Excision (real name: Jeff Abel; born April 29, 1986, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada) is a Canadian DJ, music producer, festival creator, and one of the key pioneers of modern dubstep and bass music. Known for his aggressive “mechanical” sound, high-powered audiovisual shows, and for founding the festivals Lost Lands and Bass Canyon.
Early Life
Jeff Abel grew up in a musical family and developed an interest in heavy metal, rock, electronic music, and sound effects from a young age. As a teenager, he began experimenting with recording, creating tracks at home.
Career Beginnings
He became active in the mid-2000s. His early works were self-released, and he later founded his own label, Rottun Recordings, which became a platform for rising bass-music producers.
Breakthrough and Albums
In 2011, Excision released his debut studio album, X Rated, which gained wide recognition in the EDM community. His subsequent releases — Codename X, Virus, Apex, and Onyx — solidified his status as one of the leading artists in heavy electronic music.
Shows and Tours
Excision is known for using more than 100,000 watts of sound, 3D visuals, and advanced animations. His shows The Paradox, Evolution, and later tours received international acclaim.
Other Projects
Excision is the creator of the metal-EDM project Destroid alongside KJ Sawka and Downlink, and the founder of the festivals Lost Lands and Bass Canyon. In 2020, he launched the label Subsidia Records.
Excision — Complete Discography | Minatrix.FM Edition
Studio albums, EPs, mixes, live releases, compilations, projects, collaborations.
Studio Albums
X Rated
August 22, 2011
Label: Rottun Recordings
The debut album that defined Excision’s signature sound: heavy bass, metallic aggression, and influences from early dubstep and drumstep.
Codename X
March 3, 2015
Label: Rottun Recordings
An album that opened a new era of Excision’s digital sound: massive drops, big collaborations, and heightened cinematic elements.
Virus
October 25, 2016
Label: Rottun Recordings
One of the producer’s most popular releases, featuring headlining tracks that became festival anthems.
Apex
August 14, 2018
Label: Excision Music
A colossal album with signature live energy, introspective moments, and explosive festival weapons.
Onyx
January 13, 2022
Label: Excision Music
A blend of modernized dubstep, riddim, melodic passages, and major collaborations.
Main EPs
X Rated: The Remixes
2012
A reimagining of key tracks from the debut album by top producers in the scene.
Dionysus EP (with Dion Timmer)
2018
A bright, melodic bass EP with a recognizable future-bass atmosphere.
Breaking Through EP (with Dion Timmer)
2016
A mix of melodic sound design and Excision’s signature groove.
Gold EP (with Dion Timmer)
2019
An emotional and rich release that expanded the duo’s creative range.
Lost Lands Releases (official festival compilations)
Each release is an annual archive of rarities, live edits, and exclusives premiered at the festival.
Lost Lands 2017: Mix & Compilation
Lost Lands 2018: Mix & Compilation
Lost Lands 2019: Mix & Compilation
Lost Lands 2020: Couch Lands (Digital Festival) Mix
A digital edition featuring fresh scene exclusives.
Lost Lands 2021: Compilation
Lost Lands 2022: Compilation
Lost Lands 2023: Compilation
Lost Lands 2024: Compilation
Bass Canyon Releases
The second Excision festival brand — an annual compilation of tracks performed at the Gorge Amphitheatre.
Bass Canyon 2019: Mix / Compilation
Bass Canyon 2021: Mix / Compilation
Bass Canyon 2022: Mix / Compilation
Bass Canyon 2023: Mix / Compilation
DESTROID Project (Excision + Downlink + KJ Sawka)
A futuristic live project performed in cyberpunk exoskeleton suits.
Destroid — The Invasion
May 7, 2013
Legendary tracks:
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Raise Your Fist
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Crushed
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Renegade
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Wasteland
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Bounce
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Get Stupid
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Death Becomes You
Destroid Singles & Live Releases (2013–2019)
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Annihilate
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Put It Down (feat. Space Laces)
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Blast Off
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Destroid Live Mixes
Major Singles and Collaborations (selected)
(Only key scene-defining tracks — the full list exceeds 150 releases)
2008–2012
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Swagga (with Datsik)
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Deviance (with Datsik & Space Laces)
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Boom
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Exterminate
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Crowd Control
2013–2016
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Get Stupid
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Rage (with Space Laces)
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Robo Kitty
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The Paradox
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Neck Brace (with Messinian)
2017–2019
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Throwin' Elbows (with Space Laces)
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Hoods Up (with Protohype)
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Home (feat. Dion Timmer)
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Wake Up
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Gold (with Dion Timmer)
2020–2024
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Resistance
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Salvage (feat. Akylla)
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Cough Drop
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Unbound
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Demisaur
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Overture
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Decimate
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Back to Life
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The Last Elder — a landmark Lost Lands premiere
Selected Remixes
Excision has officially remixed tracks for top artists:
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Zeds Dead — Savage
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The Frim — Bassline Skanka
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Datsik — Firepower
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Downlink — Gamma Ray
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UBK — Requiem
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Pendulum — Self vs Self (live edits)
Video Releases and Shows
The Paradox Live – 2017
The Evolution Tour Visuals – 2020
Onyx Stage Visual Pack – 2022
Excision’s discography is more than a list of releases — it is a whole universe of bass music: from industrial early tracks to modern mega-production shows. His studio albums are milestones in dubstep history; the Lost Lands compilations are full archives of the contemporary scene; and the DESTROID project is an innovation woven into EDM history.
Significance
Excision is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern bass culture. His impact includes the evolution of dubstep, the popularization of festival formats, and his unwavering support for rising artists.
