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Hardstep — aggression, rhythm and the power of heavy Drum & Bass

Hardstep is one of the hardest and most energetic subgenres of drum & bass, which took shape in the mid-1990s. It is defined by a dense drum groove, metallic textures and an industrial atmosphere, making this style an heir to jungle but with a tougher, more minimalist and more “straightforward” delivery. Hardstep became a transition point between early jungle, techstep and modern heavy DnB.

The origins of Hardstep

The genre emerged in the UK at a time when the drum & bass scene was searching for a new, heavier sound. Early jungle, packed with reggae samples, vocal cuts and fast breakbeats, started to move away from its more “sunny” and “party” aesthetics towards a grittier, urban rhythm.

Hardstep became the answer to these changes:

• mid-90s — producers begin experimenting with drier, harsher drums
• jungle-style reggae elements and ragga vocals gradually disappear
• the focus shifts to heavy bass, an urban vibe and industrial aesthetics

Hardstep laid the groundwork for future directions such as techstep, neurofunk and heavy darkstep, while retaining its own identity: straightforward, hard and “street”.

What Hardstep sounds like

Hardstep is easy to distinguish from other DnB subgenres thanks to several key features:

1. Hard, “broken” drums

Dense breakbeats with sharp accents.
The Amen break is often used, driven through distortion and heavy processing.

2. Low sub-bass and rough synths

Massive basslines that create a sense of underground pressure.

3. Urban, dark atmosphere

Inspired by London’s streets, industrial districts, night alleys and street culture.

4. Elements of techno and industrial

Mechanistic textures, a cold techno edge, metallic percussion.

5. Simple structure, maximum impact

Tracks are built for the dancefloor and raw energy — minimum decoration, maximum power.

Hardstep is not trying to sound “pretty”. It is music designed to slam into your psyche and force your body to move.

Who shaped the sound: key Hardstep artists

If you want to truly understand the genre, start with these names:

• Tech Itch — a master of industrial tension
• Dillinja — the king of sub-bass and heavy drums
• Dom & Roland — dark, atmospheric, cinematic tracks
• Ed Rush & Optical — the bridge towards techstep and neurofunk
• Loxy — deep, dramatic, minimalist sound
• Digital & Spirit — a mix of jungle, dub and hard darkstep

Their music not only defined Hardstep in the 90s but also laid the foundations for the further evolution of heavy DnB.

Interesting facts about Hardstep

• Hardstep was the first DnB direction where the bass became more important than the breaks, shaping the structure of the track.
• Many classic Hardstep tracks were produced on legendary Akai drum machines and samplers, which helped form its raw, gritty sound.
• Hardstep was actively used in street dance battles and mid-90s graffiti communities.
• Despite remaining relatively niche, Hardstep’s influence lies at the core of almost all heavy drum & bass styles today.

Hardstep on Minatrix.FM — what you’ll find

On the Hardstep page you’ll get:

• a collection of oldschool and new Hardstep tracks
• rare remixes and dark breakbeat-driven tunes
• curated heavy sets for fans of hard DnB
• online streaming in excellent audio quality
• free MP3 downloads with no registration

It’s the perfect space for those who love hard, rhythmic and uncompromising Drum & Bass.

Dive into the world of Hardstep

Hit play, feel the power of the bass, explore the darker side of DnB culture and rediscover the genre together with Minatrix.FM.