Hardstyle is defined by 140–150 BPM tempo, a distorted and pitched kick drum, and euphoric supersaw leads

Hardstyle is a hard dance genre that emerged from the late 1990s Dutch Hard Trance scene and is strongly associated with the Netherlands. Its defining sonic codes are: fast tempo (140–150 BPM); a heavily distorted and pitch-modulated kick drum that also functions as the bass element (other drum elements are typically minimal or absent during the drop); and euphoric supersaw lead synthesizers. The genre evolved to influence mainstream EDM (Big Room) and features specific aesthetic conventions including uplifting melodies and dramatic buildups.

Examples

Headhunterz — ‘Rock Civilization’ (2012): classic early 2010s Hardstyle sound with pitched kick, supersaw drop, and euphoric melody.

Assessment

List the four main sonic characteristics that distinguish a Hardstyle track from a standard EDM track. Why does the kick drum take on the role of the bass in this genre?