AAN’s Picks: Top 10 Releases of November, 2016!

And in the blink of an eye, we’re suddenly in the final days of November, meaning that it’s time to head over to Hardstyle.com and wrap up the month with ten of our favourite Hard Dance releases! 

*Talent Track* – Enyqma – Euphoria

At the moment, there’s a lot of promising talent being showcased on X-Bone records and the quality of these youngster’s music is pretty damn impressive! This month, I came across Enyqma’s latest release “Euphoria,” which is an exact embodiment of its title. Exhibiting a refreshing melody, energising drive and great quality, I really look forward to hearing what this next-gen producer comes up with next!

#10 Dailucia – Beneath The Rising Sun

After hearing a plethora of the same-old, ‘swingy’ melodic tracks, I came across Dailucia’s latest release “Beneath The Rising Sun,” which is a breath of fresh air into the genre. I can already envision singing along to this track whilst watching the sun melt behind the mainstage as it’s being blasted mid-evening at a summer festival. Good vibes, beautiful vocals and pure euphoria!

#9 EZG – Rellen in de Hel (Adaro Remix)

As my understanding of the Dutch language is abysmal, I have little to no idea what this track is about. However, all that aside, it’s safe to say that Mr. Adaro has managed to deliver a production that’s every raw Hardstyle fan-boy’s wet-dream. His remix of EZG’s “Rellen in de Hel” is undoubtedly a stellar production that will do damage on the dance-floors, especially throughout this winter season.

#8 Dr. Peacock & The Whistlers – The Lonely Shepherds 

It wouldn’t be an Alive At Night top 10 without the spicy sounds of Frenchcore! This month, music-making-machine Dr. Peacock has teamed up with The Whistlers to create a track that’ll transport listeners back to them good ole’ biblical times. “The Lonely Shepherds” is an interesting production to say the least; Peacock’s signature kicks combined with that heart-warming little flute melody adds a new dimension to the Frenchcore genre.

#7 Psyched – The Final Goodbye

Lately, it seems as though raw Hardstyle producers are falling into the pattern of creating tracks that feature crazy kickrolls, a standard melody and not much else… That was until I came across Psyched’s latest release “The Final Goodbye.” This track is incredible; the crunchy kicks, spine-tingling atmosphere and underground vibes all work together in unison to provide a next-level listening experience.

#6 Frontliner – Dragonblood (Defqon.1 Chile Anthem)

He’s produced an unforgettable Defqon.1 anthem before, and now the ‘melodyman’ has done it again! In light of this years’ Defqon.1 Chile, Frontliner has composed a rather zesty anthem that’s going to ignite this festival’s final edition… One component of the track that I found particularly clever was the inclusion of the Spanish vocals; I feel as though that, in combination with the general atmosphere, really represents the vibe of the lively Chilean crowd.

#5 Ruffneck & Promo – Perseverance (Never Surrender)

Released on Enzyme Records, two legends Ruffneck and Promo have teamed up to produce an incredible, atmospheric Hardcore banger titled “Perseverance.” Seriously, I can’t get enough of this track; not only does this all-round solid production define the modern Hardcore sound, but it’s also sets a good example in terms of its production quality. Big ups to Ruffneck and Promo – this track is beast-like!

#4 Avi8 – The Forgotten Star (Macks Wolf & Clarkey Remix)

When Avi8 first dropped the spine-shivering number “The Forgotten Star,” it felt as though melodic Hardstyle had turned over a new and exciting leaf. Fast-forward a couple of months, and this track is still shining, this time in the form of a UK Hardcore remix by Macks Wolf and Clarkey. For those who love a good dose of ‘donk and cheese,’ then you’re bound to fall in LOVE with this floaty, feel-good masterpiece.

#3 Wildstylez & Alpha² – Breathe (Regain Remix)

Hardstyle from the ‘golden era’ is fantastic and although it’s never been wise to go delving into the past and remixing every big hit from that era, once Regain laid his hands on Wildstylez and Alpha² 2011 hit “Breathe” he proved that it’s possible to pay respects to the original components, whilst unveiling a whole new vibe. There’s just something about Regain’s signature style that fits the original melody and vocals so well – nonetheless, I can’t get enough of this production!

#2 DJ Isaac, Technoboy & Tuneboy – Bitches 2016

“Yeah, I love all bitches…” Three of Hardstyle’s finest aged wines have teamed up and together their 2016 take of “Bitches,” has proved to all the youngsters that they’re the ones who still own the throne. Expect no less than pumping reverse bass, the most recognisable vocals in Hardstyle and of course, that signature melody spiced up with powerhouse vibes!

#1 *WINNER* Warface & D-Sturb feat. Kim Leyers – Focus

I thought that D-Sturb had absolutely nailed it when he dropped his monstrous remix of “Menace,” however once he teamed up with End Of Line buddy Warface, all hell broke loose and the pair revealed one of the biggest tracks of the year. Featuring gorgeous vocals by Kim Leyers, “Focus” is an absolute masterpiece that embodies such power and drive; it’s the track i’ll put on towards the end of a long run, whilst I’m speeding on the highway or dancing around my house naked. If “Focus” is any indication of the direction Raw Hardstyle will take in 2017, then bring it on!