In 2023, Feral, usually into contemplative forestal music, came in a surprise multi-vitamin DJ mix with Spekki Webu, recorded live at MoDem Festival’s most unpredictable and mind-warping stage, “The Swamp.” As a veteran of the gabber and tekno scene, Spekki Webu refined his turbo-charged take on techno over the years, and more than a meeting of two talented artists, the mix at Mo:Dem appeared like the reunion of two seemingly antagonistic worlds, deep techno and tekno. The fusion of the two genres, one eventually on the hypnotic side and the other more on the high-bpm psychedelic side, can be called “deep tekno.”
Discovering this hybrid sound through that mix felt like opening a hidden door, with wide eyes and minds blown open. Inspired by the set, we dove deeper into the aesthetic and uncovered a treasure trove of labels shaping the genre, such as Mirror Zone, Beyond The Bridge, area127, Alliance and the young label EMAHO!
The latter, in particular, caught our attention for hosting an extremely talented artist: Archypness. Owner of EMAHO!, producer of golden gems, such as “Velrith” and “Divara,” he’s also a DJ emeritus, mentor at a DJ school.
Interestingly, he has some roots in hypnotic techno and weaves its ingredients into “deep tekno” very naturally, crafting releases both dynamic and immersive. You can also find him in labels such as QEONE, KVLTO Records and Hypnus, where he produced an unforgettable Memoir page.
His affinity for deep hypnotic techno and tekno comes through in the selection below, featuring tracks from both realms, accompanied by interesting comments.
THEMATIC SELECTION
CLASSIC
Polar Inertia – Hell Frozen Over [Dement3d, 2015]
Archypness: This track awakened in me a true love for the deep sound of electronic music. Fortunately, I had the chance to hear it live, an unforgettable moment. I adore this atmosphere of cold abyss and the mesmerising, immersive bass. Many years ago, it unlocked something special within me, and that’s why this track will forever remain a classic of deep hypnotic techno for me.
DEEP
Sindh – Massane [Monochrome Records, 2022]
Archypness: This track conveys a mystical, almost ritualistic atmosphere. Sindh is an artist who masterfully creates an occult connection between the performer and the listener. And this is just one of many incredible tracks that the world of hypnotic techno proudly welcomes.
MENTAL
Torimimasataka – Void [Alkaanet, 2024]
Archypness: This track by a Japanese artist mesmerises with its intricate, modern sound; a minimalist, deep atmosphere blended with complex rhythms, creating a feeling of total immersion. For me, this artist is a true discovery. His album “Void” on the Alkaanet label is an impressive experiment that pulls you in from the very first seconds. This music inspires me to break boundaries and explore new sonic forms in my own work.
DARK
Raär – Tropological Spaces [A-biotic, 2024]
Archypness: I’ve always been drawn to deep, meticulously crafted sound design and well-executed mastering. The album “Dimensional Descent” on the A-Biotic label left an unforgettable impression on me. It was hard to single out just one track because every piece feels like an explosion in my mind! But “Tropological Spaces” captivated me the most. Dense, sharp, and steeped in a dark narrative, it stunned me with its bio-technological avant-garde sound. This is an extraordinary vision of electronic music.
EXPERIMENTAL
Ebl – 05 [Mirror Zone, 2025]
Archypness: For me, experimental music has always been something that defies boundaries, resists categorisation, yet allows you to feel beyond space and time. But perhaps the clearest mark of a true experimental artist is the attention they receive from those craving something new. Experimental music is always a discovery of the unknown: it exists beyond the limits of conventional thinking. And that’s exactly what fuels our hungry minds. The album by “Sqnc:cnsqnc” on Mirror Zone is undoubtedly worth attention. Everything here is flawless, from concept to execution.
DOPE BASSLINE
Vardae – Ecstatic dance [Ooda, 2023]
Archypness: The legendary sound wizard Vardae once again shows how to pull the listener into the depths of perfect bass, crafting a stunning track! This bass hits so hard that you just want to play it over and over again! True Ecstatic Dance!
DREAMY
Saphileaum – Golden Tunic [Silent Season, 2019]
Archypness: Every track by Saphileaum feels like a soundtrack to my favourite film. An unparalleled sense of lightness, warmth, and space envelops the listener, as if the bright side of the soul is singing through the rhythms crafted by this incredible artist. His music often becomes an essential part of a sunny morning. The rhythmic, gentle, and heartwarming track Golden Tunic has always been special to me, evoking the best associations. I’m grateful to Andro for sharing such a beautiful world!
TO START A MIX
Mick Gristle & Hasvat Informant – Last Apparition [Headnoiz, 2023]
Archypness: The intro is always a special moment, and the right track can set the tone for the entire mix. When I stumbled upon this track, I couldn’t pull away. The voices emerging from different points, like echoes, are truly mesmerising. I love it when the right atmosphere is felt from the very first note, and this intro often reflects the story I want to tell through my mixes.
FOR THE PEAK TIME
Smogo – Narcopirate (Drawbridge Remix) [Blue Night Jungle, 2023]
Archypness: Smogo delivered an incredibly powerful release on my favourite label, Blue Night Jungle. While “Narcopirate” already hits hard on its own, Drawbridge takes it to another level, creating an absolutely striking effect; a magical moment in a mix that lingers in memory for a long time.
BONUS – TOPIC BROUGHT BY OUR GUEST
GAME CHANGER
Pianeti Sintetici – Satellite [Hypnus, 2023]
Archypness: Every artist draws inspiration from something, but the most astonishing source is the human mind. What a person can reveal to others is the most unique and unrepeatable phenomenon. The label Hypnus has long been a guiding force for me in the world of electronic music, and Pianeti Sintetici’s Esplora trilogy irrevocably changed my approach to music. It pushed me toward the depths of the creative process I had never explored before. This trilogy is a true work of art, born from a unique vision, and I am deeply grateful for it.
WRITING BY: VITALII LUTSIUK & CEDRIC FINKBEINER | 13 MAY 2025
