January 10, 2025, marked the end of an era for Raw Hardstyle with the release of “The Final Dose,” the third and final album by the Scottish duo Rebelion under their acclaimed Overdose concept. Following “The First Dose” and “The Second Dose,” this final chapter was eagerly awaited by the community. It delivered on its promises, offering an uncompromising compilation of aggressive kicks, legendary edits, and bold new productions, solidifying Rebelion’s status as pioneers of Xtra Raw.
Community Review: Between Hype and Satisfaction
On specialized forums like Reddit, feedback has been mixed but largely positive, acknowledging the massive effort behind the trilogy. Many fans praise the variety of kicks present on this opus, which was a point of criticism for the previous one. One user commented: “The thing I like the most is the variety in terms of kicks because that was, in my opinion, the problem with The Second Dose: too many zaags to the point where it was annoying. With The Final Dose, there’s a good balance between zaag, PVC, and gated.”
Original tracks, such as “NEW SHIZ” and “PSYCHODOSE,” are hailed for their energy and effective melodies, providing a fresh take while remaining true to the duo’s brutal identity. Others, like the collaboration “DEAD END GAME” with Kruelty, are cited as absolute bangers, even evoking the distant vibes of older Raw artists.
The Triumph of Edits and Tools
What gives “The Final Dose” a unique character is the inclusion of numerous edits of iconic tracks, as well as set-opening “tools” that were previously reserved for live shows. This approach is seen as a gift to fans, allowing them to relive the highlights of events like Supremacy or Reverze. Classics like “PVC JUNKIE” (the Bassline Junkie edit), “H8Mi” (the Confronting Hate edit with Malice), or “DEATH SENTENCE” (the Opening Statements edit with Warface) are finally available in high quality.
However, this abundance of edits is not without controversy. Some long-time fans regret the absence of specific versions, particularly the much-anticipated Second Dose Edit of “Do You Like Bass,” deemed by many to be the “superior” version and featuring some of the best kicks ever produced by Rebelion. Nevertheless, the intent is clear: to archive and celebrate the entire Overdose experience. The inclusion of tracks like “THE REAL REALNESS” (with Rejecta) or “TOO FAR LIKE” (with Endymion) solidifies the album as a major milestone in Rawstyle.
Dark, Deep, and Hard-Hitting Production
With the conclusion of the Overdose saga, the album is viewed as a “perfect” and “innovative” closure to a concept that has strongly influenced contemporary Hardstyle. Some commentators even suggest that, after this ultra-aggressive era, Rebelion might return to a style closer to their “Artificial Intoxication” album (2022), which perhaps prioritized melody and depth more.
Ultimately, “The Final Dose” is a massive album that highlights Rebelion’s mastery of sound design. It is a must-listen for Rawstyle enthusiasts and a fitting end to one of the most influential trilogies in Hard Dance music.