Hardstyle music, an energetic electronic dance genre, boasts a tempo ranging between 140 and 150 BPM, blending elements from both hardcore and house music. Situated between these two genres, hardstyle features a distinctive sound characterized by powerful basslines and captivating rhythms. Over the years, various subgenres have emerged within the hardstyle realm, including Rawstyle and Jumpstyle, each offering its own unique sonic experience.
One of the defining aspects of hardstyle is its accessibility, with diverse subgenres catering to different tastes within the electronic music scene. Whether fans prefer the uplifting melodies of euphoric hardstyle, the intense energy of hardcore, the eclectic mix of freestyle, or the raw, unbridled sound of extra raw hardstyle, there is something for everyone. While many artists specialize in a particular style, they often venture into experimentation, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Notable figures in the euphoric hardstyle scene include Brennan Heart, Noisecontrollers, and Wildstylez, renowned for their emotive melodies and uplifting compositions. Meanwhile, hardcore enthusiasts gravitate towards artists such as Nosferatu, Angerfist, DJ Mad Dog, and The Viper, known for their hard-hitting beats and aggressive soundscapes. For fans of raw and extra raw hardstyle, artists like Radical Redemption, Warface, Requiem, and Delete deliver relentless basslines and uncompromising energy. Additionally, freestyle aficionados appreciate the talents of Paul Elstak, The Darkraver, and DJ Vince for their versatile and dynamic sets.
The origins of hardstyle trace back to the early 2000s when the hardcore genre was at its peak. Sensing a need for new sounds, the electronic music scene embraced the emergence of hardstyle with enthusiasm. Key events such as the inaugural editions of Qlimax and Qlubtempo in 2001 marked the beginning of hardstyle's ascent. Initially drawing inspiration from German, Italian, and UK hard house records, hardstyle quickly evolved into a distinct and influential genre.
Q-dance, a prominent event organizer in the electronic music industry, played a pivotal role in shaping the hardstyle landscape. With successful editions of Qlubtempo and Qlimax events, Q-dance popularized the term "hardstyle," officially registering it as their brand in 2002. While Qlubtempo eventually concluded its run in 2003, Qlimax remains one of Q-dance's flagship concepts, continuing to attract massive crowds as the world's largest indoor hardstyle event.
Subgenres[]
- Early Hardstyle
- Euphoric Hardstyle
- Nustyle
- Rawstyle/Rawphoric
- Dubstyle
- Tekstyle
- Hard Bounce
- Hard House