Warface: The Hardcore Titan of Dutch Hardstyle
Warface is the explosive stage name of Dutch hardstyle producer and DJ Jochem van der Staak, a dominant force in the raw hardstyle scene. Hailing from the Netherlands, the global epicenter of hard dance music, he has cemented his status through a relentless release schedule, high-profile label associations, and headline performances at major festivals like Defqon.1 and Reverze.
Early career
Jochem van der Staak began his musical journey in the late 2000s, initially producing under different aliases before adopting the Warface moniker. His early tracks quickly captured the attention of the hardstyle community with their aggressive kick drums and dark, cinematic soundscapes. This led to his first significant label involvement with The Third Movement, where he honed the intense production style that would become his trademark.
Breakthrough
Warface's true breakthrough arrived around 2014-2015 with his alignment to the powerhouse label End of Line, a sub-label of the influential Scantraxx empire. Tracks like Path to Extinction and his collaboration with Artifact, Try Again, became anthems, showcasing a perfected blend of raw power and musicality. This period solidified his position as a leading name in the new wave of raw hardstyle artists.
Key tracks
Path to Extinction — This track epitomizes the Warface sound with its brutal kicks and apocalyptic atmosphere, becoming a set staple for raw DJs.
Fck Dat — A collaboration with D-Sturb, this track was a massive festival hit, known for its relentless energy and instantly recognizable vocal sample.
I Need You — Featuring E-Life, this track demonstrated Warface's ability to incorporate emotional melodies and vocals into his hard-hitting framework, broadening his appeal.
Play No Games — A collaboration with Radical Redemption and Nolz, this track is a prime example of the powerful "supergroup" tracks that dominate mainstage hardstyle events.
In 2019, Warface took a major career step by co-founding the label End of Line alongside fellow heavyweight artists Radical Redemption and Killshot. This move gave him greater creative control and helped shape the direction of the raw genre. His album output, including Forgotten Future (2017) and Vengeance (2021), provided cohesive statements of his evolving, yet consistently heavy, artistic vision.
His collaboration portfolio reads like a who's who of hardstyle, including frequent studio and stage partnerships with artists like D-Sturb, Deadly Guns, and Rooler. These collaborations often result in some of the most anticipated IDs and explosive live moments in the scene, keeping his sound fresh and at the forefront of the genre.
Fans of Warface's intense brand of hardstyle also frequently listen to Radical Redemption for his complex kick patterns and orchestral elements. D-Sturb shares a similar focus on high-energy, festival-ready raw hardstyle with driving basslines. Rooler matches the aggressive and often experimental sound design that defines the modern raw movement. Deadly Guns delivers an even more extreme, crossbreed-influenced take on the hardstyle template.
Warface's music is a regular feature on dedicated hardstyle and hardcore radio stations, particularly those specializing in the raw subgenre. His tracks are essential for online radio streams and FM stations that cater to fans of high-BPM electronic music, ensuring his punishing kicks are heard by a global audience daily.
The powerful hardstyle anthems of Warface can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his latest collaborations and classic tracks through the dedicated hard dance radio stations available on onairium.com.
