Uptempo is what happens when hardcore decides that slowing down is for cowards. It’s the fastest, most aggressive corner of the Defqon.1 site, kicks distorted past the point of melody, and the crowd that shows up for it knew exactly what it was signing up for. A couple weeks out, here’s where the speed lives.
1. Riot Shift - RUNNIN
Riot Shift has turned into one of the sharper names in this lane, and “RUNNIN,” out in October, is relentless in the way the title promises.
2. N-Vitral presents BOMBSQUAD & Dimitri K - Energy Drink
The BOMBSQUAD alias is N-Vitral at his most unhinged. “Energy Drink” is accurate branding and not much of an exaggeration.
3. Broken Minds - The Roar
The official Masters of Hardcore Austria 2025 anthem, and it is a wall. Broken Minds do not do subtle, which is the entire point of them.
If your neck doesn’t hurt after, you weren’t paying attention.