Join the Q

The Qemists - 2009's underground dance music superstars. One of the most eagerly awaited debut albums of next year, Join The Q meshes the high energy of drum'n'bass and rock with a wide-ranging set of sounds that betray origins of the mysterious trio as a band before they took to the decks. Dancehall, metal, electro, grime, and hip hop all make their presence known thanks to a host of respected guest vocalists. It's like ram-raiding the best record shop in West London with your Saxo's I.C.E. turned up to drown out the alarm.

Faith No More's legendary mischief-causing vocalist Mike Patton adds the Qemists to his exclusive list of collaborations (which also includes Massive Attack, Bjork, and Kool Keith). As the pure rock riffing of "Lost Weekend" gives way to frantic D'n'B beats, he's totally comfortable, as if it's the sound he been waiting for.

Wiley, the godfather of grime and mentor to Dizzee Rascal, slots in perfectly over distorted Brit-hop beats and layers of guitars for "Dem Na Like Me," his filthiest track ever. UK champion beatboxer Beardyman follows, hosting Fatboy Slim's Big Beach Boutique with "Soundface," a jaw-dropping a capella track like nothing that's come before. Devlin Love from Alabama 3 adds soul to the savage energy of "S.W.A.G."

There's also a huge host of names from the drum'n'bass scene, from Jenna G, the queen of D'n'B, to veteran MC Navigator, via Friction's mouthpiece MC ID. It's a vote of confidence that confirms what clubbers up and down the country already know: The Qemists are the real deal. Chase and Status, Pendulum, and Mampi Swift have all been raving about them on the scene, while on Radio 1's Zane Lowe called them "the future of music, what The Prodigy hinted at." Even Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson has given them the rock seal of approval.

With such a posse in tow, it looks like The Qemists are going to bust down every musical barrier they see. If you want to be in their crew, you'd better Join the Q.