RECAP: 10 incredible Hard Dance moments from 2016!

I’ll spare you all the ‘time flies when you’re having fun spiel,’ because most of us are well-aware that 2016 has been an absolutely monstrous year for Hard Dance music. Boundaries were crossed, lines were blurred, records were broken and rules were bent over and f*cked from behind.

Over the past twelve months, the entire industry has experienced a remarkable amount of growth, as Hard Dance music has evolved into a sophisticated, niche movement that more and more prospective fans are immersing themselves into.

With that being said, I think it’s about time we jump in and observe the year that has seemingly flashed before our eyes. Join us, as we take a look at ten incredible moments and happenings that defined the year 2016.

#10. Albums, albums, albums!

If one thing’s for sure, it’s that 2016 has been the year of albums! Fans have been kept rather busy this year as their playlists have been flooded by a sea of new tunes, all included on the numerous albums that have dropped.

Let’s take a moment to embrace the many albums that have dropped in 2016.

– Digital Punk – Adapt Or Die                    – Geck-o – Alien Sound System

– AniMe – Exterminate                                  – Frequencerz – Medium Rare

– Audiofreq – Audiology                            – Dr Phunk – Phunked Up

– Alphaverb – Latency                              – Technikore & JTS – Gridlock

– Miss K8 – Magnet                                 – Crypsis – Program Hostile

– Alpha2 – Recharged                               – Coone – Less Is More

– Brennan Heart – I Am Hardstyle            – Rebelion – Uprising

– Minus Militia – Militant Mayhem            – Atmozfears – Mini Album

– MKN – 100% Reverse Bass                          – Wasted Penguinz – Clarity

– Tieum – Welcome To My Drugstore          – Da Tweekaz – #Tweekay16

– DJ Thera – The New Era                           – Retrospect – Retrovision

– Dr Peacock – Trip Around The World

– Noize Suppressor – Legacy Of Noize

– Destructive Tendencies – Slaves To The Darkness

Did we miss any? We hope not!

#9. The development and evolution of RAW

Raw Hardstyle has experienced a rather interesting and controversial journey over the years, however 2016 has seen this specific style expanding and evolving into a sophisticated force to be reckoned with. Raw Hardstyle pioneers such as Radical Redemption, Digital Punk, Ran-D, Frequencerz, Adaro, B-Front and Endymion have been able to push the sound to a wider audience during performances on various mainstages.

Furthermore, ‘raw’ as we know it has also taken an unexpected turn. Many followers predicted that this sound would become harder and faster, however it seems as though 2016 has seen these rougher sounds being harmonised by unexpected melodies and stunning vocals.

Wanna read more about Raw Hardstyle’s evolution? Check out our in-depth review HERE.

#8. 30 Years The Prophet!

This year, the ‘godfather’ of Hardstyle celebrated 30 Years of steadfast loyalty to the music and its surrounding scene. Not only renowned for his vast discography that consists of numerous old classics and modern bangers, but The Prophet is also accountable for Hardstyle’s significant growth and development over the years.

As the proud owner of the Scantraxx Recordz imprint, the label is undoubtedly one of the most encouraging platforms for new talent to thrive on. Discovering the likes of Devin Wild, Energyzed, Noiseshock, Adrenalize, JNXD and many more, The Prophet has helped the careers of these youngsters slide onto the path to success!

On the 12th of November, one hell of a party was thrown as The Prophet invited over 30 DJ’s to help celebrate the night! With collaborators from all eras of Dov’s career stepping up to the wheels of steel, this night was no less than legendary.

We’d once again like to congratulate Dov on reaching this remarkable milestone. Onto the next thirty!

#7. Noisekick’s Holy Terror sit-down @ Defqon.1

Early on Sunday morning at Defqon.1, punters ran at lightning speed to witness one of the most unique and hilarious spectacles of the weekend – I’m indeed talking about the Terror sit-down!

There’s just something so unique (and hilarious) about watching seated individuals dancing to 200BPM+ tunes. I don’t know how this seated Terrorcore-rave hype begun in the first place, but boy, am I glad that it did!

I don’t think Q-dance fathomed just how many people were intent on witnessing the biggest Terror sit-down to date, as the small area was flooded with seated and also standing visitors who rapidly danced to the Holy sounds of Terrorcore! Led by none other than Noisekick, this was definitely one of the most creative and fun concepts held over the weekend. For those who were lucky enough to score themselves a chair, I salute you!

#6. House going HARDSTYLE 

Despite the unwritten rivalry that seems to exist between mainstream House and Hardstyle, this year it seems that it has vanished a little bit, as producers from both genres have formed quite the liking to each other. It’s evident that many artists outside the harder styles have formed a special interest toward the genre, not only dropping 150BPM and above during their sets, but also teaming up with our artists for exclusive collaborations.

In 2016, we’ve seen Showtek embracing their roots as the pair teamed up with Italian legends TNT to create stellar collab “Mellow.”

Another name who’s been displaying on-going support for the 150BPM life is Hardwell; in 2016 the producer worked alongside youngster Sephyx to create the heart-melting remix of “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers, as well as working with one of Freestyle’s leading names, Dr Phunk. Furthermore, Hardwell also went on an epic rant, where he jumped on the mic during his performance at ADE, shouting “Fuck the DJ Mag,” as well as dubbing Atmozfears as a better producer than him.

Another House legend who’s been welcomed with open arms is Sander van Doorn, who collaborated with ‘King’ Noisecontrollers to create “Just Won’t Get Enough.” Immersing himself into a Hardstyle experience like no other, Sander van Doorn jumped on stage with Noisecontrollers to premiere this collaboration. Read more about Sander van Doorn’s Hardstyle adventures in our EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW. 

#5. Warface holding a minute’s silence to farewell devoted Hardstyle fan

During the summertime, renowned festival The Qontinent lit up with heart-warming unity as we sadly fare-welled a member of the community. With the tragic news of devoted fan Christophe Saeleart’s passing, many artists and fans shared photos with Christophe, publicly expressing their sadness and displaying their respects.

One particular artist who was well-acquainted with Christophe was Warface, who not only expressed his sadness by sharing a photo alongside the devoted fan via social media, but also held one minute of silence for him during his set at The Qontinent. The entire crowd turned silent for one minute as they remembered a cherished friend and valued member of this scene.

When Warface posted the video online, the scene erupted with emotions and support. Despite the tragedy surrounding Christophe’s passing, it was truly heart-warming to see how caring and cohesive our scene is. It doesn’t matter whether you are a fan or artist – everybody is respected and loved.

#4. Defqon.1 Legends set

It’s been said that the Sunday afternoon of Defqon.1 festival in The Netherlands held one of the most surprising spectacles our scene has ever witnessed. Reducing even the buffest, toughest party-goers to tears, the nostalgic Defqon.1 legends set saw three of the most influential names jump on stage and celebrate a legacy like no other.

Consisting of The Prophet, Technoboy and Headhunterz, these three artists were the perfect choice for the Defqon.1 Legends slot, as the trio have supported, collaborated and encouraged each other over the years.

#3. All about Headhunterz!

From stepping back onto the Defqon.1 mainstage, to shaving his head, or rocking out with The Prophet at his 30 Years celebration, Headhunterz’ majestic return to Hardstyle has without a doubt been one of the biggest stories of 2016!

After moving away from Hardstyle’s boundaries a couple of years ago, Headhunterz kicked numerous goals in the House music sphere, however it’s as if the 150BPM virus has struck this year, because Heady has been popping up left, right and centre! Thanking fans for their on-going compassion, love and appreciation, after his surprise appearance at Defqon.1, Headhunterz took it to Facebook, stating:  “(…) to the unforgettable experience of being welcomed with open arms once more by my hardstyle family at Defqon.1. All confusion, all negativity, all judgement and frustration just completely melted and I felt connected to all of you like I have never ever in my life felt connected with people.”

In conjunction with Project One’s revival and the launch of his eye-opening vlog series, we’re incredibly curious to see what 2017 holds for this pioneer.

#2. The return of THUNDERDOME

After three years of silence, in 2015, every gabber’s wet dream became a reality when the beloved wizard of Thunderdome returned for an exclusive die-hard day. This day saw hundreds of gabbers re-shaving their heads, chucking on their favourite jacket and heading on down to the Melkweg to re-unite and party with other like-minded souls.

Sparking a massive spin-off, another die-hard day was definitely in order, and on the 3rd of December hundreds of long-time Hardcore fanatics made their way down to Amsterdam for a wild family gathering! Thunderdome’s 2016 die-hard day inevitably paved the way for what’s to come in 2017 and judging by the skyline message left at Dominator, we’re assuming that something huge is in the works for their 25 year anniversary!

HARDCORE WILL NEVER DIE!

#1. Project One’s triumphant return

This right here is unquestionably the biggest news that’s swept through the Hardstyle scene in a long time, leaving fans scratching their heads in disbelief, as they ask themselves one famous question – “Is it fantasy, or reality…?”

When notorious super-act Project One were announced on the Qlimax 2016 and HSU presents: Knockout Circuz line-ups, the Hardstyle scene erupted into a state of pure euphoria. Oh, the sweet, nostalgic feels of the golden era’s peak were coming back to grace us once more! With these two come-back performances said to be a game-changing spectacle, it was also said that the return of Project One has evidently turned over a new leaf in Hardstyle.

Are we going back to the basics…? It sure as hell looks that way!

 

On behalf of the Alive At Night team, I’d like to thank all of our fans, contributing artists, organisations and casual readers for all of their support during 2016. We’ve had an exciting year and we’re ready to grasp 2017 by the balls (literally) and continue delivering the zestiest content to the harder styles.

Finally, we’d like to wish everybody a lovely, relaxing Christmas break and a very wild, turnt New Year’s Eve! Lots of love – Cassi.