Oguz at Boothaus Review

Few clubs can match the intensity and reputation of German powerhouse Bootshaus. The venue’s doors first flew open in 1991 before being reborn under this name in 2005. In the two decades since, it has become known for adventurous line-ups that do not stick to one genre and always stay ahead of the curve. That’s why the Cologne institution is consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 by DJ Mag and is synonymous with thunderous sound, cutting-edge production and a seriously clued-up community. On this latest particular night, it was OGUZ, one of techno’s most dynamic new generation artists, who took complete control of the main room for an all-night headline performance.

Only the main room was open, but it was all that was needed. From the first drop to the final kick, the energy inside was relentless. Bootshaus’ custom-built L-Acoustics system filled the space with inescapably bold sound while the club’s renowned lighting design synced perfectly with OGUZ’s punchy selections. Waves of strobe lit up the hands that were always going skyward and added to the cinematic vibe and moments of both chaos and euphoria.

OGUZ, born and raised just outside Amsterdam with Turkish roots, has built his reputation on unpredictability. His sets are less about genre and more about energy flow, always with a raw industrial drive. His set on this night reflected that ethos as he moved seamlessly between deep, groove-led cuts and heavy peak-time weapons like 'Do You Think About Me' by Theorem (PT), 'Split the G' by Alt8 and 'Ride That Beat' by DBBD & Miss Bashful. His remix of 'Amazing INNA' and the punchy kicks of 'Euphoric Night' offered fleeting moments of release before driving back into drum-led intensity.

What stood out most was the stamina of both OGUZ and the crowd. He maintained full throttle for hours without losing momentum, keeping the room locked in a shared rhythm. Tracks like 'Spirit of the Music' by Albert Krancer & Instigator and D’Angello & Francis's 'Blade' pushed the limits of the system but each drop was met with rapture. Between sets, ravers spilt into the outside alley for a breath of air or a quick drink at the outdoor bar before diving back into the sonic storm.

Bootshaus’ reputation is built on nights like this. Earlier this year, DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O’Neal) shook the same room with his colossal bass-driven set, proving the club’s range knows no bounds. Upcoming events promise more of the same from the Unreal Hard Edition and Chrome to Above & Beyond’s melodic takeover in December and elrow’s return with its trademark carnival colours and over-the-top production.

This night was a perfect example of what makes Bootshaus so influential - big sound, big name DJs, big energy. It remains an utterly essential pilgrimage for any self-discerning raver in 2025.

For more information, visit the Boothaus website: https://bootshaus.tv/