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Writer's pictureMartin van Zeelandt / TCD

Ruffex Records (2024)


It has not been that long ago since I last reviewed a mix done by J.O.E , but someone reposted this one, which I had to jump on immediately. Yes, the previous mix I heard was all about present day Gabber music made to sound ''oldschool'', but for this mix we definitely go back in time. And I do like myself a bit of the oldschool, especially when it's linked to one of the finest producers of all time, Ruffneck. He created this label back in 1995 and it only ran for 2 years, but in those two years they released some amazing anthems!

That Ruffneck logo was an amazing thing to look at, as you knew you were going to be in for a treat. Many of their songs appeared on many Hardcore compilations, which I've owned many of. I've spent a fortune during the 90s, and do I regret it? No. Yes, I might have been able to purchase a house, a car or other fancy items, but I would have missed awesome music. You would feel the same, right?


J.O.E. has done the same as he always does: gets a lot of records, and makes a splendid mix with them. All the songs were released on Ruffex Records, and if you are a true Hardcore fanatic, you will know them all. Still not 100% sure if it is Ruffneck behind the alias or not, it's always an interesting find.


I love that 90s sound so much, if I could, I would marry it. But two things: 1) that's not possible, and 2) my wife would be slightly upset.


The mix is as good as any other done by J.O.E., but the songs in this one are more special to me than ever before. This sound was so unique, so fresh, and so Ruffneck-ish. And I loved Ruffneck. Was I a Ruffneck though? Nah, still too soft to be considered one, but a huge fan nonetheless.


  1. Ectomorph - Heartbeat

  2. Myrmidon - Condemned

  3. Paradox - Ruffa

  4. Lunalotic - Happyhouse ... ???

  5. Myztic - Dangerous Battle

  6. Nitrogen - Bad Bwoy

  7. Paradox - What Is Wisdom

  8. Nitrogen - Words Of God

  9. Syphax - At War

  10. Lunalotic - I Can't Hear You

  11. Myztic - To Da Rhythm

  12. Paradox - My DJ... Cutz

  13. Ectomorph - Totally Computerised

  14. Ectomorph - Mindblower

  15. Ectomorph - No Law

  16. Ectomorph - The Fall Of Babylon

  17. Myrmidon - No Choice

  18. Paradox - The Guillotine

  19. Myrmidon - Answer Me

  20. Myztic - Destiny

  21. Myrmidon - No Response

  22. Myztic - Photonics Style

  23. Syphax - The Saga

  24. Ectomorph - Beginning Of The End


This is an insane tracklist with some insane tracks. Come on, a true Hardcore/Gabber fan from the 90s will certainly know them all. And we all still feel the power within each track, right? Do we still feel part of the Artcore movement? Is that even still a thing? As we said in the 90s, Ruffneck did rule the Artcore scene.


I can only give credit to J.O.E. for making yet another amazing mix. It's astonishing how most of his mixes seem to appeal to me, and I always find the time to listen to those mixes and write reviews about them. Only love and appreciation, as always.


I have love for each and every record. But there are so many to choose from. To me, personally, Ruffex Records was the label to go to. It had so many great records, and as said before, I bought many compilations that contained these songs. Hell, some even appeared on Thunderdome albums, like one of my favourite songs in this mix: ''Answer Me''. One of the most amazing songs from probably the best Thunderdome CD ever.


J.O.E. did it again, and I thank him for it. 20s Gabber is dope, don't get me wrong. But 90s Hardcore/Gabber/Artcore is way better. Sorry not sorry.


DJ: J.O.E.

Genre/Style: Hardcore, Gabber, Artcore

Mix Info: Ruffex Records

Length Mix: 01:10:10

Tracks: 24 (twenty-four)

Download/Listen (via Soundcloud): STREAM HERE

File Size: unknown

File Type: unknown

Audio: Stereo

Sample Rate: unknown

Release Year: 2024



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