Digital hardcore music is typically high-tempo and abrasive, combining the speed, heaviness and attitude of hardcore punk with electronic music such as hardcore techno, drum and bass, industrial and noise music.
The use of the electric guitar is retained and it is played in conjunction with samplers, synthesizers and drum machines. While the use of guitar and electronic instruments is a requirement, traditional bass guitars and drum kits are optional. Vocals are more often shouted than sung by more than one member of the group. Typically the lyrics are highly politicized and espouse left wing or anarchist ideals, although this is not always the case.