More Than Just Knäckebröd: Sweden’s contribution to the harder styles…

Abba, Volvo, fika and Köttbullar. Zlatan, Avicii and knäckebröd. These are just a few things and people that I’d guess you’d know are Swedish. What I assume that you are less enlightened about is that many, extremely talented Hardstyle producers also hail from this sparsely populated nation.

Therefore, as a Swede, I feel as though it’s my duty to promote a few of my countrymen who are piloting the harder styles and representing the blue and yellow. For many of you, the act that first pops into mind is, of course, Wasted Penguinz. Although they are, without a doubt, the leading name in the Swedish Hardstyle industry, our country has even more flourishing artists to offer – I promise!

In this article, I’ll list and review a handful of Swedish artists that you should keep on your radar. Perhaps you’ll find yourself a new favourite Hardstyle-viking, who’s actually of Viking decent and not Scottish – just kidding, we love you Caine.

D-Charged

This guy injects an interesting, and in my opinion, refreshing edge to the Hardstyle genre. With groovy and often jazz-influenced melodies, his music is certainly something different and the breath of fresh air that the genre is in dire need of. Even though he’s only 19 years old, he has already managed to release more than a handful of great tracks and with that said, I must admit that I’m excited to hear what he comes up with in the future.

Ezenia

If you like artists such as Avi8, Sylence or Wasted Penguinz, then Ezenia’s music is a must-listen. With seducing and dream-like melodies, this guy pushes the extremities of euphoric Hardstyle. Ezenia’s music is the perfect cure for a hangover and also a great way to boost your wellbeing.

MVTATE

The man, the myth, the MVTATE. To be honest, I wish that more Hardstyle was made the way MVTATE makes it. Creative melodies, cocky screeches and perfectly on-point kicks – is there anything else I could ask for? No, of course not. Personally, I feel as though his music has a very original sound and never fails to provide me with that exuberant Hardstyle-joy – the same feeling that made me fall in love with this music in the first place.

Euphorizer

Believe it or not, but Euphorizer only popped up onto my radar a few weeks ago when I heard “Rainbows,” produced by him and Gabriel Paxon. This track is to me, a perfect example of when you only need to listen to it for a few seconds to know that you will love it. If you haven’t taken your time to listen to it, I strongly recommend that you max out your speakers and press play below. If he keeps releasing music like this, I’m sure that I’m not the only one who’d want to stay updated.

Wasted Penguinz

Do these guys even need an introduction? With their stellar album “Clarity” released in November last year, they once again confirmed their ability to create touching music. It’s completely astonishing how they make their music so melancholic, yet so uplifting. Soul-penetrating melodies, coupled up with heart-melting vocals and deep story-lines is exactly what you can expect from Pontuz and Jon. It still surprises me that they haven’t gotten the opportunity to perform at Qlimax. Q-dance, what are you doing?!

Insidiouz

Perhaps you recognise a pattern here and you’re thinking that all Swedish Hardstyle artists only produce ‘euphoric’ Hardstyle. If that’s the case, you’re dead wrong. If raw kicks and brutal screeches is your cup of tea, then Insidiouz is the guy to look for. With tracks, such as “Warchief” and “Chainsaw”, he has definitely made himself a name in the raw-sphere of the scene. Not to mention his slamming collaboration with Regain “No Survivors” was featured on Regains newly-released album ‘Point Of No Return.’

Blackwatch

The opening track of the ‘Point Of No Return’ album is “Dying Light”, by Regain and Blackwatch. It’s a nostalgic track which brings the listener back to a time of classic Hardstyle. Blackwatch is also responsible for two other collaborations with Regain; “My Existence” and “Go Harder”, as well as “Darkest Knight” together with D-Charged. “Darkest Knight” is a track that I’d like to highlight; I can’t seem to understand why it hasn’t generated more plays on streaming portals, nor spread like wildfire across the scene.

Chris One

Forest-wanderer Chris One has a larger discography than a lot of other producers and has been around for quite a few years. Within this time he’s dropped numerous huge tracks; a great example is his 2011 release “Psycho,” a dance-floor banger which literally exploded. Lately he has been releasing raw tunes at TMS (The Magic Show) and is undoubtedly one of the most important names in the Swedish Hardstyle scene.

Eternityz (Hardcore)

Brutal, vicious and unmerciful. That’s how I’d like to describe Eternityz’s performances on stage. I’ve seen him play a few times and he certainly knows how to make an audience release those last savings of energy. Make sure to check out his track together with The Dope Doctors called “The Beginning” which is linked below.

If you find yourself interested in any of these artists, make sure to follow them on Facebook and other social media. I hope you’ve learnt that Sweden is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the harder styles and that we’re much more than a bunch of meat-ball eating Vikings!