AAN’s Picks: Top 10 releases of April, 2016.

With the festival season kick-off, April is home to some of the biggest events in the Hard Dance calendar. From Rebirth to Hardshock and let’s not forget about Kingsday, this month has marked some great times for the scene. With the busiest time of the year ahead of us, it’s old news that artists have been tying up lose ends and finishing off brand new material. April has marked some incredible releases from all harder styles genres and we definitely had quite some trouble bundling them into a neat pack of 10, however we composed a list of new releases that showcases the best our scene has to offer at the moment. So without further ado, we present to you our top 10 releases for April!

*TALENT TRACK* Ampyre – The Human Mind

Up until today I’d never heard of Ampyre; but let me tell you, his first release on X-Bone titled “The Human Mind” blew me away! The melody and drive in this one is invigorating and hearing talent tracks of this quality makes me extremely excited for the future. Ditching the whole sub-genre thing with “The Human Mind,” this track is powerful, yet enjoyable and I bet it’d go off on the dance-floor. I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye on this young fella and checking out what else he has to offer!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/ampyre/the-human-mind/original-mix

#10 Zatox – Indigo

Whilst many ‘veterans’ are beginning to slow it down on the releases, Italian legend Zatox seems to be stronger than ever! Releasing new material by the truckload, his latest track “Indigo” managed to squeeze into our top 10. This exotic and ‘junglish’ number is packed with reverse bass and wacky sounds, so for those who love awesome sound design combined with thumping beats, this one will make you lose your shit.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/zatox/indigo/original-mix

#9 E-Force feat. Luna – F*ck This Nation

For me, this was quite an unexpected team up… When I first saw that Minus Is More representative Luna and A2 Records frontman E-Force were working together I thought ‘oh, here comes a ridiculously raw banger,’ but oh, oh, oh, how wrong I was! Their resulting collaboration “F*ck This Nation” turned out as a superb, balanced track that combines demolishing kicks with underground vibes and was that a melody? Yes, it certainly was.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/e-force-ft.-luna/fck-this-nation/original-mix

#8 Blackburn & Intractable One – Nightshift

AVIO ‘dudes’ Blackburn and Intractable One are piloting when it comes to making euphoric hardstyle with substance! Forget whiney male vocals and a predictable high-noted melody, these dudes are going against the tide by utilising the beloved reverse bass, creating floaty atmospheres and making a melody that actually makes spines tingle. “Nightshift” is no less than an awesome track and for me, it redefines what melodic Hardstyle is all about!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/blackburn-intractable-one/nightshift

#7 Psyko Punkz – Psyko Foundation (Tha Playah’s Thrillogy Remix)

It’s true, life really fucking rocks at 170BPM. Psyko Punkz’ “Psyko Foundation” was already an incredibly fresh track that showcased an unheard sound and utilised chords that Hardstyle doesn’t typically use, however once Tha Playah laid his hands on it, all hell broke loose. Despite his Thrillogy remix floating around the web for quite some time and played during sets, I still can’t get enough of it and the surge of energy I feel every time it’s played.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/psyko-punkz/psyko-foundation-tha-playahs-thrillogy-remix/extended-mix

#6 Scott Brown – Can You Feel Me?

Despite the fact he’s been releasing music for yonks, UK Hardcore legend Scott Brown is still pumping out tunes like it’s 2000! Pioneering the Happy Hardcore sound, it seems as though each month he’s updating our playlists and blowing our speakers with superb new tunes which is truly admirable. His dedication to the scene is supreme and his latest release “Can You Feel Me?” is no exception to the rule. This melodic and energetic piece of art will send your mind on a voyage as you drift away on a cloud of happiness…

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/scott-brown/can-you-feel-me/original-mix

#5 Mr Puta – Green Stuff (Malua Remix)

First of all, can I just express my boundless disappointment for the fact Malua’s remix of Mr Puta’s “Green Stuff” was NOT released on 4:20. That was a bad move on behalf of Dutch Master Works, however I can’t hold this against them as this remix is out of this world! Adding her own twist on this legendary classic, Malua not only modernised this anthemic track, but she managed to turn it into an absolute banger. Big ups to Malua, we can’t get enough of this melody!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/album/mr-puta-green-stuff-malua-remix/69371

#4 The Melodyst – Kill Mode

Italian Hardcore duo The Melodyst have truly outdone themselves with their recent release “Kill Mode.” Personally, these guys are one of the most underrated names in Hardcore; the tunes they pump out showcase a next-level energy, are of remarkable production quality and have the potential to sweep through and annihilate every dance-floor! For those who want to discover a new wave of Hardcore music, you should definitely check out “Kill Mode” – it’s lethal!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/the-melodyst/kill-mode

#3 Zatox – Check Out The Drop (Kronos Remix)

Coming in at number three is another Italian stallion. When I heard the news that Kronos had remixed one of Zatox’s biggest hits “Check Out The Drop” I was quite skeptical to say the least. Not only did he have huge shoes to fill, but the original was one of those tracks that was simply too good to be remixed. Boy, how wrong was I?! Kronos truly shed a whole new light on “Check Out The Drop,” with his effort putting one hundred ticks and gold stars next to his name. This remix is golden.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/album/zatox-check-out-the-drop-kronos-remix/69412

#2 AniMe – Sickness

After dropping her debut album “Exterminate” earlier this year, AniMe is continuing to keep her legacy high with her latest release “Sickness.” One thing I have to commend her on is how cleverly she used the sample, taken from Disturbed’s “Down With The Sickness,” which fits perfectly with the 170BPM madness she created. Everything from the melody, vocals, kicks and screeches work perfectly to create such a solid track. Tracks like this are bringing Hardcore to an all-time high.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/anime/sickness

#1 *WINNER* Frequencerz & Warface – Menace (D-Sturb Remix)

Stealing the winning spot this month is a track that’s notorious for its fat kick-rolls and brutal energy. Frequencerz & Warface’s “Menace” was already a tremendous track, however once forthcoming producer D-Sturb got his hands on it, a whole new level of ‘wow’ was achieved. He should be incredibly proud of this remix; not only has it become a huge favourite amongst fans and has had die-hards kickrolling all over the place, but it has also set the bar extremely high for aspiring raw Hardstyle producers. What an exceptional remix! A big congratulations to D-Sturb, we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on you!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/warface-and-frequencerz/menace/d-sturb-remix

 

Thanks for reading, we wish you all a very enjoyable and turnt Kingsday!