Thunderdome XIX - Hardcore CD

Thunderdome XIX - Cursed by Evil Sickness (1997) was the fourth and final Thunderdome release of 1997, closing out what had been an extraordinary year for the series. The gabber movement's peak commercial era was winding down — ID&T would continue releasing Thunderdome compilations well into the 2000s, but the cultural moment that had made hardcore techno a mainstream force in Dutch youth culture was passing. This double CD stands as a bookend, capturing the sound of a scene at the end of its golden age.

The "last of an era" status gives volume XIX particular appeal among collectors who view the 1997 releases as the final chapter of classic Thunderdome. Four volumes in a single calendar year speaks to the commercial appetite that existed, but it also means the market was nearing saturation. Copies were widely distributed but widely discarded. The title's dark aesthetic — Cursed by Evil Sickness — and its artwork make it visually distinctive on a shelf, and it pairs naturally with the other 1997 volumes for collectors assembling yearly sets.

When evaluating a copy, start with the disc surfaces — hold them at an angle under strong light to check for circular scratches from repeated play. The double jewel case should open and close without resistance; stiff hinges often indicate micro-cracks that will eventually fail. Confirm the booklet is the original and not a color photocopy — reproductions occasionally surface in online listings. Complete copies with both discs, intact case, and clean booklet represent the standard to aim for. Sealed copies of individual Thunderdome volumes from this period are virtually nonexistent.