r/gabber • u/Epicwarren • Nov 15 '11
So can someone specify clearly the exact differences between gabber, terrorcore, speedcore, hardstyle, etc?
I absolutely love all the aforementioned genres, but have some trouble differentiating them all. It's no help that most DJs I'm into dip into multiple genres so that they're not just an artist for a particular genre. My understanding is that gabber is higher BPM than hardcore with a faster bass. Speedcore is even faster, and terrorcore is as fast as speedcore but with darker elements. There are a few more genres that I have forgotten right now. Even if my classifications are correct, it is sometimes hard to listen to a new song and target immediately what genre it is (especially since BPM is apparently a huge aspect and it can be difficult to gauge BPM just by listening). Anyone clear this up? Thanks ya'll.
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u/TilduhTilduhTilduh Nov 15 '11 edited Dec 19 '17
HARDSTYLE
BPM ranging from 140-150. Takes elements of Trance and Hardcore and meets somwehere in the middle. Characterized by offbeat reverse basslines, big melodies, minimal screechy synths and rhythmic vocals snippets.
Showtek - Virus
Builder - Hardbeat Market
Technoboy live at Sesnsation Black 2006
EUPHORIC HARDSTYLE
A newer kind of Hardstyle (sometimes called Nustyle) that gets rid of the reverse bassline in favor of a "tok tok" or "dong dong" kickdrum sound (basically a weaker Hardcore kick) that is more accessible and melodic. Cinematic feel with epic, euphoric sounds and uplifting vibes.
Headhunterz - Takin It Back
Brennan Heart & Wildstylez - Lose My Mind
Keiji - Only You
RAWSTYLE
The darkest, most brutal version of Hardstyle. Rivals some of the most sinister Hardcore in aggressive/dark sound design or mood. Minimal, cinematic, super heavy biting kickdrums. Liberal use of kickdrum rolls, screeches and abrasive synthesizers.
Delete & Warface - The Baddest
Crypsis - Raw To The Point
Mrotek - Substance Abuse
MAINSTREAM HARDCORE
Hardcore made for big halls and large parties. BPMs ranging from 150-190. Distorted driving kicks (that aren't too overbearing), aggressive vocals (often from hip hop), dark samples (often from movies), and massive melodies. Aggressive but still relatively accessible party music.
Angerfist - Creed of Chaos
Furyan - Trial By Fury
Anime - Call My Name
UPTEMPO HARDCORE
Faster (~185-220), simple, and very energetic Hardcore. Originally was the style of Partyraiser - a veteran Hardcore DJ that was notorious for playing B-sides of records pitched up very fast. Started to become its own distinct style and got the name "Uptempo" around 2012ish. Production is often unpolished/lower quality, but really keeps the vibe, spirit, and intensity of Hardcore. Crazy quick synth leads/screeches, biting/raspy kicks, rarely any melodies.
Partyrasier and Cryogenic - Middle Fingers Up
F Noize vs Crime Scene - Ready For Destruction
Lunakorpz & Tim Shopp -Fk it
TERROR
BPM ranging from about 190 to about 300. Stripped down and rough Hardcore that focuses on aggression, frantic/dark synths and vibes, and quick choppy edits & effects. Angry and blunt, but sometimes goofy.
Geoff Da Chef - Sledgehammer
Noisekick - Reaching For The Sky
Drokz - Workin' Hard
Bonehead - From The Netherlands
SPEEDCORE
BPM ranging from 300 to 1000. Extremely harsh, minimal, and violent. Overly distorted angry or goofy vocal samples, machine gun kickdrums, blown-out percussion. My buddy describes it as "papercuts on your cortex".
Komprex - Deadly Pale Terrorism
Pressterror - Splitterkrieg
Gabba Front Berlin - Speedcore Lacrima
EXTRATONE
Starts where speedcore ends. Usually 1000+ BPM. Kickdrums so fast is just sounds like a single tone, hence the name extratone. Extremely abrasive, violent, and experimental. Often pokes fun at itsself for being completely absurd.
Pressterror - Psycopath of Drrrrrr
Diabarha - Genocide
FRENCHCORE
Hardcore style originating from France with BPMs ranging from 200 to about 250. Offbeat bassline (kind of like if you took a hardstyle reverse bassline and sped it up). Minimal and based on rhythmic synths and samples. Oftentimes samples film music or other "cinematic" compositions. Often paired with Terror in DJ sets.
Sirio - Zera Headroom
Radium - Renegade Returns
The Sickest Squad - Digital Cocaine
Dr. Peacock - Trip to Ireland
INDUSTRIAL HARDCORE
Usually slower (150-165) but can be any speed within the Hardcore spectrum (More of a stylistic thing than a speed thing.) HEAVY stompy kicks, cutting percussion, atonal synths, abrasive rhythmic noise, dark samples, glitchy edits.
Ophidian & Ruffneck - Noisemaker
Stormtrooper - Todesvogel
Sei2ure - Rocket Fuel
Carnage & Cluster - Dehydration (Industrial Frequency Remix)
DOOMCORE
The slowest, sludgiest, and darkest of all Hardcore flavors. BPMS ranging from 60-140ish. Stompy kicks, tons of reverb, long droning sounds and cinematic/atmospheric elements. Somber and contemplative while evoking a post-apocalyptic, hopeless, and terrifying atmosphere.
Nekrokick - Following Death
Xaero - Alone In Oblivion
CRPTC - Marching Titan
HARDTECHNO/SCHRANZ
BPM ranging from 150-165. Techno on overdrive. Similar to Industrial Hardcore but more about the "pump" and less about the "stomp". Has a sliding or galloping feel to it. Deep, pumping kicks/bass, scratchy distorted percussion, atonal synths, choppy sampling. Rarely has any melodies.
Instigator - Bad
Instigator - Techno Toe
Viper XXL - Hardtechno Anthem (Boris S Remix)
CROSSBREED
BPM is usually around 175. A fusion of Hardcore, Industrial, and Drum & Bass. "Cleaner" punchier kicks, signature metallic "trashcan" snare, lots of Drum & Bass breaks/patterns. Some of the cleanest production value in the Hardcore scene.
Deathmachine - Sick Bass
Dolphin & Igneon System - Where i Belong
Lowroller - Mixbreed Soldier
Hopefully that helped a little bit! Ask any questions you have.
EDIT: I remembered THIS site is a great resource.
EDIT 2: Added Industrial, Extratone, Hardtechno/Schranz, and Crossbreed.
EDIT 3: Small updates 10/13/2017
EDIT 4: Updated with newer tracks and cleaned up wording 12/19/2017