ICS XAR — Death 90

Ics Xar – Death 90 The new 12-inch from Aube-Joie (catalogue AJ08) lands in the label’s hard-charging hardcore vein, offering a compact six-track statement that pushes the genre’s kinetic edge. Issued on 30 October 2026, the record arrives after a series of Aube-Joie outings that have cemented the imprint’s reputation for raw, high-tempo releases – notably the earlier “None Hardcore EP” (AJ05, 2024) and the limited “EYB93C” (AJ02LTD, 2024), as well as the “Puzzle Remix” compilation (AJREMIX04, 2024). Opening side A, “Trash” bursts in with a relentless pulse that immediately stakes a claim on the dancefloor, its driving momentum setting the tone for the side. The follow-up “Golem” sustains the intensity, its title suggesting a monolithic presence that mirrors the track’s unyielding rhythm, while “Oh Sophie Sophie” provides a brief melodic contrast that still retains the record’s overall ferocity, acting as a bridge before the B-side’s darker turn. Side B begins with “Gospel 19 (Deadly Mix)”, a reimagined take that amplifies the original’s urgency, delivering a harsher texture suited for peak-time moments. “Guillotine” continues the assault with a razor-sharp edge, its title evoking the cutting precision of the beat. The final cut, “La Solita Puttana Morta Di Tifo”, closes the record with a noisy locked groove on the B-side, a deliberate loop that invites the needle to linger in a feedback-laden stasis – a playful nod to the physicality of vinyl. Within Ics Xar’s own output, Death 90 follows the 2024 “Rock Lodge” on Rotten Dot Kom (ROTTEN01), showing a progression from the earlier release’s more measured structures to a tighter, more aggressive hardcore aesthetic. The shift underscores the artist’s willingness to explore the genre’s extremities while retaining a distinctive compositional voice. For DJs, the six tracks furnish a toolbox for high-energy sets: the A-side tracks work as building blocks for early-set momentum, whereas the B-side offers darker, more confrontational material ideal for late-night peaks. The locked groove on “La Solita Puttana Morta Di Tifo” can be exploited for creative cueing or as a momentary pause before a sudden drop, adding a tactile element to live performance. The release arrives as a standard 12-inch vinyl, preserving the analog fidelity prized by collectors and reinforcing Aube-Joie’s commitment to physical formats that suit the genre’s raw aesthetic. Ics Xar – Death 90, Aube-Joie, catalogue AJ08, 12-inch vinyl, six tracks. Tracklist: A1. Ics Xar – Trash A2. Ics Xar – Golem A3. Ics Xar – Oh Sophie Sophie B1. Ics Xar – Gospel 19 (Deadly Mix) B2. Ics Xar – Guillotine B3. Ics Xar – La Solita Puttana Morta Di Tifo