More known for grotty riverside shacks, ex-munition factories and gritty tower block squat parties, the German scene is less associated with high-octane production.

Cologne's Boothaus, however, is an exception to the rule. Renovated last June, this 1200-capacity ex-boat repair warehouse is a bat cave armed to the teeth with state-of-the-art HD Visual Mapping, CO2 cannons and flaming pyrotechnics, all supported with first-class Funktion One sound.

Its gnarly DJ selection policy also bucks the trend. Straying from the fold with the likes of Mat Zo, Boys Noize and Skrillex, you won't catch any po-faced stomping in this big room — Bootshaus is always bootin' off.