On November 13th, Kruelty, the DJ and producer known for his hard-hitting and sinister approach to music, with a style that blends elements of hardstyle, hard techno, and industrial hardcore, released his very first album, Bloodbath Machinery. EDMHouseNetwork had the honor of interviewing him about the release, and here is what we found out.
Anyone who truly delves into the expansive world of electronic dance music (EDM) will uncover a vibrant spectrum of genres, each offering unique and captivating sounds you might never have imagined existed. On one side, you will find something gentler and more melodic, such as progressive house or melodic techno. While on the other, you’ll encounter the raw power and intensity of hardcore and industrial techno, pushing the limits of energy and sound.
If you dare to venture into the shadows of EDM, you will find Kruelty—a haunting figure born of darkness. Shrouded in mystery and devoid of identity, Kruelty conjures music that pulses with aggressive beats, dark atmospheres, and unrelenting energy. By fusing the raw intensity of hard techno, structured rhythms of hardstyle, and the abrasive textures of industrial hardcore, Kruelty creates tracks that are sonically challenging, terrifyingly intense, but at the same time, irresistibly captivating.
Throughout his career, Kruelty has commanded the stages of major festivals like Defqon 1, Decibel Outdoor, Verknipt, Shockerz, PACT, and Rebellion. His dark presence and uncompromising sound have made him a force to be reckoned with, and his discography tells the story of an artist who constantly pushes the boundaries of his craft.
Each release feels like a descent into shadowed realms, a testament to his talent, creativity, and the raw energy he draws from the dark realms. Now, on the 13th of November, Kruelty has unveiled his most sinister creation yet: the long-anticipated debut album, Bloodbath Machinery. In an interview, EDMHouseNetwork got the unique opportunity to talk with Kruelty, who told us about the deeply personal journey that led to the creation of his debut album.
“My main goal was to showcase everything that I am capable of, everything that’s been stuck inside me,” he said, reflecting on the inspiration behind Bloodbath Machinery. Known for his ability to merge industrial hardstyle, techno, hardcore, and hardstyle, Kruelty explained how the album became a true representation of his identity. “To truly express who I am and what I stand for, an album felt like the only true form to showcase this to the world.” For him, the album is not just music; it’s an escape into a world where there are no rules or boundaries. “You can find your own inner demon in this album” , he added.
Creating this unrestrained work required more than just musical talent—it demanded a complete hands-on approach. For Kruelty, the most rewarding part of the process was the absolute control he held over every detail—from the artwork to the music videos and everything in between. “Everything was crafted by me and my team’s hands. We shot it all ourselves, in my basement. The people, the blood, the chains—it was all our doing.” he revealed. This allowed Kruelty to craft more than just music; it became a visceral form of art that defies conventional boundaries. “I believe this pushed the limits of the hard dance scene. We created something more than music—something dangerous. Art, raw and unfiltered.” he declared.
Among the album’s tracks, one holds a particularly special meaning for Kruelty: the title track, Bloodbath Machinery. “The energy in this track is unlike any other track I produced. Ever.” he revealed. With vocals written and recorded by Qoiet, the track embodies the raw emotion that defines the entire album. “The vocals, written and recorded by Qoiet, are twisted and perfect—he captured exactly what I wanted to express. It’s the heart of the album—pure darkness and extremely bloody.” he explained.
Even with such a clear artistic vision, the album-making process brought moments of surprise. Kruelty recalled the unexpected crowd response to STUGNA-Z. “It’s one of the more twisted, out-of-control pieces at the moment. Yet, the crowd embraces it,” he said. For him, the track reflects the chaos his fans crave. “And I give it to them.” he added with a smirk in his voice.
The ability to connect with his audience goes hand-in-hand with the emotional depth that inspires Kruelty’s music. In terms of inspiration, he draws it from more than just sound—it’s the emotions behind it that often spark his creativity. “A haunting, melancholic piano piece can stir something deep inside of me.” he shared, illustrating how his music stems from a desire to evoke powerful, ingrained feelings rather than adhering to specific genres or styles.
This emotional depth is also balanced by a unique and sometimes humorous relationship with his fans. “During meet-and-greets, I’ve been asked to choke fans for photos.” he revealed with a grin in his voice. “I love that these things just become a thing out of nowhere. There’s a certain dark humor in this—something that cuts through the serious tone of voice. I love my fans for that. They get it.”
For those stepping into his world for the first time, Kruelty’s aim is total immersion. “Trapped in a concrete jungle, where every step is uncertain and every sound is almost too heavy to understand.” he described. “My music speaks the unspeakable—the suppressed emotions, the things we can’t articulate. It’s too big to fully comprehend, not meant for you to take or keep. Just feel it.”
Kruelty and his music occupy a space not everyone dares to explore—a place with raw intensity, emotion, and chaos converged into a musical experience that defies convention. His ability to merge genres like hard techno, hardstyle, and industrial hardcore isn’t about appealing to the masses but about reaching those who truly understand the art behind the darkness and aggression.
Besides getting the honor of interviewing Kruelty, EDMHouseNetwork also got invited to the album release event of Bloodbath Machinery, which turned out to be one of the most unique experiences we’ve ever had. Contrary to what most people who’ve never attended this kind of event might think, this is where you’ll meet some of the kindest, happiest, most open-hearted people out there.
Kruelty’s album release event was no different, and we were beyond impressed by how the incredibly loyal and excited fan base was beat-matching perfectly to every single kick, drop, and sound of the tracks that Kruelty and his guests played. A kind of vibe, energy, and sense of community that we’ve never seen before, and it was a truly beautiful sight.
As he looks ahead, Kruelty’s future is as bold as his music. Alongside a collaboration with Warface, Riot Shift, and his new solo track YOU ARE MINE, he’s most excited about Kruelty Presents: THE KULT, his upcoming event at TivoliVredenburg on January 4th. “It’s the perfect stage to reveal what I’ve been keeping hidden. Dark visuals, twisted art, and live performers.” he said, with unmistakable excitement in his voice.
Are you ready to descend into the shadows and embrace the darkness of Kruelty’s world? If the thought of his sinister creations and Kruelty Presents: THE KULT sends shivers down your spine, make sure to follow Kruelty on his socials that you can find below. And make sure to stay close—his journey promises to be as relentless and unforgiving as his sound. You don’t want to miss your chance to witness the chaos unfold.
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