AAN’s Picks – Top 10 releases of August, 2016!

I don’t know if it’s because of the spectacular weather or I’m just feeling more sassy than usual, but this month I’ve really been feeling the tunes up in the higher BPM’s. As you can see from this rather eclectic list, I’ve chosen a lot of Hardcore releases, simply because the truckload of Hardstyle releases just weren’t cutting it for me. Harsh, I know, but I found it difficult to pick out Hardstyle tracks that actually made me feel something more than a slight kick of energy (or total boredom), so this month lets embrace the faster beats and the appealing originality they can bring.

Of course we also have an awesome talent track lined up that comes all the way from Australia as well as an out-of-the-box wildcard that’ll really get those feet pumping. So without further ado, here’s our slightly controversial Top 10 release chart from the month of August.

*Talent Track* Firelite – Desire

Hailing from Australia, Firelite is undoubtedly one of the countries most promising new talents. Now taking a step overseas to release his music on Scantraxx’s sub-label X-Bone, it’s evident that this youngster is soon to be known in the European scene. His latest release “Desire” is a floaty, melodic masterpiece that still maintains the powerful edge that Hardstyle is known for. Displaying an impressive quality in this heart-warming number, there’s no doubt that Firelite is well on his way to conquer bigger and better things!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/firelite/desire/original-mix

*Open Your Mind* M-Project & Steve Heller – The Time Is Now

This month you probably noticed that the list is a little out-of-the-box and quite frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way! It’s important that the entire spectrum of the harder styles gets showcased, not just Hardstyle and Hardcore. When I came across this killer production in the recent releases I couldn’t let it slide – the energy in “The Time Is Now” is out of this world and the overall sound of the track is like nothing I’ve ever heard before. I’m calling it, Japanese prodigy M-Project and Lethal Theory’s Steve Heller could teach fellow producers a thing or two about being open-minded. Big ups to the guys for creating this mind-blowing track – it’s on repeat at AAN headquarters!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/m-project-and-steve-heller/the-time-is-now/original-mix

#10 Mr. Ivex & Cyclon feat. Dr. Peacock – Le Flow

Many of you already know that I’ve become a little bit of a Frenchcore fanatic over these past few months and it’s not without reason – this genre makes me feel an unparalleled power and energy that I haven’t felt in such a long time. Nonetheless, coming in at #10 this month is no less than power-trio Mr. Ivex, Cyclon and Dr. Peacock with the killer track “Le Flow.” I’m absolutely loving the guitar and rock vocals in there – what a huge track!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/mr.-ivex-and-cyclon-ft.-dr.-peacock/le-flow/original-mix

#9 D-Sturb – Ready To Roll

More like, ready to kickroll! End Of Line representative D-Sturb yet again exceeds expectations by creating a soul-crushing banger that of course, contains a shit-ton of kickrolls. This one has been doing serious damage on the dance-floor lately and it’s no surprise – the energy in “Ready To Roll” is freaking insane! An all-round solid raw Hardstyle track that showcases the genre in its best light and another step forward for the young prodigy.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/d-sturb/ready-to-roll/original-mix

#8 Outbreak – Blackout (Ground Zero Anthem)

Ground Zero is an overnight festival that’s known for its obscure and eerie vibe as well as having that true ‘rave’ atmosphere about it and in this years’ Hardstyle anthem Outbreak captured that vibe perfectly! Not to mention, the crunchy kicks are impressive, the melody is dark, yet majestic and the overall sound kind of reminds me of Crypsis’ older work. “Blackout” isn’t your typical raw Hardstyle banger; it’s complex, focused on sound design and is a musical-based production. Great job, Outbreak!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/outbreak/blackout/official-ground-zero-2016-anthem

#7 Ran-D feat. LXCPR – United (Decibel Outdoor Anthem)

I’m calling it now – Ran-D never disappoints. Known for boasting productions that showcase immense quality and creativity, when the word came out that he had the honour to create the Decibel Outdoor anthem I was incredibly excited. After dropping an immense Defqon.1 anthem last year, there was no doubt that “United” would be just as huge and guess what? It is! Just like “No Guts, No Glory,” this anthem sheds light on his signature sound as well as packing in a majestic, anthematic vibe!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/ran-d-featuring-lxcpr/united-official-decibel-2016-anthem/pro-mix

#6 Devin Wild – Components Of Matter

You can hear that with every release Scantraxx-youngster Devin Wild drops, his style is improving and becoming more refined. Already boasting incredible talent in the studio and a creative mind, this rising star just dropped one of his most quality releases. “Components Of Matter” includes an awesome melody as well as powerful kicks and an invigorating atmosphere. It’s melodic yes, but not cheesy or mundane and that’s why I love it so much!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/devin-wild/components-of-matter/original-mix

#5 Showtek, Technoboy & Tuneboy – Mellow

When fallen legends Showtek revealed that they were working alongside no less than TNT, the news spread like wildfire across the scene as excitement built to an ultimate peak. Now, months later, the final result is here and I’m loving it! I expected “Mellow” to be a shitty hard-drop track with weak kicks and an EDM-inspired melody, however the track comprised so much more than that. The kicks are 100% Hardstyle and all the right vibes are included to create a fully-fledged hit to sustain the summer!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/album/showtek-technoboy-and-tuneboy-mellow/71596

#4 Frequencerz – Die Hards Only (Q-BASE Anthem)

Representing this years’ edition of Q-BASE is no less than Frequencerz. Becoming masters in a sound that strikes through both melodic and raw, this duo have successfully executed some immense releases on their “Medium Rare” album. Back again with massive anthem “Die Hards Only,” this track is fresh, original and produced with utmost love and precision. These guys never disappoint and there’s no doubt that they’re going to tear Q-BASE to shreds!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/frequencerz/die-hards-only-q-base-anthem-2016/pro-mix

#3 Art Of Fighters – The Scream Of Eva

Alright, now these next three tracks all belong to the higher BPM’s and I’m not even remotely sorry. Hardstyle just didn’t cut it this month, however Art Of Fighters’ “The Scream Of Eva” certainly did! This exotic production isn’t just outside of the box – it’s out of this fucking world! Breaking past the usual Hardcore formula of tough vocals, a massive drop and a melody, this release has a different flow to it and in conjunction with the epic, cinematic sound it comprises one of my favourite Hardcore tracks of 2016. For those who want something a little zesty and diverse, then I suggest you play this one LOUD.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/art-of-fighters/the-scream-of-eva/neon-genesis-evangelion-tribute

#2 Re-Style & Scott Brown ft. Ceci – I Go Crazy

Holy fucking shit. This track is insane – I repeat, INSANE. UK Hardcore legend Scott Brown teamed up with Re-Style to create this heart-melting and uplifting Hardcore anthem named “I Go Crazy.” Featuring vocals by Ceci, this ‘love song’  proves that Hardcore doesn’t have to be aggressive and all about death, sometimes the more lighthearted tracks are way more effective and in this case Re-Style and Scott Brown executed a hit with flying colours. I admit that I did play it full blast whilst running around my house naked, but hey, that’s another story… 

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/re-style-and-scott-brown-ft-ceci/i-go-crazy/radio-edit

#1 *WINNER* Dr. Peacock & Mr. Ivex – Vive la Frenchcore (Anthem 2016)

It was Defqon.1 2016 and I was filming at the Frenchcore Silent Disco for the Friday Day Report. I’d never taken the time to really sit down and listen to Frenchcore and as far as I was aware it was that fast ‘shit’ that cooked people played on the campsite at 7AM. However, once I slid the pair of headphones on and jumped up on stage with Dr. Peacock (yeah, I did) I felt this incredible, matchless vibe that I’d never felt before. Whilst I was raving on stage he was playing “Vive la Frenchcore,” otherwise known as my favourite Frenchcore track of all time.

I didn’t think that the genre was known for being uplifting and catchy, however Peacock and Mr. Ivex proved me wrong on that! This production is absolutely mind-blowing; the majestic vibe in conjunction with penetrating kicks and soul-capturing melody makes it an instant win for me! Congratulations to Dr. Peacock and Mr. Ivex for taking the #1 position in our August chart – it’s well deserved. VIVE LA FRENCHCORE!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/dr.-peacock-and-mr.-ivex/vive-la-frenchcore-anthem-2016/original-mix

Thanks to all of our readers for tuning into our top 10 this month! We’ll see you all in September 🙂