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

Festival-wise, July has been one of the most incredible months of the year and before you can ask, things have also been prosperous on the release front too. There’s been hits, surprising new talents and an inevitable display of everything Hard Dance has to offer and guess what? We’ve comprised them into a compact list of 10 (and a complementary talent showcase)! Gear up and read all about what AAN was digging in the month of July!

*Talent Track* – Synthsoldier – The Sound

This month, our talent track spot goes to one of our buddies from down under, Synthsoldier! Aside from creating our new logo (yes, he did and yes, it’s coming soon) he’s known for making some pretty insane tunes and is one of the most promising talents coming forth. Let me just say that if this guy located in The Netherlands there’s no doubt he’d already be discovered by all of the big labels and organisations. Nonetheless, his latest track “The Sound” is a stunning, spine-shivering piece of art with an idyllic melody. Warning, it’s not your typical melodic track, so approach with an open mind and immerse yourself in the blanket of feels!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/synthsoldier/the-sound/original-mix

#10 Technikore & Zander – My Territory 2016

Alright, who’s ready to kick the top 10 off with happy vibes, high BPMs and undying ‘donk’ energy?! Now, I know that nothing will ever beat Technikore’s recent release “Just Be;” this majestic, euphoric number is my personal Happy Hardcore anthem, however if there’s one thing about Technikore it’s that he ALWAYS delivers something cool. This time, teaming up with Zander, “My Territory 2016” was born, which is a solid, UKHC track containing all of the most important aspects.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/technikore-and-zander/my-territory-2016/original-mix

#9 TNT – Wasteland

Reverse bass, funky screeches and progressive energy – what else could a Hardstyle lover want?! Representing this years’ edition of Wasteland, Italy’s finest whipped up a majestic song to guide visitors through the night. TNT always delivers; whether they’re creating an old-school re-vamp or a modern number like “Wasteland,” it’s evident that whatever the situation these guys pull out the big guns!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/tnt/wasteland/extended-version

#8 Minus Miltia – Ain’t F_cking Around (Militant Edit)

This top 10 wouldn’t be complete without a bit of militia mayhem! In true Militia style, “Ain’t Fucking Around,” showcases the strengths of the three powerhouse representatives as they blow this one out of the water, creating a raw, hard-hitting and atmospheric masterpiece. Already a huge success on the dancefloor, this one also goes alright during angry workouts and of course, in the car on the way to a festival!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/minus-militia/aint-f_cking-around/militant-edit

#7 Clockartz – Humanity

Italian duo Clockartz have climbed to all new heights in 2016. Industriously pumping out tracks of an insane quality, these guys are on a sure-fire road to the top! Known for their rule bending, boundary pushing approach to raw Hardstyle, this month we’ve decided to feature their latest experiment “Humanity.” Energetic, dark, danceable and appealing to all ears, Clockartz once again prove that not sticking to a formula is nothing but great.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/clockartz/humanity/dj-mix

#6 Kasparov – Back 2 Reality

High BPM’s, aggressive, bouncing kicks and Hardcore in its purest form is what Kasparov is all about! His latest track “Back 2 Reality” had me instantly captivated and this energetic number has been on repeat ever since. Boasting an unprecedented quality, this track is brilliantly simple, yet complex in its nature as everything from the sound design to vocals go hand in hand, creating a solid hit. So if Hardstyle just isn’t cutting it for you these days, you should definitely ramp up the BPM and try something new.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/kasparov/back-2-reality/original-mix

#5 Dany BPM – Forever

Now, we have a bit of a wildcard coming in at number 5 this month. Released on Noize Junky, Dany BPM isn’t exactly the type of artists you’d usually see featured in our Top 10, however his track “Forever” just really did it for me. Pumped up with energy and good vibes, everything from the vocals, funky kicks and underground-ish vibe makes it the perfect track to amp up the party. For those who are up for an unconvential Hard Dance track, then look no further!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/dany-bpm/forever/extended-mix

#4 Sound Rush – Lifetime

Sound Rush have certainly stepped it up in the past year or so. Pumping out melodic bombs like it’s 2009, these twins are working their way up to the top of Hardstyle’s ladder, improving with every track they add to their eclectic catalogue. Their most recent release “Lifetime” has proven to be a stunning success, grabbing the hearts of thousands of die-hards and reducing even the toughest raw Hardstyle fans to a state of emotional sensitivity. Just a final word to the Sound Rush guys – keep up the amazing work, it’s definitely paying off!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/sound-rush/lifetime/pro-mix

#3 Phuture Noize – Avarice

What happens when you combine swag with Hardstyle? Well, it can go either way to be honest. On one end of the spectrum it can turn out to sound like an over-done absolute ball of crap, or in the case of Phuture Noize’s brand new “Avarice” it can turn out to be a tasteful blend that showcases the best of both worlds. I’m absolutely loving this track; it’s got a slightly sinister feel and great flow, despite the trap breaks. Additionally, I feel ashamed to say this, but up until a few seconds I didn’t even know what the word avarice meant, so thank you Phuture Noize for expanding my vocabulary.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/phuture-noize/avarice/extended-mix

#2 Digital Punk & Radical Redemption – Protest Of Indignation

When two raw Hardstyle heavyweights hurl themselves into a collab, one can expect an endless stream of aggression, kickrolls and penetrating screeches all wrapped together in one powerful hit! However, all expectations were thrown out the window when Virgo buddies Digital Punk and Radical Redemption collaborated and came out with “Protest Of Indignation.” I must say, the majestic melody in this massive number is unexpected, exhilarating and tantalising all at once! Big ups to both guys for creating one of the biggest tracks of the season!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/digital-punk-and-radical-redemption/protest-of-indignation/original-mix

#1 *WINNER* NCBM – Holding On

The first time I heard “Holding On” I felt a rush of pure, matchless euphoria combined with a tinge of melancholia as I imagined clinging onto someone and not wanting to let go. For me, from an emotional perspective this is what a love song ultimately sounds like. “Holding On” is powerful, emotionally-charged and intense, what else could a Hardstyle lover want?! NCBM seriously nailed this one and it may just be the biggest highlight of their recently released “Chapter One” mini album. If these brossifs-in-crime continue smashing out top-notch releases like this, then I may have found myself invested in the whole ‘live-act’ notion.

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/noisecontrollers-and-bass-modulators/holding-on/edit