As the drum & bass sounds of the mid-nineties began to move towards lighter sounds such as that of intelligent or jazzy drum & bass. In 1996 there was a rise in drum & bass sub-genres such as "hardstep," "techstep," and "darkstep." These were attempts to bring the genre back towards it's darkcore roots.
Techstep became a big deal leading up to the later portion of the decade. The genre, while deeply atmospheric, was often characterized by samples from science fiction themes mixed together with cold and complex percussion.
By 1998 all of the genre splitting had come to an end for a short time. More genre splitting would occur after the change the millenium however.
This mix was recorded live in the garage of my parents house and represents exactly what my style was like back then. However I certainly did steer more towards techstep for the majority of my days spinning drum & bass.
Vortexion - This Side Down
Matrix & Dom - The Vandal
Calyx - Narcosis
DT - Checkmate
Flex Camp - Style Wars
Aphrodite - Acid Junky
EZ Rollers - Tough At The Top
Future Cut - Plastic
DJ Tek - The Year 2000
