Ruffneck

Behind DJ Ruffneck is Patrick van Kerckhoven, a Dutch DJ and producer who has not only played hardcore but helped shape it. His name is particularly closely associated with Artcore, a style whose development he helped bring about.

Van Kerckhoven has been behind the decks since 1985, with hardcore increasingly taking centre stage in the early nineties. After founding 80 Aum Records with Jayant Edoo, he launched his own label, Ruffneck Records, in 1993. He was never tied to one name alone, also releasing music as Juggernaut, Wedlock and Overmind.

His biggest chart success came in 1997, when “Ruffneck rules da artcore scene!!!” reached number eight in the Dutch Top 40. On the track, he took the melody from “In the Hall of the Mountain King” into his own hardcore universe.

He has remained active behind the scenes too, working with labels including Enzyme Records and founding Ruffneck Anomalies in 2019 for experimental projects. Artcore, hardcore and darkcore shape his musical profile, while his explorations also extend to drum-and-bass influences in underground hardcore.