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Zatox / The R3belz / Vamper - Italian Hardstyle E.P
Label: Italian Hardstyle
Country: Netherlands
Released: 30 Nov 2011
Style: Hardstyle
Buy it at Hardstyle.com
Fear.FM Release DB
After topping charts worldwide with amazing Italian Hardstyle this passed year and then laying down a great, no wait, amazing! Qlimax anthem, Zatox is back with some friends: The R3belz and Vamper.
Now, if you're not up to date with the whole Hardstyle mishmash, the original duo "The R3bels" split, which also meant that the person staying in the project needed a new name.
Turning the 's' into a 'z' was probably one of the smarter things to do, as the project had already built up quite a name for itself.
Now, this E.P once again delights us with 3 ridiculously cool Italian Hardstyle tracks, so lets get started *cracks fingers*
The R3belz & Vamper - Cosmik
The first thing that I noticed about this track was that great Italian Screech/wobble thing in the intro. That immediately gives the track a nice "raw" feeling. The intro breaks off into a small preview of the main melody which sounds pretty cool, be it a little emotional. But then, the track starts to stutter.
Of course, my immediate reaction was "Ugh, that damned turntable needle again", but I soon realized that it can't be the needle… computers don't have one!
I don't know, I kind of feel like that's an irritating element in the track, but nonetheless, it's fun to hear it for the first time. I'm sure everyone had a slight "Wtf is happening" moment.
It then breaks off into another raw screechy-kick mid intro… the greatest element of surprise!
Theres the melody… and… "ugh"… there's that annoying stutter sound! But, don't panic right away, because the side chained melody gives the track that last bit of energy to get your blood pumping again.
I really liked this track, minus the slight annoyance of the "needle skip" effect.
To start off this great E.P, it'll get my double-fistpump of approval.
Buy it
Zatox & The R3belz - Odissea 2011
I think we all know the classic "Space Odyssey" soundtrack.
You know the one, you're flying through space, nothing blocking your way apart from a few stars (which are billions of lightyears away anyway) and some space junk. Everything's in slow motion and right behind you… Space-Zatox appears "tadaaaaaaa". Yep, that classic!
Well, Zatox and The R3belz have used it quite well in this track, building up a slightly emotional feeling before whacking you with one hell of an awesome mid-intro filled with amazing distorted sounds.
The second half of the mid-intro is what really does it, wow, what an amazing kick! It's slightly Hardcore-ish, but fits so perfectly in this mid-intro. That alone just gives me goosebumps.
Add in a few funkydunky wobbles to draw an end to that energetic mid-intro, and await the "Space Odyssey" sequence again. The only disappointing thing about this track is probably the melody. I really don't feel it fits well with all the cool elements that have already slammed against our eardrums.
Again, I like the second half with its Hardcore-ish kicks (and I'll have to admit, I'm not much of a Hardcore fan). But, no… I wasn't too impressed by the melody.
All in all, a great track with so many amazingly cool elements thrown in. I think it's even possible to just use the intro/mid-intro and just keep that on repeat.
For that alone, Odissea 2011 gets my double-fistpump, teeth-grinding seal of approval.
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Which brings us to our final track…
Zatox & Vamper - Revolution
The first time I heard this track (apart from possibly a preview here and there) was on Coone's "Coone & The Gang: Public Enemies" CD. I loved this track so much, I was just biting my nails, waiting for the release.
Although the intro isn't too spectacular, the melody, synth and vocals create such an amazing atmosphere, it gives me instant goosebumps. This is the kind of melody I expect from Zatox and his companion Vamper. Pure class!
It's not even a wonder that "Revolution" has hit the number one spot at Hardstyle.com. This track is filled with so much energy and emotion, I just want to rip out my non-existent hair and eat it. That sounds crazy right? Well, that's exactly what this does to me.
I'm a sucker when it comes to "square"-ish synths. I don't know why, I just feel a whole arena can be taken over by the sound, and really forces you to fist pump the whole track through. Of course, it's later layered with a saw synth and what not, but wow… just wow.
There's probably nothing more I can say about "Revolution", you'll just have to hear it for yourself. And if you haven't already heard it… shame on you!
This gets my 2-arms in the air, eyes closed, smile on my face, followed by an energetic round of fist pumping seal of approval.
Buy it
To conclude, this E.P is an absolute must-buy. I've always been a fan of Zatox (I think everyone is, right?) but I must also point out that The R3belz and Vamper are doing an amazing job as well.
The R3belz being the more "Raw"-styled artist and Vamper being the one conjuring up all those great melodies - The Italian Wildstylez.
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