Hardstyle Criminals: The Dutch Hardstyle Renegades

Hardstyle Criminals are a Dutch hardstyle duo known for their aggressive, raw sound and high-energy live performances. Emerging from the Netherlands in the late 2000s, they have built a dedicated following through a consistent stream of impactful releases and performances at major festivals like Defqon.1 and Decibel.

Early career

The duo, consisting of producers Jeroen van den Berg and Sander van der Meij, officially formed in 2008 in the city of Zwolle. Their early work was characterized by a raw, unpolished hardstyle sound, which quickly caught the attention of niche labels within the scene. They released their first tracks, such as "Criminal Intent," on smaller imprints, establishing their rebellious musical identity from the outset.

Breakthrough

The year 2012 marked a significant turning point for Hardstyle Criminals with the release of their anthem "Bring the Noize." This track's relentless kick drums and distorted screeches became a staple in raw hardstyle sets. Their subsequent signing to the influential label Theracords in 2013 provided a major platform, leading to the release of their well-received debut album Law of the Land in 2014.

Key tracks

Bring the Noize — This 2012 anthem defined their aggressive sound and became a breakthrough track in the raw hardstyle scene.

Law of the Land — The title track from their 2014 debut album showcased their ability to craft powerful, anthemic hardstyle.

Echoes — A 2016 collaboration with artist Adaro, demonstrating their successful work with other leading figures in the genre.

Bassface — Known for its intense, driving bassline, this track remains a fan favorite in their live performances.

Guilty — A later release that exemplifies their matured production style while staying true to their raw roots.

Following their debut album, Hardstyle Criminals solidified their status with relentless touring and consistent EP releases. They have collaborated with notable artists like Digital Punk and frequently contributed tracks to major hardstyle compilations. Their music continues to evolve, incorporating modern production techniques while maintaining the high-BPM energy that defines the hardstyle genre.

Fans of Hardstyle Criminals also frequently enjoy the music of Adaro for a similar raw and powerful hardstyle approach. The aggressive kicks of Digital Punk also resonate with their audience. For a classic Dutch hardstyle sound, listeners explore Headhunterz. The driving energy of Radical Redemption shares a common intensity with the Criminals' work.

Hardstyle Criminals' tracks are regularly featured in the rotations of dedicated hardstyle and hardcore online radio streams. Their music powers sets on stations specializing in electronic dance music, particularly those focused on the harder styles emerging from the Netherlands and beyond.

Listeners can discover the powerful sound of Hardstyle Criminals on various hardstyle and electronic music radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to experience their high-energy tracks as part of our curated station lineup.