Written by Jacob Wolf

Over the past year, the Electronic Music Scene has changed. So much that a new breed of dubstep and metal has risen to become the new thing to “skank” too. We saw this genre originate circa 2009 and who you see in this sub-scene as icons are names such as Excision, Datsik, Downlink, Ajapai and Messinian to name a few.

Throughout this past year, however, we’ve seen new names arise within the harder sub-genre of Dubstep, could be referred to as either “heavy dubstep” or “deathstep” [for the much heavier style]. Artists like Getter, Barron, Rekoil, AFK, Delta Heavy, Mantis, and many others have made healthy names for themselves.

Rekoil’s Remix of AFK’s and Messinian’s “On The Floor” [Forthcoming Firepower Records]:

Under the surface, there are a different set of names that every underground EDM [Electronic Dance Music] fan knows. When I think of this sub-genre, names like JPhelpz, Exude, Killabyte, iNexus, Sadhu, and Trollphace come to mind. These artists have easily proven they are capable of producing high quality, murderous styles of music.

Exude’s Remix of JPhelpz’s “Sentry Gun” [#11 on Beatport Dubstep]:

Most recently, we witnessed Getter’s “I Want More LP” and JPhelpz’s “Sentry Gun EP” hit Top 20 on the ever mainstream-flooded Dubstep chart on Beatport. Moving up by the minute, heavier styles of Dubstep are strengthening their grip on Dubstep fans.

Music Labels have been born just for these sub-genres, including Resonance Audio, LMResonance, Prime Audio, Firepower Records, Rottun Records, Exertion Records, and even my own, Tectonik Records. The industry is very close-knit, and many of the players are very familiar with eachother.

Inval3d’s “Launch” [Forthcoming Tectonik Records]:

Graphic artists also take part within this tight network, with many studios and freelancers hopping into the mix. Hooded Smoke’s BassFace Studios has been a big part of the development of art in this scene, having done work for Getter, Barron, Trollphace, and many others. Individual freelancers also take part, including names such as JCGraphicDesigns, FreddyDavidDesigns, and Solid Soul Media (Rekoil, Barron, Firepower Records, Datsik, Downlink, Exude, Exertion Records, Tectonik Records).

Subject 31′s and Darkscape’s “Android” [Forthcoming Exertion Records]:

It’s very satisfying seeing genres develop. Electronic Dance Music has always been celebrated for it’s ability to abruptly take a new direction, and that’s what makes this scene run as smoothly as it does. Be on the lookout for another rise in Dubstep’s evil side, because it’s definitely on the move!