AAN’s Picks – Top 10 Releases Of January, 2016!

Oh how time flies! It feels like it was only yesterday when we welcomed in 2016 with open arms. Nevertheless, now that the year is in full swing and most of us have already tossed our resolutions aside, it’s time to take a look at the music and observe which artists have kicked off their year the right way! January has been a little slow on the release front, however we still managed to fit our favourites into a top 10; so here you have it, our favourite hard dance releases from this month!

#10. The Fear – System Shock
If one things for sure, this ain’t your average hardcore track. Don’t be fooled by its ‘progressive’ nature and slower BPM because once the main drop hits, it proves that slower hardcore can also be just as powerful! System Shock really nailed it with “The Fear,” proving that they are worthy contenders in modern-day hardcore. We’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on their upcoming productions.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/system-shock/the-fear/original-mix

#9. THIS. – Coone feat. MC Sik-Wit-It
Belgium’s hardstyle hero Coone has still got it and his latest solo track “THIS.” featuring MC Sik-Wit-It proves his undying dedication to our scene. Despite the random trap-drop, the energy in “THIS” is next-level and it’s something I’d love to hear more of in modern productions. Another thing that I can’t get enough of is the fact that the track isn’t raw nor is it melodic – it’s just 100% powerful hardstyle.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/coone-featuring-mc-sik-wit-it/this/extended-mix

#8. Exterminate – AniMe
A few short days ago Italian hardcore sensation AniMe released her debut album “Exterminate,” an album that’s filled with versatility, energy and 100% pure quality hardcore! In light of this huge album, we just had to add in the titled track (and one of our personal favourites) “Exterminate” to our top 10. The track itself is catchy, energetic and an all-round banger! Not to mention it also contains a few elements used in raw hardstyle such as those filthy screeches!

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

#7. International Outernational – Geck-o
What a groovy little number we have right over here! Our favourite ‘hard dance hipster’ Geck-o once again proves that BPM’s don’t mean shit with his latest progressive masterpiece “International Outernational.” One thing that I must mention is that little drum & bass breakdown towards the end – we need more of this in hard dance instead of the same old ‘mainstream house’ breakdowns!  Not fitting into any boxes, “International Outernational” fits perfectly on the boundary-free platform Foolish.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/geck-o/international-outernational/original-mix

#6. Down Low 2016 – Deepack
When I first heard the 2016 re-amp of Deepack’s “Down Low” I thought to myself “wow, this is fucking sick!” Those screeches just did it for me and oh, don’t even get me started on the build-up and majestic, yet brutal atmosphere. This is the kind of energy I want to see from 2016’s productions because this energy is what real hardstyle is all about!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/deepack/down-low-2016-reamp/pro-mix

#5. Crack It – Scott Brown
You may have noticed that as of late we’ve been giving UK Hardcore quite some time in the spotlight and this month is no exception to the rule! After decades of piloting the scene, legendary UK Hardcore pioneer Scott Brown is still going strong with his releases! His modern productions are incredibly fun and upbeat, yet severely underrated, including his latest release “Crack It,” which is also a number that’s been on repeat at AAN headquarters! For those who haven’t quite been infected by UK Hardcore vibes, Scott Brown’s productions are the perfect starting point!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/scott-brown/crack-it/original-mix

#4. VIII – Audiotricz
After hitting the nail on the head with their anthem for WiSH Outdoor in 2015, I must admit that Audiotricz have a knack for creating huge anthems! The duo really outdid themselves with their Freaqshow anthem “VIII,” a number that fits mysterious tones of the party perfectly. Every aspect of this track works together to create a perfect parallel world around the event and I just can’t get enough of this powerful approach to melodic hardstyle!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/album/audiotricz-viii/67373

#3. Just A Memory – Prefix & Density

Prefix & Density have been on a roll this past year and judging by their plethora of incredible releases, 2016 is expected to be just as big for the Theracords duo! Their latest release “Just A Memory” has not only dominated the charts for weeks, but it’s worked its way into fans hearts with its hard-hitting, yet atmospheric sound and that beautiful melody. Big ups to Prefix & Density – we can’t wait to see what you guys have planned for 2016!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/prefix-density/just-a-memory

#2. Nightfort – Furyan & Kasparov
Fresh from Furyan’s “Wrath” EP is a collaboration with long-standing artist Kasparov and absolute masterpiece that goes by the name “Nightfort.” This track is absolutely sensational and for me, it outlines that the future of hardcore is looking more promising than ever! For those who have fallen a little out of touch with hardcore, this melodic, yet energetic bomb will get that love affair back on track. Big ups to both Kasparov and Furyan for this killer track.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/furyan-kasparov/nightfort/original-mix

*WINNER* #1. The World Is Yours – Delete
Released alongside “Dismissed Again,” Aussie hardstyle wonder Delete also dropped “The World Is Yours,” a colossal banger with an unexpected twist. Staying true to his signature rough and underground sound, somewhere in the middle of the track, Delete hits listeners with an astonishing melody accompanied by a larger-than-life atmosphere! Personally, I feel that “The World Is Yours” is one of his best productions to date; everything in it is perfect and with music like this, this Theracords superstar will be on a ride to the top!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/delete/the-world-is-yours

That was our Top 10 releases of January! Do you agree with our selection? Let us know in the comments below. By the looks of the great releases from this month, it’s safe to say that 2016 be a year filled with great music.