Altern 8

Altern 8

Altern 8 is a breakbeat hardcore and rave group from Stafford, United Kingdom, made up of Mark Archer and Chris Peat. The pair begin in 1989 under the name Nexus 21 and switch to Altern 8 in 1990. Their early work is rooted in the faster, bass-heavy end of hardcore techno, drawing on Detroit techno, Chicago house and early electronic influences such as Kraftwerk, with production built around the 303, 808 and 909 drum machines.

Style and reputation

Altern 8 help shape the hardcore techno sound at a point when it is moving away from house music and towards a more aggressive, breakbeat-led style. Their records become part of the wider English hardcore movement and later influence jungle and drum and bass. The duo are also known for their visual presentation: they perform wearing masks and chemist-style uniforms.

Recordings

Their best-known tracks include “Activ8”, “E-vapor-8”, “Frequency”, “Hypnotic St-8” and “Infiltrate 202”. In 1992 they release the album Full On .. Mask Hysteria on Network Records. Other work associated with the duo includes “Let it Reign”, recorded with Inner City and Kevin Saunderson.

Mark Archer and related projects

After 1993, Mark Archer turns towards house music and records under the name Slo Moshun with Danny Taurus, including “Bells of N.Y.”, and also works under the solo name Xen Mantra. Archer continues to DJ and perform live.

Later activity

Following the single “Everybody”, the duo split up for a time. Chris Peat also stands as a candidate for Stafford in the 1992 general election, representing the Hardcore (Altern8-ive) party, and receives 158 votes, finishing fourth. The group remains active.