Looking for a quick, to-the-point guide on what Hardstyle is? We’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Hardstyle, from its origins, key characteristics (did someone say HUGE kicks?), and some leading artists you can check out. Let’s explore!
What is Hardstyle in a Nutshell?
If I had to sum up Hardstyle in just a few words, it would be:
- “powerful“
- “emotional”
- and “relentless”
If you’ve never heard a Hardstyle track, here’s a quick example:
As you can hear, Hardstyle is a pretty uncompromising genre 😅
Hardstyle sits somewhere between trance and hardcore, mixing both euphoric elements (the leads) with aggressive kick drums.
We’ll dive more into the defining characteristics of Hardstyle later in this article. But if you want the TL;DR, here’s what defines Hardstyle music:
- BPM around 150;
- huge distorted kick drums;
- uplifting and euphoric saw wave leads;
- cinematic vocals
At its core, Hardstyle is all about contrast. You’ve got raw, aggressive elements combined with uplifting melodies. Couple that with a other-worldly visuals (think crazy lasers and strobe lights), and it’s no wonder Hardstyle has such a dedicated following.
The History of Hardstyle
Hardstyle originated in the early 2000s in the Netherlands, where it emerged from the underground rave scene. It took inspiration from genres like hard trance, hardcore, and techno, blending elements from each to create a harder-edged sound.
Early pioneers such as The Prophet, DJ Zany, and Showtek helped shape Hardstyle’s identity, laying the foundation for what it is today.
As with a lot of emerging genres, Hardstyle slowly branched into different styles. The early version of the genre had a rougher, more techno-influenced style. You had really crunchy kicks and stripped-back melodies.
But around the late 2000s, Hardstyle took a more emotional turn, introducing more cinematic breakdowns and emotional melodies. This period saw the rise of artists like Headhunterz and Noisecontrollers, who pushed Hardstyle into the mainstream EDM scene.
My personal favorite artists around this time were D-Block and S-te-Fan (who are still going strong today by the way) – check out “Evolutionz” and “Part of the Hard” for a great taste of what Hardstyle sounded like around that time:
By the 2010s, Hardstyle had become a worldwide phenomenon, with a major presence in festivals such as Tomorrowland.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Hardstyle has continued to evolve. Artists like Sickmode are pushing the boundaries of what is possible sonically, compressing and limiting sounds to their extreme. Arrangements have also become much shorter, with phrases changing every 4 or 8 bars:
Characteristics of Hardstyle
Hardstyle truly has a unique sound signature. When you hear a Hardstyle track, you know it. So, what makes Hardstyle stand out? Let’s go over the defining features.
1. The distorted Hardstyle kick
The distorted kick drum is by far the most recognizable aspect of Hardstyle.
A Hardstyle kick isn’t your typical kick drum. Although you can start with a standard 808 or 909 kick, you then have to heavily process it, layer it, and shape it to get that signature Hardstyle sound.
Here are 3 examples of a House kick, a Techno kick, and a Hardstyle kick so you get the idea:
I think we can all agree that the Hardstyle sounds… different 😅
Unlike house or techno kicks that are short and punchy, Hardstyle kicks have an extended tail that creates a crunchy, textured sound.
The key behind a Hardstyle kick is heavy distortion and clipping. However, there are many ways to distort and compress a kick, leading to a multitude of different-sounding Hardstyle.
And although they all share a similar sound signature, they each have their unique flavor. Some producers spend hours perfecting their kicks to achieve the right tonal balance. And as we’ll see in the next section, there’s a reason why.
2. Absence of other drum elements
So why would a Hardstyle producer spend days on designing the perfect kick drum?
The answer is simple: because there aren’t any other drum elements in a Hardstyle track!
That’s right. It might sound crazy, but Hardstyle tracks don’t feature any claps, snares, or other percussion you hear in most genres. It’s mostly a heavy distorted kick, and maybe some washed-out cymbals, and that’s it.
Now, of course, I’m just talking about the drop here. Other sections of the track can feature hats or even claps (especially during the build-up). But when it comes to the drop, it’s a kick drum, and nothing else.
3. The Hardstyle saw wave leads
A saw wave (or sawtooth wave) is a type of waveform that provides a sharp, bright, and uplifting tone:
By adding multiple voices and detuning them, you get a wide, rich sound. This is the sound you hear in 99% of Hardstyle tracks:
These leads often play euphoric melodies. This is why you’ll find a lot more tracks in major rather than minor scales in Hardstyle compared to other genres.
4. Reverse bass
A signature rhythmic element in Hardstyle is the “reverse bass”, which refers to a bassline that “sucks in” before the kick lands. Here’s a quick example:
Combined with a heavy distorted kick, this creates a continuous “blanket of bass” which drives the track forward.
5. Vocal samples and spoken word
Hardstyle tracks often feature cinematic intros, with spoken word clips and atmospheric elements. The lyrics often talk of community, purpose and empowerment.
Here’s an example (from 2:48 onward):
More recent Hardstyle tracks will feature multiple vocal chops that add constant variation to the track.
How Hardstyle Has Inspired Other Genres
Hardstyle’s rapid rise hasn’t gone unnoticed—it has inspired and shaped other styles of music in recent years. Two of the most prominent influences have been on Techno and Trance, creating both Hard Techno and Hard Trance.
Hard Techno
Possibly the hottest electronic music genre as we enter 2025, Hard Techno has gained serious traction, achieving almost mainstream success. This genre borrows elements from Hardstyle—such as distorted kicks and aggressive energy—but refines them into a more stripped-down, hypnotic form. Artists like Nico Moreno, Creeds, and TRYM are some of those leading the movement.
Hard Trance
Hard Trance blends Hardstyle’s uplifting melodies with the rolling basslines and hypnotic sequences of trance. This style has seen a resurgence as producers merge Hardstyle-style leads with the emotional structures of classic trance, creating a sound that’s both powerful and captivating.
Hardstyle’s influence can also be found in mainstream EDM, with elements of its signature kicks and melodies appearing in festival house, trap, and even pop music.
Hardstyle Artists You Should Check Out
If you’re new to Hardstyle or looking to expand your playlist, here are some artists that capture the essence and evolution of the genre:
1. Headhunterz
One of the most recognized names in Hardstyle, Headhunterz helped bring the genre to global audiences with his melodic and emotional approach. Tracks like Dragonborn and Tonight are staples within the scene.
2. Noisecontrollers
Noisecontrollers are known for their innovative sound design and unique take on Hardstyle. Their track Solar is a great example of euphoric Hardstyle at its finest.
3. Brennan Heart
Brennan Heart is another old-timer like Headhunterz, and is famous for his uplifting and anthemic style, often incorporating deep emotional themes into his music. Songs like Lose My Mind and Imaginary showcase his signature sound.
4. D-Block and S-Te-Fan
My personal favorite 😍
It seems like DBSTF have been there since the start. Always loyal to the Hardstyle sound, they have nevertheless managed to evolve through the years and remain relevant.
My favorite track of theirs will always be We Be Kickin’ Bass (which for some reason I can’t find on Spotify):
For me, this track epitomizes the golden age of Hardstyle, with a slow build-up and an intensely emotional melody.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap for this guide! Hopefully, we were able to peak your interest, and get you to start exploring the world of Hardstyle yourself 😊
Interested in making electronic music yourself? Whether it’s Hardstyle or any other genre? Then check out our Free Masterclass for Beginners right here 👇
