Mainstream hardcore

Violence, drugs and profanity are common themes in mainstream hardcore, perceptible through its samples and lyrics, often screamed, pitch shifted, or distorted.

After surviving underground for a number of years, in 2002 Gabber regained some popularity in the Netherlands, although the sound is more mature, darker, and industrial.

Many hardcore enthusiasts hated Chicago hard house and the club scene it typified, and frequently DJs would be booed by one group of fans and cheered for by another at the same party, depending on the tempo and style of music they were playing.

This results in a number of effects: the frequency spectrum spreads out, thus achieving a louder, more aggressive sound.

Many tracks rely on a clean, detuned supersaw lead, similar to uplifting trance and can therefore sound "happy".