Hardstep — the hardest and most aggressive form of Drum & Bass (DnB). History, sound, key artists (Tech Itch, Dom & Roland). The renaissance of the genre in 2025.
Hardstep is one of the hardest and most aggressive subgenres of drum & bass, and in 2025 it is unexpectedly experiencing a new wave of popularity.
Rough rhythms, metallic kicks, fast breaks and a predatory energy — all of this is once again heard at raves, in online DJ sets and in new releases from producers around the world.
Why is Hardstep coming back, and what makes it so unique? We break it down in a fresh Minatrix.FM news feature.
What is Hardstep?
Hardstep is DnB in its most punishing, straight-to-the-point form.
If jungle was chaotic and “wild”, Hardstep became its heavier, more industrial continuation.
Its key traits:
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low, “dirty” bass,
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heavy drum grids (1/16 patterns + aggressive breaks),
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sharp snares,
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metallic textures,
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a dark, urban atmosphere.
Hardstep sounds like the underground tunnels of a 90s city, where concrete, metal and fog become part of the rhythm.
How Hardstep emerged: a short history
The genre took shape in the mid-1990s, when UK producers decided to make jungle’s sound more structured yet at the same time even more aggressive.
They drew inspiration from:
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early drum & bass,
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hip-hop,
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the Amen-break culture,
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industrial and techno elements.
Artists and projects that played a key role include:
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Tech Itch,
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Dylan,
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Dom & Roland,
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Ed Rush (early period),
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Trace,
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Source Direct (to a degree).
Hardstep quickly became a bridge between jungle → techstep → early neurofunk, shaping the evolution of the heavier side of DnB.
Hardstep today: why the genre is coming back
In the 2020s, Hardstep has been revived by both young and seasoned producers who are tired of overly “polished” neurofunk.
Back in fashion are:
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“raw” sound,
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analog samplers,
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dirty Amen loops,
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hardcore energy.
This trend is also driven by renewed interest in the retro era of DnB (1995–2003), when the scene was at its most experimental.
On top of that, TikTok and YouTube have unexpectedly boosted the genre: short clips with “fat” breaks go viral, and DJs are putting out retro-style sets.
New artists driving the new wave
Between 2023 and 2025, a wave of artists inspired by Hardstep and Darkstep has appeared:
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young UK producers working with vintage hardware,
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artists blending Hardstep with jungle revival sounds,
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creators of “new rave” scenes that fuse breaks, DnB and industrial.
Some labels have even launched dedicated retro imprints focused solely on Hardstep.
Interesting facts about Hardstep
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The genre is often called the “missing link” between jungle and techstep.
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The legendary Amen Break remains the core drum foundation of Hardstep, but processed in the dirtiest, harshest way possible.
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In the 90s, it was rarely released on major labels — it was pure underground.
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Many producers used gear like the Akai S3000, Amiga, Emu E6400, which helped shape its unique sound.
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Modern remasters of classic tracks are finally making the genre accessible to a wider audience.
Hardstep on Minatrix.FM
On Minatrix.FM you can:
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listen to both fresh and classic Hardstep tracks,
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discover retro sets from 1996–2001,
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download high-quality MP3s with no registration,
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follow curated selections of heavy DnB.
We regularly add new releases that preserve that unmistakable harsh, industrial Hardstep energy.
Conclusion: Hardstep is music without compromise
Hardstep is more than just a subgenre.
It’s rage, rhythm and raw power that brings back the drive of early raves and underground clubs.
Dive into the world of Hardstep on Minatrix.FM and feel the true energy of heavyweight drum & bass.
