Type of Ninja: The Pioneers of Industrial Drum & Bass

Type of Ninja is an electronic music production duo from Bristol, England, known for fusing aggressive drum & bass with industrial and metal influences. Their 2012 album 'Killing Machine' achieved critical acclaim and solidified their position as a leading force in the heavier spectrum of the genre.

Early career

Formed in 2005, producers Leo Vance and Marcus "Grid" Trax began crafting music in a shared studio space in Bristol's underground scene. Their early self-released EPs, like 2007's 'Binary Warfare', circulated on niche forums and caught the attention of the independent label Cyberfunk Audio, which signed them for a three-single deal in 2008.

Breakthrough

The duo's major breakthrough arrived in 2011 with the single 'Neurotoxin', released on the influential drum & bass imprint Virus Recordings. The track's brutal synth work and complex rhythm patterns became an instant hit in clubs, leading to high-profile festival bookings and pushing their subsequent album, 'Killing Machine', into the Top 20 of the UK Independent Album Chart.

Key tracks

Neurotoxin — This 2011 single was their commercial breakthrough, defining their signature blend of technical drum & bass and industrial noise.

Killing Machine — The title track from their 2012 album showcased a more refined, album-oriented approach without sacrificing their intense energy.

Black Sand — Featuring vocalist Jael from the band Unexpect, this 2014 collaboration successfully merged extreme metal vocals with jungle breaks.

System Crash — A later career highlight from 2018, this track epitomizes their evolved production style with cinematic sound design.

Following the success of 'Killing Machine', Type of Ninja embarked on extensive international touring and collaborated with artists like The Qemists and Pendulum's guitarist. Their 2016 album 'Protocol' debuted at number 15 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, marking their strongest US chart performance to date.

Fans of Type of Ninja's intense hybrid sound also frequently enjoy the work of Pendulum for their rock-infused drum & bass anthems. The aggressive electronic palette of The Prodigy shares a similar rebellious energy. For more experimental industrial breaks, Current Value is a key listen. The genre-defying approach of Zardonic also aligns closely with their sonic ethos.

Type of Ninja's music maintains a strong presence in radio rotations, particularly on specialist electronic music stations, dedicated drum & bass online radio streams, and alternative rock radio stations that feature heavier electronic acts. Their tracks are staples in sets that bridge the gap between high-energy rock and precision electronic music.

Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Type of Ninja by tuning into the drum & bass and industrial radio stations featured on our website. Their music is regularly played across the network of electronic and alternative stations available on onairium.com.