January 31, 2025, marks a memorable date for the Hardstyle scene: the highly anticipated release of “Polish Punisher – The Album,” by Regain under his acclaimed alias. Stepping away from fleeting trends like “zaag” or “tube kicks,” this album was instantly hailed by the Reddit community and social media as a return to the fundamentals of Raw Hardstyle from the 2014-2016 era. It’s a true breath of fresh air, or rather, a sledgehammer blow that brings the genre back to its most dark and powerful essence.
The Praised “Old-School” Sound Refreshed for the Modern Era
Online discussions are unanimous: this album is one banger after another. Fans, often referred to as “oldheads” on Reddit, celebrate the rediscovered raw and authentic style. The most commented aspect is the choice of kicks. They are described as “really dark/horror vibes” and “tearing kicks with that dark evil vibe.” Tracks like “I Wasn’t Dead” are particularly highlighted for their chilling atmosphere and horror samples, reminiscent of Regain’s early Hardstyle productions.
The album under the Polish Punisher name is seen as a refreshed and refined version of the classic Regain sound. One user points out the paradox: “It’s a bit paradoxical that the scene has changed so much that someone who hasn’t followed the mainstream for years now suddenly sounds refreshing to us.” This perfectly illustrates the project’s success: delivering a traditional sound with modern production quality. The Polish Punisher project is considered by many to be the “greatest rebranding in raw history.”
Dark, Deep, and Hard-Hitting Production
What distinguishes “The Album” from current Raw Hardstyle productions is its rejection of the “weird strange bumpy cringe sounds” and “fake drops.” Instead, we find round and deep kicks, along with “nasty” screeches, that build an oppressive and driving atmosphere.
Although the emphasis is on the aggressive side of Hardcore, the album doesn’t lack melody. Tracks like “Rising Up,” for instance, are praised for their perfect blend of Raw and melody. It’s this balance, this ability to maintain a constant drive while exploring dark moods (Lurking in my mind, Doomsday, Butcher of Bass), that solidifies Regain as a savior of Raw Hardstyle, alongside artists like Rejecta and Unresolved.
In conclusion, “Polish Punisher – The Album” is more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a statement. It proves that a return to the roots, executed with passion and impeccable production, can generate far greater excitement than the latest trends. It is already cementing its place as a modern classic of the genre, celebrated by a community tired of the current mainstream sound.