Hardcore: an analysis & the different sub-genres of hard techno
- 03/05/2023
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Hardcore electronic music has taken an important place in the musical culture of our generation. It is a genre of music that is highly appreciated by young people around the world. This music is categorized as electronic music and is characterized by its fast pace, saturated sounds and heavy bass. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the different sub-genres of hardcore music, including Hardcore, Hardstyle, Hardtek and many more.
The different types of Hardcore music
Hardcore electronic music was born in the early 90s in Europe, more specifically in Holland and Belgium. DJs began adding faster, harder sounds to their sets, creating a new musical genre. The music was originally a mix of techno, house, breakbeat and gabber. Gabber is a dance style that accompanied hardcore music in the early days. It was a dance movement that involved moving one’s arms and legs rapidly and jerkily, leaning forward. The success of hardcore music soon became international, with major stages in Europe, North America and Asia.
Over the years, hardcore electronic music has evolved and diversified. Sub-genres have been created such as terrorcore, speedcore, frenchcore, happy hardcore, darkcore, industrial hardcore and many more. Each sub-genre has its own sonic and rhythmic characteristics, reflecting the diversity of the hardcore scene.
*Please note that these BPMs are not set in stone and may vary depending on the artist and the specific musical production.
Here are the different sub-styles of hardcore:
Hardstyle – tempo 150-160 BPM
Hardstyle is a sub-genre that emerged in the 2000s. It is characterized by a combination of deep bass and slower rhythms than Hardcore, while retaining an energetic, intense sound. Within Hardstyle, there are several sub-genres such as Jumpstyle, Rawstyle and Hardcore Hardstyle. Jumpstyle is a dance genre that emerged from the Hardstyle scene, characterized by jumping leg movements and fast rhythms. Rawstyle is a subgenre of Hardstyle that features heavier bass and slower rhythms than traditional Hardstyle, while Hardcore Hardstyle combines elements of Hardcore and Hardstyle to create a unique sound.
Hardtek – tempo 160-180 BPM
Hardtek is a subgenre of electronic music that emerged in the 90s. It is characterized by fast tempos, complex rhythms and powerful electronic tones. Hardtek has several sub-genres, including Tribe, Hitech andAcid. Tribe is a sub-genre characterized by long percussion progressions and increased use of vocal samples. Hitech is Hardtek’s fastest subgenre, with rhythms that can reach up to 200 BPM, while Acid incorporates acid house-inspired sonic elements.
Acidcore – tempo 140-180 BPM
Acidcore is a style of hardcore music characterized by acid sounds that are often samples of Roland TB-303 machine sounds. The tempo of acidcore is very fast, varying between 140 and 180 BPM. Apart from that, acidcore is also associated with very loud bass and piercing vocals.
Hitech -tempo de 180-200 BPM
Hitech is a style of hardcore music characterized by very fast tempos that can go up to 200 BPM and even more. Apart from that, Hitech is also characterized by very aggressive sounds and very strong bass. Hitech is also often associated with trance music, with elements of electronic music.
Frenchcore – tempo 180-220 BPM
To understand Frenchcore, you need to start by understanding French culture and its relationship with dance music. This musical genre is characterized by a more upbeat sound than other forms of hardcore. Frenchcore often uses samples of traditional French music or other cultural elements. One of the best-known Frenchcore artists is Dr. Peacock. Peacock. His tracks are often known for their energetic rhythm and use of accordion.
Industrial Hardcore – tempo 160-200 BPM
Industrial Hardcore is another sub-genre of hardcore music, a sort of fusion between industrial and hardcore music. This genre has a more mechanical, darker sound than other forms of hardcore. Artists who focus on Industrial Hardcore are often bands or artists who value hard work and musical production in the studio. An example of a producer of Industrial Hardcore music is The Outside Agency.
Darkcore – tempo 160-180 BPM
Darkcore is a style of hardcore music that focuses on darker, more aggressive sounds. Unlike Frenchcore, which is known for its upbeat rhythm, this genre doesn’t exhibit happy moments. Darkcore is often produced using horror movie samples or other elements that create a sinister, very dark atmosphere. Another important aspect of Darkcore is its tendency to use saturated, heavy bass. A well-known Darkcore producer is I:Gor.
Terror – tempo 160-200 BPM
Terror is a style of hardcore music characterized by a very dark, aggressive ambience. Terror is also characterized by a fast tempo of 160 to 200 BPM. Apart from this, terror is also associated with very aggressive sounds and piercing vocal samples that intermingle with very loud bass. Terror is a musical genre that originated in Germany.
Speedcore – tempo above 300 BPM
Speedcore, another subgenre of hardcore music, is characterized by incredibly fast BPMs, often in excess of 300. Speedcore is known for its brutal, relentless pace, and is very often associated with an underground scene. Speedcore artists are often highly respected in the hardcore community for their ability to produce energy-filled tracks. One famous Speedcore artist is DJ Sharpnel.
Gabber – tempo 180-220 BPM
Gabber is the best-known subgenre of hardcore music in Europe. Gabber differs from other styles of hardcore in that it often uses more aggressive synths and deeper bass than other sub-genres of hardcore music. Gabber was popular in the 90s, but is still played today by hardcore DJs. One famous Gabber artist is Angerfist.
In short, these different sub-genres of hardcore music are proof that stereotypes about this musical genre should be rejected. Descriptions of sub-genres such as Hardcore, Hardstyle, Hardtek, Frenchcore, Industrial Hardcore, Darkcore, Speedcore and Gabber show that hardcore electronic music is highly diverse. While bands or artists may define themselves by a specific musical style, their experience and production methods can extend into other sub-genres, creating an incredible breadth of sonic possibilities for hardcore music fans. Ultimately, whatever their preferences for intensity or violence, there’s something for every hardcore music lover.
Hardcore electronic music has evolved from an underground genre to an international music scene. It has influenced fashion, dance and youth music culture. Hardcore music is also associated with transgression and the rejection of social norms, referring to an alternative, subversive and anti-conformist culture. For hardcore music fans, music is more than just a musical genre, it’s a way of life.
