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Techno Review: Maddix & Gabry Ponte raise pure ‘Hellfire’ on their debut collaboration – out now on Extatic Records!

10.0
Overall Score

 


In a world- first collaboration, Maddix and Gabry Ponte, two of modern dance music’s most formidable names, collide and the result is ‘Hellfire.’ Out now on Extatic Records.


Going four-to-the-floor on an impounding techno beat ‘Hellfire’ pushes dancefloor extremities to the edge. Chilling echoes of choir singing ring out in chorus across the high-intensity composition bringing an ethereal and other-worldly level drama to ‘Hellfire.’ Both producers flex their dynamism in the studio when it comes to the intricate detail applied to such voluminous output. From the siren alarms which usher to the foreground, to the hair-raising anticipation built in the final explosive drop. There’s no doubt that ‘Hellfire’ calls for a mainstage, stadium-scale sound system to experience its velocity full.


Landing on Maddix’s own Extatic Records which launched in 2023 under Revealed Recordings, ‘Hellfire’ is a direct example of the rave-ready sound that has rocketed the Dutch DJ/producer to the frontline of electronic music in recent years. Support for Maddix’s piercing techno kicks has been vast in appeal, from Deborah de Luca and Amelie Lens to long-standing ally Hardwell, and fan-adornment from over 5 million monthly Spotify listeners. Currently #69 in the Top100 DJs Poll it comes as no surprise that Maddix’s jam-packed tour schedule sees him tear up the floors on all the biggest festivals such as Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland and all EDC editions worldwide.


Italian maestro Gabry Ponte is similarly boundless by nature. From his Grammy-nominated breakout single ‘Blue (da ba dee)’ in 1998 as part of Eiffel 65, to his next looming milestone as the first DJ to headline Milan’s famous San Siro Stadium in June 2025, Gabry Ponte has dedicated his life to the cause of dance music. The secret to his success? Versatility. Gabry Ponte’s musical output has included all-star collaborations with the likes of Steve Aoki, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Timmy Trumpet, but he also seeks to connect with fresh scene tastemakers, like T78 and CERES. The latter releasing on his new PENTAPHONIA Records, a techno-driven imprint with hazy late-night clubbing in mind.


Together, Maddix and Gabry Ponte bring absolute rave ‘Hellfire’ to dancefloor across the globe as the latest single to drop on Extatic Records!





Dimitris Kechagias Review:
Maddix & Gabry Ponte - Hellfire 10

Summary

The collaboration between Maddix and Gabry Ponte on "Hellfire" is an exhilarating fusion of their distinctive techno styles, released on the Maddix Extatic imprint. The track is a relentless 130 BPM techno anthem designed for peak time play. It combines the raw energy of techno with elements that appeal to a wider audience, creating a thrilling experience on the dance floor. At the core of "Hellfire" is its robust and dark kick drum, which provides a powerful foundation for the entire track. This is complemented by crisp, tech-driven drum patterns that maintain a high energy level throughout. The chorus-like vocal chops add a unique melodic layer that contrasts with the grittiness of the instrumental, enhancing the track's dynamic range. The driving bassline is one of the track's standout features, engineered to maintain momentum and keep the listeners on their toes. It weaves seamlessly through the other elements, ensuring that the energy levels are consistently high. The incorporation of hardstyle kicks further intensifies the track, adding a distinctly Dutch flavor that is both aggressive and infectious. Production-wise, "Hellfire" showcases a meticulous attention to detail. The use of sidechain compression on the bass and kick creates a pumping effect that is quintessential to techno, while the spatial effects on the vocals and synths add depth and dimension to the mix. The overall sound design is polished yet raw, capturing the essence of the techno genre while pushing its boundaries. In summary, "Hellfire" is an explosive track that epitomizes the collaborative prowess of Maddix and Gabry Ponte. Its combination of technical precision, innovative use of production techniques, and raw energy makes it a must-play record for techno enthusiasts and DJs alike. This track does not just play; it commands the dance floor, living up to the #PureGold label and leaving listeners eager for more. Love IT
10.0
Overall Score
Beat and Rhythm10
Basslines and Groove10
Melody 10
Synths 10
Breakdown10
Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment10
Intensity, Drive and Energy10
Sound-design and Arrangement10
Overall Atmosphere10
Goosebumps / Shivers moments10
Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments10
Originality and Inventiveness10
Radio Friendly10
Vocals & lyrics10
You can’t get this memorable track out of your head10
It has potential to become an anthem or a classic10




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