Sub Zero Project is a Dutch DJ and producer duo working in the genres of hardstyle and rawstyle. The project is known for its aggressive, high-energy sound, powerful melodies, and cinematic approach to production. They have become one of the leading innovators on the scene, blending classic hardstyle with elements of EDM, psytrance, big room, and orchestral music.
Their motto — “The Project is Evolution” — perfectly reflects their creative philosophy: constant growth and exploration of new sonic dimensions. Today, Sub Zero Project are among the most sought-after artists in the global hard dance scene, performing at the world’s biggest festivals and collaborating with top-tier labels.
Formation and Early Years
The Sub Zero Project was founded in 2014 by two Dutch producers — Thomas Velderman and Nigel Coppen. Both were passionate about electronic music from an early age, inspired by pioneers like Headhunterz, Noisecontrollers, and Brennan Heart. They met while studying music production, and their shared vision of hardstyle soon grew into a full-fledged collaboration.
The name Sub Zero Project symbolizes the cold precision of their production and “sub-zero” as a metaphor for purity and sonic power. Their early experiments combined trap, dubstep, and EDM influences, but soon they discovered their signature style — melodic raw hardstyle.
Breakthrough and International Recognition
Their breakthrough came in 2017 when the track “The Project” went viral across festivals and earned support from Headhunterz, Wildstylez, and Showtek. That same year, Sub Zero Project signed with leading label Dirty Workz and began touring across Europe.
In 2018, they released one of their most iconic tracks — “The XPRMNT” — which became an anthem for a new generation of raw hardstyle fans. They also produced the official Defqon.1 Anthem — “The Game Changer” — solidifying their status as scene headliners.
Thanks to their explosive performances and distinctive sound, Sub Zero Project became regular acts at major festivals including Defqon.1, Qlimax, Decibel Outdoor, Tomorrowland, Reverze, and Hard Bass.
Albums and Key Releases
Debut Album: Renaissance of Rave (2019)
This record blended classic hardstyle with modern EDM elements. Hits like “Rave Into Space”, “The Contagion”, “Darkest Hour (The Clock)”, and “Renaissance of Rave” showcased an epic, cinematic sound with orchestral layers, vocals, and heavy drops. The album received rave reviews and marked a shift toward a “movie soundtrack” approach to hard dance.
Later Hits:
- “The Silence” (with Warface, 2020)
- “The Darkest Hour” (Qlimax Anthem 2018)
- “Trip to Mars” (with D-Block & S-te-Fan, 2020)
- “HALO” (with Dimatik, 2021)
- “Conquer Your Mind” (2022)
- “VIRTUOSO” (2023)
- “Reflex” (2024)
Style and Sound
Their sound is a fusion of raw hardstyle, epic melodies, psytrance, and cinematic FX. They were among the first to integrate symphonic and orchestral elements into hardstyle, crafting tracks rich in drama and emotional crescendos. Each release balances raw energy with melodic depth, chaos with harmony.
Signature traits of their sound include:
- Ultra-precise drops and tight sub-bass
- Epic melodic lines and choir arrangements
- Industrial raw hardstyle energy
- Complex breaks and build-ups
Festivals and Live Shows
Sub Zero Project are frequent headliners of the world’s largest festivals:
- Defqon.1 (Official Anthem 2018)
- Qlimax (Main Stage, 2018–2024)
- Tomorrowland (Mainstage & Q-Dance Stage)
- Decibel Outdoor
- Reverze
- Hard Bass
Their live shows are high-tech spectacles featuring synchronized lasers, 3D visuals, and live elements. Each performance is a theatrical experience where sound and visuals form a unified narrative.
Achievements
- Over 200 million streams across Spotify and YouTube
- Headliners at Defqon.1 and Qlimax
- Creators of multiple official festival anthems
- Signed to Dirty Workz
- Performed in over 40 countries worldwide
Fun Facts
- Both Thomas and Nigel have formal music education and excel in sound design and synthesis.
- Inspired by films like Inception, Interstellar, and Hans Zimmer soundtracks.
- Their live sets often follow a narrative arc with an introduction, climax, and finale.
- In 2023, they launched a new live concept: “Psychodelic Revolution”.
- Their tracks often cross over into EDM festivals despite their heavy sound — thanks to their cinematic, hybrid approach.
Legacy and Impact
Sub Zero Project represent the new wave of hardstyle — merging power, emotion, and sound design into one cohesive vision. They inspire both veteran fans and new listeners, proving that hardstyle can be not only hard-hitting but also intelligent, melodic, and cinematic. Their work bridges underground authenticity with festival mainstream appeal, uniting the sound of the future with the spirit of classic rave culture.
