CYCLOPS DESERT 2025
Cyclops Desert 2025: A Relentless Beats Showcase of Pure Bass Bliss
Content & Article by: Anthony C.
@a_cavale
TIf you weren’t at Cyclops Desert this year, you seriously missed out on one of the most electrifying bass experiences Arizona has to offer. Held at Rawhide in Chandler on March 7 and 8, this Relentless Beats event solidified its place as a top contender for Arizona’s EDM festival throne. With a lineup stacked with talent, headlined by the bass king himself, Subtronics, the weekend was nothing short of unforgettable. Rain or shine, the energy never faltered, and the crowd came together to create one of the most welcoming and high-energy environments I’ve ever witnessed at an EDM event.
Hedex kicked things off with a set that seamlessly blended deep wubs and heavy-hitting drops. His ability to control the energy of the crowd, setting the stage for what was to come, was impressive. His set was the perfect warm-up, giving everyone a taste of the bass-fueled madness that would follow. Mersiv delivered an ethereal yet bone-rattling performance that captivated the entire audience. His signature freeform bass sound took the crowd on a journey, blending heavy bass lines with melodic transitions that felt like floating in another dimension before being slammed back into reality by monstrous drops. His ability to weave storytelling into his music made for an unforgettable experience.
Alleycvt brought a completely different energy to the festival, showing why she’s one of the most exciting rising stars in the scene. Her set was the perfect blend of hypnotic vocals, deep bass, and infectious beats that had the crowd grooving from start to finish. The way she engaged with the crowd and delivered every drop with precision made her performance a standout moment of the weekend. INZO’s performance was a mesmerizing display of sound design and creativity. His ability to fuse dreamy melodies with earth-shaking bass made for a truly unique listening experience. It wasn’t just a set—it was a sonic journey that had the crowd completely entranced, proving that bass music can be both beautiful and brutal at the same time.
And then there was Subtronics. To put it simply, this was hands down one of the best EDM performances I have ever experienced. There’s a reason he’s the headliner, and after this weekend, I understand it more than ever. If you’ve ever had the privilege of being up front, let alone in the photo pit like I was, you know that his bass isn’t just something you hear—it’s something you feel. His music punches you in the face in the best way possible, rattling through your entire body and shaking your bones with every drop. The light production, the sound design, the raw energy—it was a complete sensory overload in the best way. Subtronics has mastered the ability to create a true back-and-forth between himself and his fans. The entire crowd erupted in unison with every drop, matching his energy in a way that made the whole experience feel like one massive, synchronized force of bass-fueled chaos.
It was raining all day, and I thought it might impact the show, but a little mud never hurt anybody. Miraculously, the venue wasn’t a mess, and instead, it added to the raw energy of the night. The crisp air and open space made it the perfect setting to enjoy Arizona’s last breath of cool weather before summer’s relentless heat takes over. Beyond the music, one of the things that continues to impress me at Relentless Beats events is the people. The security and workers were friendly and professional, ensuring that everyone had a safe and enjoyable time. But more than that, it’s the crowd that truly makes these events special. There’s something about the Relentless Beats community that attracts the most kind-hearted, passionate, and energetic fans in the EDM world. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, and that energy is contagious.
Phoenix Lights, Goldrush, and Decadence have long held their places as Arizona’s top EDM festivals, but mark my words—Cyclops Desert is well on its way to securing its spot among them. The combination of a stacked lineup, immersive production, and an unbeatable atmosphere makes it a must-attend event for any bass lover. If you missed it this year, don’t make that mistake again. Cyclops Desert is carving its own legacy, and after this weekend, there’s no doubt that it’s here to stay.
