Joshua

Olivier Picard, performing as Joshua, is a pivotal figure in the French industrial hardcore and darkcore scenes of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Emerging from the techno wave of 1992, Picard transitioned into harder territories, eventually becoming a staple on labels like Epiteth and Neurotoxic.

His sound identity is defined by a rejection of linear, 'happy' hardcore in favor of what he describes as 'morbid ambiences' and industrial soundscapes. This aesthetic alignment places him alongside acts like The Outside Agency and The DJ Producer, where the focus is on technical complexity and sonic grit rather than melodic accessibility. In 2000, he founded Striking Wave, a label dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the electronic underground. His work is critically regarded for its atmospheric depth, often incorporating cinematic tension into the high-velocity framework of hardcore. While the name 'Joshua' is shared by many artists, Picard's contribution remains a cornerstone for crate-diggers of the 'Frenchcore' and industrial techno crossover period.