Zaagphoric Hardstyle: The Euphoric x Raw fusion by More Kords

Hardstyle keeps evolving, and subgenres emerge. One of the most exciting recent innovations is Zaagphoric Hardstyle, a term and music style coined by Dutch hardstyle act More Kords. But what exactly is Zaagphoric Hardstyle? How does it stand out from other hardstyle subgenres, and what makes it so unique? In this blog, we dive into the concept of Zaagphoric: a blend of euphoric melodies and raw-style kicks.

The premiere of More Kords presents: Zaagphoric @ REBiRTH Festival 2025

What Is Zaagphoric Hardstyle?

Zaagphoric Hardstyle is a combination of "zaag" (Dutch for "saw") and "(eu)phoric". The term reflects its musical DNA: euphoric hardstyle melodies fused with raw, saw-like kicks. More Kords himself described it as simply: “Euphoric Hardstyle + Zaagkicks.” The result? A genre that delivers emotional, melodic build-ups followed by heavy-hitting drops filled with aggressive kicks. It's a unique balance between uplifting energy and raw intensity, fit for both mainstages and underground lovers alike.

With over 600,000 streams in its first month, “Rush”, the Zaagphoric debut by More Kords and Bassbrain on Dirty Workz proved the sound’s broad appeal and powerful potential within the modern hardstyle scene.

The Sound

Zaagphoric Hardstyle takes the best of two worlds. Euphoric hardstyle is known for its big melodies and emotional atmosphere, while raw hardstyle delivers, distorted kicks and dark, aggressive tones. Zaagphoric blends the two, creating something entirely new. Key elements include:

• Melodic breakdowns: Euphoric-style synths, chords, and harmonies.

• Saw kicks (zaagkicks): Rough, distorted kicks often used in raw hardstyle, giving it that aggressive edge.

• Kickrolls & drive: Because drive = life :)

  
  

Versatility on stage: Why Zaagphoric belongs on every Hardstyle lineup

As the hardstyle scene continues its shift toward heavier and more intense sounds, festival audiences are increasingly drawn to raw kicks, darker energy, and harder drops, even on stages that were once dominated by euphoric vibes. This trend has sparked a wave of genre fusion, creating space for innovative hybrid styles. More Kords's Zaagphoric style , fits this evolution perfectly. It blends the emotional depth of euphoric hardstyle with the raw power today’s crowds crave. For event planners and bookers, Zaagphoric offers a highly versatile and bookable act, one that bridges the gap between euphoric and raw. Its dual appeal makes it an ideal addition to diverse lineups, and the perfect transitional set to connect melodic acts with heavier raw performers, keeping the energy high while satisfying a broad spectrum of hardstyle fans.

Zaagphoric Hardstyle is already making its mark on key festivals in 2024 & 2025, with performances at REBiRTH, Defqon.1, and Decibel Outdoor.

Behind Zaagphoric

Behind the concept is More Kords, a rising hardstyle DJ/producer who wanted to push boundaries and create a new sound that truly represented his musical vision. Dissatisfied with the limitations of sticking to either euphoric or raw, he asked the question: "What if we combine both?"  thus, Zaagphoric was born.

In his track “This Is Hardstyle”, More Kords hinted at the future of the genre: a fusion of old-school emotion and new-school intensity. His goal is clear:

To define a new subgenre where melodic storytelling and kick-driven chaos coexist.

His slogan says it all: "Zaagphoric 4 Mainstage." More Kords is on a mission to make Zaagphoric the next big thing in hardstyle.