On July 20th, the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam became the epicenter for hard techno as it hosted Verknipt Arena, the world’s largest gathering of hard techno enthusiasts. This event marked a significant milestone in the genre’s growing popularity, not just in the Netherlands but globally, with hard techno artists now securing spots on mainstages at renowned festivals like Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas.
The Netherlands experienced an unusually warm day, with temperatures reaching 27°C (80°F). However, Verknipt’s organizers were well-prepared, implementing additional safety measures to ensure attendees’ comfort and well-being. These included free water refill stations on the dance floor – a genius move that was universally appreciated – and allowing ravers to bring their own plastic water bottles.
Getting There
The Johan Cruyff Arena’s status as a major hub made access to Verknipt Arena straightforward. The journey by car from Den Haag took approximately 45 minutes. The arena’s central location also facilitated easy meetups, with many attendees, including us, gathering for pre-event drinks at nearby bars and restaurants.
Venue
Hosting Verknipt Arena was none other than the Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam’s premier stadium and home to the football club AFC Ajax. This venue has a storied history of hosting not just sporting events but also some of the biggest names in entertainment. Just weeks before Verknipt, global pop sensation Taylor Swift shared the same stage.
The choice of the Johan Cruyff Arena for Verknipt was fitting for the larger-than-life production required for this event. Its massive capacity and state-of-the-art facilities ensured that the hard techno community had ample space to come together and experience the music in an unparalleled setting.
Food and Drinks
Like all events at the Amsterdam Arena, Verknipt was totally cashless. The pricing was in line with what one might expect at a major arena event:
– Small beer: €6.50
– Large beer: €7.60
– Cocktails: €10.50
– Hard seltzer: €6.50
– Wine: €5.75
– Soft drinks: €4.25
– Water: €3.50
A standout feature was the availability of free water refill stations on the left side of the dance floor, a thoughtful touch that prioritized attendee safety and comfort.
For those needing a quick energy boost, rave essentials were readily available:
– Banana: €2.50
– Lollipop: €1.50
– Candy and chips: €3.50
Food options catered to various tastes with standard arena bites:
– Chicken satay: €7.50
– Pasta pesto: €7.50
– Croquette sandwich: €4.50
– French fries: €4.50
– Smoothies: €6.50
Stage
The stage at Verknipt Arena was next level, embodying the dark ethos of hard techno. A massive LED setup dominated the visual landscape, delivering mind-bending visuals that transported attendees to other realms. The demonic troll visuals stood out as some of the most intense and captivating of the night.
Pyrotechnics added an extra layer of excitement, with bursts of fire and sparks punctuating key moments in the music. Live drummer performances, complete with light-up LED drums, brought an organic element to the electronic soundscape, bridging the gap between man and machine.
Lasers crisscrossed the arena in wild patterns, while lights seemed to emanate from every conceivable direction, creating an immersive 360-degree experience. The highlight for many was the Verknipt Experience show from 1:00 to 1:10 AM, where fireworks lit up the arena, creating a magical moment for those watching from the stage.
Music
The lineup at Verknipt Arena was a who’s who of hard techno, featuring both established names and rising stars. Here’s a closer look at three standout performances:
DIØN
Amsterdam-based DJ/producer DIØN brought his unique blend of old school gabber, 90s hardcore, and contemporary raw industrial techno to the Verknipt stage. His set was a testament to his ability to merge these disparate sounds into a cohesive and electrifying performance.
DIØN’s track selection included crowd favorites like “Playing Me,” “Acid Do Brazil,” and “Late Night Warriors,” showcasing his knack for effortless transitions between techno, acid, and rave. His passionate love for the music was evident, taking the audience on a journey through the harder edges of electronic music.
Sara Landry
Sara Landry proved why she’s considered one of the most exciting new voices in techno. Her dark, driving, and divinely feminine brand of industrial techno was on full display, captivating the Verknipt crowd with her uncompromising sound.
Landry’s set featured tracks like “Ven Conmigo,” “Agartha (Cadzow Remix),” and “Heaven,” demonstrating the range and depth of her production skills. I unfortunately missed her set at EDC Vegas due to other commitments so watching her at Verknipt from the top of the stands was a highlight of the night for me.
Fantasm
A last-minute addition to the lineup, Fantasm made the most of his extended 45-minute set, closing out the night with insanely hard beats and mind-blowing energy. As a rising star in the scene, Fantasm’s performance was a glimpse into the future of hard techno, pushing the boundaries of intensity and leaving the crowd in awe.
Final Impressions
Verknipt Arena exceeded my expectations with regard to the production and organization. The attention to detail in every aspect of the event, from the mind-blowing stage setup to the thoughtful safety measures, showcased the organizers’ commitment to delivering a world-class experience.
The event’s focus on safety was particularly commendable. In addition to the free water stations and chill areas, QR codes in bathroom stalls provided a discreet way for attendees to seek help if feeling unsafe, along with tips for maximizing enjoyment of the night. This holistic approach to participant well-being set a new standard for large-scale electronic music events. For those needing a break from the intensity, a chill area inside the arena offered bean bags for relaxation, providing a perfect balance to the high-energy atmosphere.
While the night was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few minor downsides. At peak times, the venue felt crowded, leading to long wait times at bars and bathrooms on the dance floor. Additionally, as the sun rose around 5:30 AM, the arena’s open roof allowed daylight to flood in, diminishing the impact of the lasers and fireworks. However, this same feature also provided a unique spectacle, as ravers continued to dance with unwavering enthusiasm in the morning light, a testament to the dedication of the hard techno community. Bring sunglasses! Unfortunately I lent my sunglasses to a friend that left early, but then thanks to rave karma my friend had an extra pair for me!
The overall experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Verknipt Arena successfully brought together the world’s largest gathering of hard techno fans, delivering a night of unparalleled music, production, and community. For first-time attendees and veterans alike, it was an event that will be remembered for years to come, solidifying Verknipt’s place at the forefront of the hard techno scene.
