Raw, pounding kicks that shatter speakers and ignite mosh pits. 153–160 BPM.
Rawstyle is a subgenre of hardstyle that emerged in the Netherlands around 2010. It is characterized by heavily distorted, gritty kick drums, darker melodies, and a tempo range of 153-160 BPM. Rawstyle emphasizes a raw, aggressive sound compared to mainstream euphoric hardstyle.
The defining artists of Rawstyle — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Rawstyle.
Rawstyle is defined by its distorted, 'gritty' kick drums that often have a long, distorted tail. The kicks are layered with noise and distortion, creating a powerful, aggressive punch. Melodies are often minor-key, dark, and atmospheric, with heavy use of synth leads and basslines. The rhythm is driving and relentless, with a typical hardstyle 'reverse bass' pattern but with more complexity and variation.
The overall sound is intense and confrontational, designed for peak-time energy. Tracks often build tension with atmospheric intros before dropping into hard-hitting kicks. Vocals, if present, are often aggressive or distorted, adding to the raw aesthetic.
Rawstyle originated in the Netherlands around 2010 as a harder, darker offshoot of hardstyle. Producers began experimenting with more distorted kicks and less melodic, more industrial sounds, leading to a distinct subgenre.
Throughout the 2010s, Rawstyle evolved with sub-subgenres like rawphoric (mixing raw kicks with euphoric melodies) and xtra raw (even more extreme distortion and speed). Artists like Radical Redemption and Warface pushed the boundaries of aggression.
Culturally, Rawstyle is central to the hard dance scene, with dedicated events like Supremacy and Qapital. It appeals to fans seeking intensity and catharsis, often accompanied by dark, dystopian aesthetics in visuals and lyrics.
How Rawstyle is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
Producing Rawstyle requires careful kick design. The kick typically has a punchy transient (click) followed by a long, distorted tail. Layering multiple kicks and applying distortion, compression, and EQ is key. Common techniques include using a 'kick roll' pattern with off-beat hits to create a rolling feel.
Tempo is usually around 155 BPM, with a straight 4/4 kick pattern. Swing is minimal; the groove comes from the kick's rhythm and occasional off-beat synth stabs. Typical samples include industrial sounds, metallic impacts, and dark atmospheric pads. Synthesizers like Serum or Massive are used for leads and bass. The mix is often loud and aggressive, with heavy sidechain compression to make the kick cut through.
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