DJ Flubbel – Holy Hardstyle
The Dutch producer DJ Flubbel releases his new project with “Holy Hardstyle,” in which he combines Christian messages with electronic dance music. Where bands like P.O.D., Switchfoot, Skillet, and U2 have been showing for decades that faith and popular music can go hand in hand, DJ Flubbel explores this field within electronic dance music. After “Holy Hardcore” in 2022, he now focuses on hardstyle, collaborating with eight artists from different countries. The album was released on September 12, 2025, and contains ten tracks that deal with religious themes within the hardstyle genre.
The opening track “Without You (Imagebearerz Remix)” immediately sets the tone for the album. DJ Flubbel works with Invinity and demonstrates how typical hardstyle elements can be combined with lyrics about faith. The production, remixed by Imagebearerz, follows the usual hardstyle formulas with kick drums, uplifting melodies, and breakdown structures. The sound is clearly mixed and fits current hardstyle standards. “Amazing Grace (Hardstyle Remix)” with Reborn Ravers takes one of the most well-known Christian songs as its starting point and translates it into hardstyle. The chorus from John Newton’s 1772 text remains recognisable, while the electronic reworking gives it a different dynamic from the original. The track shows how traditional religious music can be adapted to modern dance genres without losing the original melody entirely.
In “Fight4Christ (Reborn Ravers Remix),” the collaboration with Toblex continues. The track explores themes of faith as a struggle, supported by aggressive synthesisers and a direct approach in both music and lyrics. The production remains within hardstyle conventions but adjusts the intensity to suit the message. “Forgiven & Free” brings together Coroxxon and singer Neyda Escobar with DJ Flubbel. Escobar’s vocals add a melodic dimension that differs from the more instrumental tracks on the album. Her voice is given space in the mix, creating moments of contrast with the harder electronic elements. “In God We Trust (Hardstyle Remix)” with Stryptic addresses faith straightforwardly. The track follows a traditional hardstyle build-up with buildup, climax, and breakdown. The religious message is integrated into the vocal samples and melodic lines without disrupting the danceable structure.
The album also includes “Rise Up” with Last of Saints and “Shining Through The Night (The WLF Remix)” with Stryptic. These tracks maintain the tempo and energy that characterise the album, although they add a few new elements to the formula already established in earlier songs. “No Longer Slaves (Hardstyle Remix)” brings DJ Flubbel together with Stryptic, Coroxxon, and The WLF. As one of the longer tracks on the album, it gives the different producers room to showcase their contributions. The track deals with themes of liberation and follows a gradually building structure that fits the underlying message. The album finally closes with “Amen (Votum Outro),” where DJ Flubbel and Toblex collaborate with Reborn Ravers for a calmer ending. This track breaks with the high energy level of the rest of the album and provides a moment of silence after the intense preceding songs.
The production quality is consistent throughout the album. The mixes are clear, and the different elements have their place without overshadowing each other. The kick drums have enough punch for the genre, while the melodic elements remain clearly audible. This points to experience with hardstyle production among the involved artists. The concept of religious hardstyle targets a specific audience interested in both elements. The execution stays true to hardstyle conventions while the lyrics and themes differ from what is usual in the genre. For listeners familiar with hardstyle, the album offers recognisable structures with different thematic angles.
The album shows consistency in approach and quality, although variation between tracks remains limited. Most songs move within the same tempo and energy level, giving the album a homogeneous character but also making it predictable for listeners seeking more diversity. “Holy Hardstyle” achieves what it intends: hardstyle music with Christian messages that remains accessible to both audiences. With the goal of DJ Flubbel and the participating artists to bring light and hope into the hardstyle and hardcore world, and to inspire a wide audience with their music, they have absolutely succeeded. The album thus functions both as a solid example of danceable music and as a medium for religious expression, serving both aspects without major concessions. Well done. (7/10) (DJ Flubbel)
