The hitchhiker’s guide to Hard Dance Music.
Discover the high-energy world of Hardstyle and Hardcore EDM from Europe and Japan, both genres ready to explode in the US.
It was an overcast afternoon in the Dutch countryside when I arrived at REBiRTH Festival, my first-ever electronic dance music (EDM) festival. The air buzzed with anticipation as throngs of fans—draped in neon, adorned with festival flags, and brimming with energy—converged on the sprawling festival grounds. The rhythmic pounding of basslines from a distance set the tone, pulling me closer into a world I had only glimpsed through screens and soundwaves.
As I stepped through the gates, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the scene. Massive stages, meticulously designed with towering LED screens and pyrotechnic rigs, loomed like cathedrals of sound. Flags from every corner of the world waved in unison, a testament to the genre’s global reach. It was a sensory overload: the sharp, metallic screeches of Rawstyle echoed from one end, while euphoric melodies soared from another.
I had always been drawn to electronic music, but Hardstyle felt like uncharted territory—a genre whispered about for its intensity, its fervent fanbase, and its transformative live experiences. That weekend, I discovered what makes Hardstyle and Hardcore EDM, often referred together as Hard Dance Music (HDM), so captivating. It’s not just the thunderous kicks or the soaring melodies; it’s the unity of the crowd and the shared passion.
As they steadily gain global popularity through major presence in Eurovision and indie video games, understanding these styles is essential for anyone looking to delve deeper into the world of electronic music. Let’s embark on this sonic journey together.
What is HDM?
HDM is a subgenre of EDM that originated in the Netherlands, just as many other subgenres of EDM, in the late 1990s. One major branch of HDM is hardstyle. Characterized by its 150+ BPM tempo, distorted offbeat kicks, and euphoric melodies, it sits at the crossroads of powerful rhythms and emotional depth. A typical Hardstyle track follows a structured progression:
Break: A (relatively) tranquil segment, often featuring vocals or melodic elements.
Buildup: Gradually increasing energy using snare rolls and synth layers.
Drop: The high-energy climax, marked by driving kicks and melodic flourishes.
Hardstyle tracks often repeat this sequence two to three times, providing a dynamic listening experience. Over time, the genre has diversified into subgenres like Euphoric Hardstyle, Rawstyle, and the emerging Rawphoric. Each subgenre offers its unique flavor, catering to a wide spectrum of audiences.
The Evolution of Hardstyle in Europe
Hardstyle began as an experimental fusion of Techno, Hard Dance, and Hard Trance. Pioneers like Dana and The Prophet were among the first to craft this emerging sound in Dutch nightclubs. The first-ever Hardstyle event, Qlubtempo, was held in Zaandam in 2000 by Q-Dance, a Dutch event company that became synonymous with the genre.
In 2002, Q-Dance trademarked the name “Hardstyle” after observing the success of their events. A year later, they hosted the first Defqon.1, now one of the most iconic Hardstyle festivals. During this time, Dutch and Italian artists, along with labels like Fusion Records and Scantraxx, dominated the scene.
2006–2011: The Rise of Nustyle
This era marked the birth of what is now the modern Hardstyle sound. Artists like Headhunterz brought a cleaner, more melodic approach, creating a balance between Hardstyle’s raw roots and accessible melodies.
2012–2016: Divergence into Subgenres
Hardstyle began to split into distinct subgenres:
Euphoric Hardstyle: Uplifting and melodic, perfect for emotional anthems.
Rawstyle: Darker, with aggressive kicks and screeches.
This period also saw Hardstyle becoming more commercial, with tracks crossing into mainstream EDM charts.
2017–Present: Innovation and Subgenre Growth
New styles like Rawphoric and Xtra-Raw emerged, blending extremes of melody and aggression. Festivals expanded globally, with Hardstyle and its subgenres gaining passionate followings worldwide.
Hard Dance Music in East Asia
In East Asia, the landscape of Hard Dance music has evolved in a unique way, shaped by cultural nuances and technological influences. Unlike in Europe, where Hardstyle and Hardcore emerged from a thriving underground music scene and nightclub culture, countries like Japan and China lack a comparable foundation. The absence of widespread underground spaces dedicated to experimental or high-energy electronic music has meant that Hardstyle fans in the region have found their own, distinctly modern entry points into the genre.
One of the most surprising and influential avenues has been Japanese music games. Titles like Chunithm, maimai, and SOUND VOLTEX have served as an introduction to Hardstyle and Hardcore for countless East Asian fans. These rhythm games often feature tracks from prominent Japanese Hardstyle and Hardcore producers.
It’s not entirely clear how Hardstyle first found its way into Japan, but one thing is evident: Japanese producers have taken the genre down a different path. While European Hardstyle artists often focus on precision-engineered leads, meticulously sculpted bass sounds, and advanced mixing techniques, Japanese producers have leaned heavily into melodic experimentation and tempo manipulation.
This divergence in approach is particularly noticeable in the music itself. Japanese Hardstyle tracks often feature intricate, layered melodies and unconventional lead progressions, creating a more dynamic, almost cinematic feel. Most Japanese DJs do more than one style, and oftentimes multiple styles are blended into one song. Tempo shifts, playful modulations, and unexpected breaks are common, giving the tracks a distinct energy that stands apart from the consistent structure typically favored in European Hardstyle.
The technical differences in mixing are striking as well. European tracks often showcase highly polished, heavy-hitting basslines that dominate the mix, with every element engineered to maximize impact on massive sound systems. In contrast, Japanese Hardstyle often struggles with mixing clarity. In many cases, Japanese Hardstyle tracks can sound blurry or unbalanced, with leads and kicks competing for dominance rather than blending harmoniously (compare Daydream by Noisecontrollers/A-RIZE and 1UP by Yuta Imai as an example). This lack of precision in mixing sometimes results in muddier compositions, where the intricate melodies and experimental ideas lose their intended impact.
Finding Your Sound: A Listener’s Guide
For newcomers eager to explore HDM, here are a few tips:
1. Start with the Anthems: Many festivals create annual theme songs called “anthems.” These tracks are a perfect introduction to the genre. Sefa’s Defqon.1 2019 anthem is a perfect introduction to Frenchcore, a subgenre of HDM which have above 160-185 BPM.
2. Explore Subgenres: Dive into playlists/djs on platforms like Spotify, focusing on subgenres that resonate with your taste. I can share some of my favorites DJ below, with their subgenres.
European
Hardstyle - Phuture Noize (one of my favorite), B-Front, D-Block & S-te-fan, Noisecontrollers
Raw - Sub Zero Project, D-Sturb
Hardcore - Angerfist, Furyan
Frenchcore - Dr. Peacock, Sefa (my favorite), Mr. Ivex
Japanese
Laur, Kobaryo, DJ Myosuke, USAO, Massive New Krew
3. Live the Experience: Although it could be hard if you live in the Sates, attending a live event or festival is the best way to feel the genre’s energy.
edited by Alondra Romero.
photo via Creative Commons.