When Depeche Mode released the “Barrel of a Gun” single in 1997, it was accompanied by several official remixes across various formats (CD, 12″, and promo releases).
While there are dozens of bootlegs and unofficial edits in existence, there are 7 distinct official remix versions of the track produced by 5 different artists/groups.
Official Remixes
The following remixes appeared on the original 1997 singles (BONG 25) and subsequent official box sets: Remix Title Remixer / Producer Underworld Hard Mix Underworld Underworld Soft Mix Underworld Underworld Hard Instrumental Underworld United Mix United (Marc Waterman & Paul Freegard) 3 Phase Mix 3 Phase (Sven Röhrig) One Inch Punch Mix One Inch Punch One Inch Punch Mix (Version 2) One Inch Punch
Key Production Notes
- Underworld’s Contribution: The electronic duo Underworld was heavily featured on this release, providing three different treatments. Their “Hard Mix” is often cited as one of the definitive remixes of the Ultra era.
- The “United Mix”: This version features additional vocals by an artist named Vanessa.
- Painkiller: While often found on the same discs, the Plastikman Mix is a remix of the B-side “Painkiller,” not “Barrel of a Gun.”
- Radio Edit: There is also a standard Radio Edit (approximately 4 minutes) and the Original Single Version (5:29), though these are usually classified as edits rather than “remixes.”
The four guest remixers brought a diverse range of styles to the “Barrel of a Gun” single, spanning from the emerging underground techno scene to established electronica legends.
Here is the lowdown on the four remixing entities:
1. Underworld (Karl Hyde & Rick Smith)
By 1997, Underworld was arguably the biggest name on the tracklist, riding high on the success of “Born Slippy” from the Trainspotting soundtrack.
- The Mixes: They provided three versions: the Hard Mix, Soft Mix, and Hard Instrumental.
- The Vibe: Their “Hard Mix” is a sprawling, 9-minute epic that strips back Martin Gore’s guitar in favor of a driving, hypnotic techno pulse, becoming a staple in club sets of that era.
2. United (Paul Freegard & Marc Waterman)
United was a production duo consisting of Paul Freegard and Marc Waterman. Freegard is a notable name in the DM universe, as he later went on to co-produce the Exciter album with Mark Bell.
- The Mix: The United Mix.
- The Vibe: This version is famous for featuring a “female response” to Dave Gahan’s vocals, provided by a singer named Vanessa. It has a more atmospheric, trip-hop-influenced energy compared to the heavier techno mixes.
3. One Inch Punch (Justin Warfield & Tim Goldsworthy)
This duo consisted of Justin Warfield (later of She Wants Revenge) and Tim Goldsworthy (who co-founded Mo’ Wax and DFA Records).
- The Mixes: They produced two versions, simply titled Mix and Mix V2.
- The Vibe: These remixes leaned heavily into the “big beat” and hip-hop aesthetic of the late ’90s, featuring crunchy drums and a gritty, urban feel that matched the dark lyrical content of the original song.
4. 3 Phase (Sven Röhrig)
3 Phase is the moniker of German producer Sven Röhrig, a pioneer of the Berlin techno scene best known for the classic anthem “Der Klang der Familie.”
- The Mix: The 3 Phase Mix.
- The Vibe: This is a pure, minimalist techno workout. It was primarily released on the 12-inch vinyl formats and remains one of the more elusive and “underground” official remixes from the Ultra campaign.
Note on Richie Hawtin (Plastikman): While he is often listed on the same CD singles, it’s worth remembering he actually remixed the B-side, “Painkiller.” His contribution is legendary for being a dark, modular techno piece, but technically he didn’t remix “Barrel of a Gun” itself!
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