Album Review: Smash by Hardline – A Hardstyle Gem from 2006
Alright, let’s talk about Smash by Hardline. If you’re into hard-hitting beats and that raw energy only hardstyle can deliver, this album is a trip back to the mid-2000s when Italy was quietly flexing its electronic music muscles. Released under Stik Records in 2006, it’s got that classic hardstyle vibe—pounding kicks, screechy synths, and just enough melody to keep things interesting. The producers, DJ Vortex and Mark Nails, really brought their A-game here.
Now, I gotta shout out two tracks that stuck with me. First up, the title track, Smash (DJ Vortex & Mark Nails Mix). Man, this one hits like a freight train. It’s got this relentless kick pattern that feels like it could power a small city. But what makes it memorable is how they layer those piercing melodies over the chaos. You know, the kind of sound that makes you wanna throw your fists in the air even if you're just sitting on your couch eating chips. It’s pure adrenaline bottled up in five minutes.
Then there’s the remix, Smash (DJ Vicron & DJ N3ck Remix). This version flips the script a bit. It starts off darker, almost brooding, before exploding into this euphoric drop that catches you off guard. I remember hearing this at some random party years ago, and it completely turned the vibe around. People went from “meh” to “hell yeah” in seconds flat. That’s the magic of a good remix—it keeps the spirit alive but adds its own twist.
The credits show M. Chiodi Corridi and M. P. Pierucci as the writers, and honestly, they nailed it. These guys understood how to craft something catchy yet heavy, which isn’t easy in hardstyle. Too much melody, and it gets cheesy; too little, and it’s just noise. They found that sweet spot.
Reflecting on Smash, it’s wild how albums like this become time capsules. Listening to it now feels like stepping into a moment where everything was simpler—no TikTok trends or algorithm playlists, just DJs making tunes for the love of it. And hey, maybe that’s why it still slaps today. Or maybe I’m just nostalgic. Either way, if you haven’t heard Smash, do yourself a favor and give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining!
Oh, and fun fact: apparently, Mark Nails once said he came up with part of his mix while stuck in traffic. Makes you wonder what other bangers were born during rush hour, doesn’t it?
