Marcel Fenglers HARDPROOF VA series returns with more techno from a mix of the next generation alongside the finest pioneers. Swiss artist Unconformist serves up 'Path of Light.' Driven by pounding rhythms and electrified with crackling synths, it brims with soulful glitches and an urgent, almost fatalistic energy. Then comes rising Paris-based talent Alys LF with 'Yesterday,’ which pits shimmering, bright melodies against a relentless techno backbone and the contrast grows ever more urgent. LPV is a Sicilian who mixes up EBM, industrial, dub and acid. His 'Eclipsed Thoughts' is all tight synth loop with no resolution while thudding kicks and subtle percussion brings menacing funk. Another Italian, SLV, has been deep in the scene for a decade. His 'Argent Fracture' is a timeless, dubbed-out and heavyweight classic that fizzes with synth soul. Invexis is Munich's 20-year veteran Georg Köhler and his 'Celebrity Algorithm' is raw and rough around the edges with a snarling, distorted bassline. It's an anxious, high-strung groove. HARDPROOF VA09 is another irresistible collection of high-quality techno that bridges the past, present and future of the genre.