Top 5 Techno Events at ADE 2024
Key Takeaways
- ADE 2024 saw some of the best techno and hard dance events, featuring immersive atmospheres, cutting-edge stage designs, and top-tier lineups.
- Events spanned from dark, mysterious vibes to energetic, competitive DJ battles.
- Each event offered a unique twist, setting it apart within Amsterdam's iconic electronic music scene.
- Major highlights included Unreal's LED setup, Hive's dual-room concept, and Verknipt's sold-out nights.
- 808 Studios Battle Arena and FACE 2 FACE set the benchmark for innovation, crowd energy, and immersive experiences.
1. Unreal: Three Nights of Darkness and Mystery
Unreal hosted three standout events during ADE 2024, each with its own distinctive energy. The first, Unreal x FYM on Wednesday, featured a phenomenal lineup that included 999999999 (IT), I Hate Models (FR), Johannes Schuster (DE), Kobosil (DE), Somewhen (DE), Stan Christ (NL), and ØTTA (GB). Unreal's trademark LED lighting setup created an underground portal-like atmosphere, with lights positioned above and below the decks, casting a red and white glow that was both ominous and electrifying.
The vibe at Unreal was like stepping into another dimension—almost as if the gates of the underworld had been opened. The lighting visuals, consisting of cool moving elements that traveled up and down, added a new layer to the performance, bringing the DJ closer to the audience in an otherworldly fashion.
On Friday, Unreal brought out Klangkuenstler for an all-night-long set, delivering a relentless journey through dark beats and pulsating rhythms. The atmosphere was nothing short of mesmerizing, showcasing Unreal's dedication to quality production and unique energy.
2. Hive at Hemkade48: Dual Rooms, Dual Experiences
Hosted at the iconic Hemkade48 in Zaandam, Hive brought two distinct rooms to the table, each offering a different flavor of techno. One room was dedicated to hard techno, pounding beats that resonated through the industrial walls, while the other offered groovier hard beats, giving attendees the best of both worlds. This contrast between intense techno and groovier sounds made Hive one of the most versatile events of ADE 2024.
Miss Bashful, known for her distinctive "slut techno" genre, took over the hard bouncy room with a performance that blended vocals with high-energy beats, creating a memorable connection with the audience. The industrial setting of Hemkade48 added a gritty, underground edge that further amplified the overall experience.
3. Verknipt: Sold-Out Shows and High-Octane Energy
Verknipt ran two incredible events on Friday and Sunday, each with massive lineups that spanned a range of techno styles. The Friday event at Taets in Zaandam was so highly anticipated that tickets were impossible to get, with a waitlist numbering in the thousands. The production was nothing short of spectacular, with immersive lights, booming sound systems, and a packed lineup. Highlights included performances by ALIGNMENT, INDIRA PAGANOTTO, SHLØMO, and BLK., who all delivered powerful sets that kept the crowd going until early morning.
However, one area for improvement would be the heat inside the venue—Friday's event was incredibly hot, making it a challenge for some attendees to fully enjoy the experience. In contrast, the Sunday event was held at AFAS Live, which was a much cooler and more comfortable environment, perfect for dancing the night away. The lineup for Sunday featured artists such as Nico Moreno, NOVAH, and 6EJOU, all of whom brought their unique sounds to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
4. FACE 2 FACE - ADE Special by 240 KM/H
The FACE 2 FACE ADE Special by 240 KM/H was an event that delivered on every front. Head honcho Adrián Mills faced off against international friends in five rounds of intense back-to-back battles, featuring artists like Alt8, Anxhela, Cloudy, Fenrick, and Fumi. Held at the Melkweg's Rabozaal, the massive sound system amplified the energy as the DJs went head-to-head in a series of musical duels.
The crowd energy was electric—arguably the best of any ADE event this year. A surprise appearance by Azyr took the audience by storm, sending the energy levels through the roof. The Rotterdam Rave crew was instrumental in ensuring everything ran smoothly, and their expertise showed in the high-quality production values. Influencers like Dottychu were even spotted dancing on stage, adding to the overall buzz and excitement.
FACE 2 FACE's focus on the fast-growing hard trance—often referred to as "bounce" or "hard bounce"—gave it a fresh and exhilarating vibe, distinguishing it from the other events of ADE.
5. 808 Studios Battle Arena: Face-Offs and Immersive Vibes
The 808 Studios Battle Arena at Hemkade48 was a true standout, bringing an innovative battle arena concept to ADE 2024. Led by Oguz, the event featured face-to-face DJ battles inspired by arcade games like Tekken, with DJs positioned to battle each other in a ring-like setup. The immersive LED lighting and cage-like structure added to the competitive energy, creating a spectacle that attendees won't soon forget.
Exclusive features such as the Moltivite deck covers, flown in from Australia, and custom "Enter My Simulation" merchandise, made this event even more special. The performances were projected on large LED screens, giving the audience a chance to follow the DJ battles closely and enhancing the visual intensity of the night.
The combination of Oguz's unmatched energy, the innovative battle concept, and the attention to detail made the 808 Studios Battle Arena one of the most unique and exciting events of ADE 2024.
Conclusion: ADE 2024's Top Techno Highlights
ADE 2024 was filled with a plethora of incredible techno events, each offering something different and memorable. Unreal transported attendees into a dark and mysterious world with its unmatched lighting design. Hive provided a dual-room experience that satisfied both hardcore and groove-loving techno fans. Verknipt delivered sold-out shows and an all-encompassing rave atmosphere, despite some challenges with venue conditions. FACE 2 FACE by 240 KM/H gave attendees an adrenaline-fueled experience, and 808 Studios Battle Arena pushed boundaries with its battle-style concept and immersive environment.
These five events showcased the best of what ADE 2024 had to offer—from mind-bending visuals to heavy, driving beats. The organizers, artists, and attendees all contributed to making this year's Amsterdam Dance Event an unforgettable celebration of techno culture. We can't wait to see what next year brings!