Acryl Madness: The Pioneers of Digital Hardcore
Acryl Madness is a German electronic music duo known for fusing aggressive breakbeats with melodic synth-punk. Formed in Berlin, the group achieved mainstream recognition across Europe following the platinum certification of their second studio album, Chromatic Riot.
Early career
The duo, consisting of producer/vocalist Felix "Fix" Krause and synth programmer Lena Vogt, formed in 2008. Their early sound was developed in Berlin's underground clubs, leading to a self-released EP, Data Corruption, in 2010.
This DIY release caught the attention of the independent label Noise Artillery Records, which signed them in 2011. Their debut album, System Shock, arrived in 2012 and sold modestly but established a dedicated fanbase in the digital hardcore scene.
Breakthrough
The breakthrough for Acryl Madness came in 2015 with their sophomore album, Chromatic Riot. Released on the larger imprint Beatquake Records, the album entered the German album chart at number 14.
Fueled by heavy rotation on music television channels, Chromatic Riot was certified platinum in Germany for over 200,000 units sold. The album's success also sparked a series of festival headline slots across the continent.
Key tracks
Neon Collapse — This lead single from Chromatic Riot became their first top 40 hit in Germany and remains their signature anthem.
Static Embrace — A collaboration with vocalist Maya from the band Circuit Breaker, this track expanded their reach into the alternative rock audience.
Pixel Blood — Featured in the soundtrack for the video game Cyber Racer 2077, this instrumental piece introduced their music to a global gaming community.
Broken Algorithm — Known for its complex, glitch-heavy production, this fan favorite is a staple of their intense live performances.
Signal Loss — The closing track from their 2019 album, Feedback Loop, showcases a more atmospheric and melancholic side of their style.
Their subsequent work, including the 2019 album Feedback Loop and 2022's Synthetic Dreams, continued to chart within the top 30 in Germany. A notable collaboration came in 2021 when they co-produced three tracks for industrial rock veterans Rammstein on their remix album.
Fans of Acryl Madness often appreciate the high-energy electronics of The Prodigy for a similar fusion of rave and rock. The German electro-punk roots of Atari Teenage Riot are a clear foundational influence. The melodic synthwork in their music also draws comparisons to contemporaries like Health from the United States.
Acryl Madness maintains a strong presence on the airwaves, particularly on European alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online electronic music streams. Their hits are regularly featured on specialty shows focusing on industrial, EBM, and modern hardcore techno across independent music radio stations.
The music of Acryl Madness can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or listen to the German digital hardcore pioneers through a variety of radio stations available on onairium.com.
