum

'Backstage/In my Head' is the debut Ep of Raffaele Rizzi on Silent Storm!
The Italian artist has been in the scene for years and boasts collaborations with top-level labels.
He introduces himself with 2 tracks, they represent very well all the characteristics of the sound that led him to be supported by the top DJs of the scene.
These 2 originals are supported by an excellent remix of Barbuto, the artist is not new to this type of collaboration on Silent Storm as he had already done a great job remixing 'Long Knife' by Tom Laws a year ago.
'Backstage' It's characterized by a very deep bass and reverberations that project a sense of greatness. The atmosphere is hypnotic and the synth riffs contrast it, creating an amazing effect. The main Break is impress for the melody created by the warm lead that open its frequencies until it suddenly disappears, leaving space for the main theme again.
'In My Head' represents the other side of the producer, the most melodic and groovy one certainly not less powerful. The bass line leaves no escape out and forces you to move following the rhythm of the percussions. Everything is strengthened by the very fine pad that fills the horizon and vanishes only to leave room to the characteristic vocal that takes the absolute command during the main break, to then reappear in a rhythmic way.
In the remix of Barbuto the track is revisited in a definitely more straight way, the voice always finds a dominant place during the break but this time the melody leaves space to a resolute and deep rhythm.

Delivered by <a href='http://www.label-worx.com'>Label Worx</a> on behalf of <a href='http://www.silentstormrec.net'>Silent Storm</a>

Stratum

Toms Due

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