One of the pioneers of rave music, Altern-8 was formed by Mark Archer and Chris Peat in Stafford, UK in 1990. At the time, the band was a side project to their existing band, Nexus 21. Archer and Peat were influenced by early American techno artists such as Derrick May and Juan Atkins, along with the Chicago house sound of acts like Phuture 303.
Altern-8 helped spur the emergence of hardcore rave music by toughening up the early techno sound, adding breakbeats, sirens and heavy bass into the mix. Tracks like "Activ-8", "Frequency", and "Infiltrate 202" stand alongside Joey Beltram's "Energy Flash" as songs that bridge Detroit techno with the much faster BPMs of hardcore.
Altern-8 were massively influential in the evolution of techno from its American roots to a harder-edged, European sound.
The duo also helped popularize early rave culture with their chemical warfare suits, glowsticks and love of often-illegal warehouse parties.
In 1992, Peat dipped a toe into UK politics with a single run as a candidate for the Stafford constituency representing the "Hardcore" party. He finished fourth place in the election.
