Combining the dramatic, filmic tension of the original track with some deep, infectious beats, Kryder x Elysian – Now We Are Free is an Afro / Melodic House remix of the famous Hans Zimmer Gladiator movie theme, and it has to be one of the most distinctive EDM records to have been released this year. The remix has already blown up online, having been tried and tested with festival goers at various editions of the legendary Tomorrowland festival, and received global DJ support from the likes of Armin Van Burren. So if you like your Electronic Dance music with a cinematic twist, then prepare to be blown away by this new Kryder & Elysian Afro / Melodic House music remix of the Hans Zimmer Gladiator movie theme, which is out now everywhere via Kryteria Records.
From the moment you hit play, you can tell that the artists have worked hard to make something very special; to create an exceptional Dance track out of a movie theme is no mean feat, but this pair have made it look easy. One of the ways in which they have achieved this effortlessness is by employing some classic Afro House rhythms, which immediately give the track an injection of bounce and energy.
Another way in which Kryder x Elysian – Now We Are Free works to create a perfect Afro / Melodic House Remix of the Hans Zimmer Gladiator movie theme is through its use of euphoric synths. These blend perfectly with the smooth orchestral elements and angelic female vocals that feature on the original, resulting in a lush, bold sound that separates this version from many others that have tried to remix the legendary theme before.
All in all, this new Kryder & Elysian Afro / Melodic House music remix of the Hans Zimmer Gladiator movie theme on Kryteria Records presents us with a surprisingly effective musical combination. Although the premise of the record might not sound like it would work on paper, these two artists have shown that combining classical music with dance music can, in practice, actually be a very lucrative endeavor.
Stream Kryder & Elysian – Now We Are Free (Hans Zimmer Gladiator movie theme Afro / Melodic House remix) on Spotify below!
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More about Kryder:
Kryder, born Christopher Simon Knight on October 28, 1980, in Hertfordshire, England, is a name that echoes across dance floors around the world. Known for his genre-blending sound and high-energy performances, he’s carved out a unique space in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. His music pulls from progressive house, tribal, trance, and electro house, creating a style that feels fresh but still taps into the roots of dance music.
Chris’s love for music sparked early. He was just a kid when he stumbled across a mixtape that introduced him to the magic of dance music. That single experience lit a fire. At 12, he picked up DJing; by 15, he was already experimenting with music production. While most teens were focused on school and hanging out, Chris spent his weekends working at a local market to save up for gear and records. His dedication paid off. At 18, he made the move to Manchester—a city known for its vibrant club culture. There, he promoted parties, got immersed in the nightlife, and started building his name in the underground scene.
Kryder’s breakthrough came in 2011 when his track K2 caught the attention of Tiësto and was released on the Musical Freedom label. That track changed everything. Suddenly, he went from local gigs to playing major stages. Ibiza came calling, and he found himself performing at Privilege, one of the island’s iconic clubs. It was a moment of arrival, but also just the beginning.
In 2013, Kryder dropped Aphrodite on Axtone Records, Axwell’s label. The track soared into the Beatport Top 5, cementing his reputation as a producer with serious skill and vision. His sound—layered, tribal, euphoric—offered something different in a crowded EDM world.
Not one to ride solo, Kryder has always believed in collaboration and lifting others up. He’s worked with artists like Tom Staar, Danny Howard, and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano. His partnership with Tom Staar, in particular, became a creative powerhouse. Together, they launched Cartel Recordings under Spinnin’ Records, a label focused on pushing bold, Latin-infused house tracks into the mainstream.
Kryder also founded Sosumi Records in 2012, which turned a lot of heads—not just for the music, but for its mission. At a time when dance music was becoming big business, Sosumi stood out by offering high-quality tracks for free, helping new producers break into the scene. It wasn’t just a label—it was a movement, and it earned the nickname “The World’s No. 1 Free Dance Music Label.”
Then came Kryteria Records in 2018, his next step in nurturing talent and evolving the sound of house music. As both artist and label head, Kryder continues to champion originality over formula, giving space to ideas that feel risky but ultimately move the genre forward.
Kryder’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s been nominated for awards like Best Progressive House/Electro DJ and Best Breakthrough Artist at the International Dance Music Awards. DJ Mag listed him among their Top 150 DJs, while 1001Tracklists included him in their Top 101 Producers list—a nod to the technical respect he commands from within the industry.
Through it all, Kryder has remained a force not just behind the decks, but behind the scenes. Whether he’s headlining a festival or giving a platform to the next wave of producers, his commitment to music shines through.
What sets Kryder apart is more than just his tracks—it’s his passion, vision, and ability to keep pushing boundaries. In a scene that’s constantly evolving, Kryder isn’t just keeping up. He’s leading the way.
More about Elysian:
In a music world where collaborations often come and go, Elysian is one of those rare projects that actually feels like something greater than the sum of its parts. Formed in 2020, this trio—made up of trance veterans Ilan Bluestone and Maor Levi, along with renowned Australian vocalist Emma Hewitt—has quickly become one of the most talked-about acts in melodic dance music. Together, they’ve found a way to blend soaring vocals, deep emotion, and immersive production into a sound that stands apart in today’s EDM scene.
The story of Elysian starts with friendship and chemistry. Ilan Bluestone and Maor Levi had already built up years of respect and experience as producers under the Anjunabeats label, known for shaping some of the most iconic trance and progressive house tracks of the past decade. Their previous collaborations like “Will We Remain?” and “Can You” hinted at a natural synergy that fans immediately connected with. But it wasn’t until they brought Emma Hewitt into the picture that things really took off.
Emma’s haunting, ethereal voice has been a staple in trance for years. She’s worked with big names like Armin van Buuren, Dash Berlin, and Cosmic Gate, lending her signature vocals to some of the genre’s most emotional anthems. But with Elysian, she took a step deeper into the creative process—not just as a vocalist, but as a co-writer and co-creator.
Their debut single Moonchild, released in April 2020, felt like a breath of fresh air. It was cinematic, layered, and emotionally charged—everything trance lovers crave. But it didn’t follow a formula. It was softer in some places, more atmospheric in others, and Emma’s voice carried it all with an aching, almost ghost-like presence. It didn’t just make people dance—it made them feel.
That vibe continued with their debut EP, Water, released later that year. The project was a cohesive journey, from the pulsating urgency of “Beyond the Comfort Zone” to the dreamlike beauty of “Little Star.” Every track felt like it belonged to a bigger story, not just a playlist. The production was polished but still personal, and the lyrics dug deeper than the typical dancefloor fare. They weren’t afraid to slow things down or let a moment breathe—something you don’t often see in high-energy electronic music.
What makes Elysian special isn’t just the names involved—it’s the intention behind it. This isn’t a side project or a one-off. From the start, they’ve been vocal about wanting to do something different. They saw a gap in trance and melodic dance music where emotion had started to take a back seat to drops and formulas. Elysian was their answer to that—a return to storytelling, to goosebump-inducing melodies, and to vocals that actually say something.
The response from fans and fellow artists has been overwhelmingly positive. In a time when the EDM world is crowded with noise and repetition, Elysian has offered something quieter but more powerful. It’s not about being the loudest act on the festival lineup—it’s about creating a space where music, lyrics, and emotion come together in a meaningful way.
Now, with more music in the works and live shows on the horizon, Elysian is just getting started. They’ve already shown they can create magic together—what comes next is anyone’s guess. But if their first releases are anything to go by, the future looks bright, emotional, and deeply moving.
In a world that often moves too fast, Elysian reminds us to slow down, listen, and feel. And that’s what makes them more than just another EDM act—they’re a rare kind of musical experience.
