Angerfist is the performance name of Dutch hardcore techno producer and DJ Danny Masseling, from Almere in the Netherlands. Born in 1981, he works in electronic, gabber, hardcore techno and nu style gabber, and is associated with hardcore and darkcore.

Early work and aliases

Masseling begins making music production in 1997, when he is 16, and continues developing his output through a series of releases on different labels. After sending a demo to BZRK Records, he is contacted by Mark Vos, also known as Buzz Fuzz, which leads to the BZRK033 release after mastering and editing. He first releases material under the alias Menace II Society, including the Son of a Bitch EP, and also issues an EP as Kid Morbid before making Angerfist his main project.

Other aliases and side projects include Bloodcage, Denekamps Gespuis, M4ZE PUSHER, Roland & Sherman with Outblast, The Supreme Team with Outblast, Tha Playah and Evil Activities, and Masters Elite with Catscan and Outblast.

Releases and career development

The first Angerfist EP appears on Overload Records, followed in 2003 by the Sons of Satan EP on Masters of Hardcore Records. The project becomes known for hard gabber beats and a masked stage image, with performances often featuring specially designed ice hockey masks and black or white hoodies. Tracks such as Criminally Insane and Fuck Off become early recognisable releases, and the Angerfist name grows into one of the best-known in hardcore.

In 2004, Raise Your Fist is released as a notable EP. The following year, Angerfist produces the Masters of Hardcore anthem, The World Will Shiver. In 2006, the double CD and DVD album Pissin Razorbladez appears, combining earlier tracks with newly produced material. It is first made available at a sold-out release party at the Hemkade in Zaandam. More releases follow in 2007, and Angerfist is chosen to close Sensation Black.

Live activity and reputation

Angerfist performs with MC Prozac and develops a strong live reputation in the hardcore scene. His shows take him beyond the Netherlands to countries including Switzerland, Scotland, the United States, Russia, Australia, Germany, Finland, Spain and Italy. By 2006, he is one of the leading acts in the genre and has a large international following.

In March 2008, he stages his first solo concert, Angerfist: The Mutilate Concert, named after the album released that same month. Both the concert and the double album are successful. The project remains relatively mysterious for much of this period, with few photographs and only limited interview material before the launch of official YouTube and Facebook pages in 2009.

Chart recognition

Angerfist appears in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs list, reaching No. 39 in 2011, No. 42 in 2012, and No. 34 in 2013, which makes him the highest-ranked hardcore act in that year’s list. His highest ranking is No. 29, achieved in 2018.