Human Resource

If there is one record that instantly transports ravers back to the raw energy of the early 1990s, it’s “Dominator” by Human Resource.

Released during the summer of 1991, Dominator became one of the most influential rave records ever produced and helped shape the future of hardcore, techno, jungle and countless other electronic music genres.

Created by the Dutch group Human Resource, the track stood out from everything else hitting dancefloors at the time. While many rave records relied heavily on pianos and uplifting melodies, Dominator took a darker and more aggressive route.

Its most famous feature was the now legendary “hoover sound” a screeching, futuristic synth lead that tore through speakers and instantly became one of the most recognisable sounds in dance music history.

The iconic vocal line:

“I’m bigger and bolder and rougher and tougher…”

became a rallying cry for ravers across Europe and helped turn the track into a club and rave anthem.

As the UK rave scene exploded, Dominator found its way into countless DJ sets, warehouse parties and pirate radio broadcasts. Its influence could be heard throughout the emerging hardcore scene and later across jungle, drum & bass, hard house and even modern electronic music.

More than three decades later, producers still reference the famous hoover lead, while DJs continue to drop the track at old-school events where it remains guaranteed to ignite a dancefloor.

Many historians of dance music consider Dominator to be one of the most important rave records ever made, helping define the harder edge of European rave culture during a period when electronic music was evolving at an incredible pace.

For old-school ravers, the track represents a time when dance music felt rebellious, futuristic and completely unstoppable.

MDP Radio Question of the Day:

Where does Dominator rank among your all-time rave classics?

Is it one of the greatest rave records ever made, or do you have another anthem that tops your list?

Let us know in the comments!