Professional Griefers
A high-octane fusion of progressive house and electro beats defining an era.
Professional Griefers stands as a monumental chapter in the musical journey of Joel Zimmerman, known globally as Deadmau5. Released during a pivotal era where electronic dance music was exploding into mainstream consciousness, this album marked a deliberate shift towards a more aggressive, high-energy sound while retaining the artist's signature melodic sensibilities. It represents a collaborative triumph, bridging the gap between solo production and the dynamic energy of featured vocalists.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Deadmau5 featuring Gerard Way
- Album
- Album Title Goes Here
- Released
- August 14, 2012
- Recorded
- September 2010, 2011 (vocal mix)
- Genre
- Electro house, electronic rock
- Length
- 4:03 (vocal mix), 6:24 (original instrumental), 3:02 (radio edit)
- Label
- Mau5trap
- Ultra
- EMI
- Writer
- Joel Zimmerman, Gerard Way
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The sonic architecture of the record is built upon layers of complex synthesis and driving rhythms that mimic the adrenaline rush of high-stakes competition. It captures the atmosphere of a packed arena where the lights are low, but the bass is deafeningly loud. This collection of tracks serves as a bridge between the introspective, long-form journeys of his earlier work and the punchy, radio-ready anthems that would dominate festivals worldwide.
Reader's Guide
Released in August 2012 on the artist's own Mau5trap label, Professional Griefers debuted as a double album experience in many markets. The project features high-profile collaborations that expanded Deadmau5's reach beyond the underground scene, most notably teaming up with Kaskade for the title track and working with Rob Swire of Pendulum. The production style on this record leans heavily into electro-house and progressive house, characterized by heavy basslines, intricate arpeggios, and soaring vocal hooks. Tracks like 'I Remember' showcase a more emotional depth, while others deliver pure kinetic energy designed for festival main stages. The album received critical acclaim for its ability to balance commercial appeal with technical complexity. Chart performance was strong globally, peaking in the top 20 of several major territories including the UK and Canada. It solidified Deadmau5's status not just as a producer, but as a headlining act capable of delivering a cohesive, high-energy musical statement that resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners.
Track listing
Digital download – Vocal Mix
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional Griefers (Vocal Mix) (featuring Gerard Way) | 4:03 |
Digital download – single
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional Griefers (Radio Edit) (featuring Gerard Way) | 3:02 |
| 2 | Professional Griefers (Vocal Mix) (featuring Gerard Way) | 4:03 |
| 3 | Professional Griefers (Instrumental Mix) | 6:24 |
| Total length | 13:25 | |
Track listing from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The album title references internet gaming culture where 'griefing' describes players who intentionally annoy others during gameplay.
- It features one of the most popular collaborations in Deadmau5's career, pairing him with fellow Canadian DJ Kaskade.
- The record was released on the artist's independent label, Mau5trap, maintaining full creative control over the distribution.
More in Songs & Singles
Elsewhere in Deadmau5
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