Since its inception, Qlimax has been more than a music festival; it’s a sacred gathering for hardstyle lovers, creating unforgettable experiences year after year. With each anthem, Qlimax has set the bar for creativity, intensity, and musical innovation. These anthems don’t just represent Qlimax but the hardstyle genre as a whole, influencing its evolution and honoring its roots. Here’s a look at each anthem, its creator, and how it helped shape hardstyle as we know it.
2003: The Prophet – “Follow The Leader” & Deepack – “The Prophecy”
In 2003, The Prophet and Deepack kicked off the tradition of Qlimax anthems. “Follow The Leader” and “The Prophecy” set a mystical, powerful tone that established the Qlimax vibe. The Prophet, often called the “Godfather of Hardstyle,” brought hardstyle’s energetic beats to life, while Deepack gave it a rebellious edge. These anthems laid the foundation for a unique festival sound, blending hard beats with intense atmospheres.
2005: Zany – “Science & Religion”
Zany’s “Science & Religion” merged mystery with intensity, a perfect match for Qlimax’s evolving identity. Zany, a trailblazer in hardstyle, showcased his unique ability to blend melodic elements with hard-hitting beats. This anthem inspired the festival to explore themes of philosophy and mysticism, pushing hardstyle into new, experimental territory.
2006: Alpha² – “The Dark Side”
Alpha² brought out the darker, raw side of hardstyle with “The Dark Side.” This anthem resonated with the harder crowd, establishing Qlimax as a place where fans could explore their more intense, primal energies. Alpha²’s influence on hardstyle grew with this release, as they demonstrated the power of raw, edgy beats in creating a captivating experience.
2007: Headhunterz – “Power of the Mind”
Headhunterz introduced a new level of melodic structure with “Power of the Mind,” an anthem that has become legendary. It wasn’t just a track—it was an emotional journey that inspired countless fans. Headhunterz brought a powerful mix of melody and message, transforming the hardstyle scene and helping it reach a global audience.
2008: Technoboy – “Next Dimensional World”
Technoboy’s anthem, “Next Dimensional World,” felt futuristic and forward-thinking, matching the advanced visuals and concepts Qlimax had embraced. His Italian influence brought a unique flavor to Qlimax, showing that hardstyle was growing into a worldwide movement.
2009: D-Block & S-te-Fan – “Nature of Our Mind”
In “Nature of Our Mind,” D-Block & S-te-Fan explored the power of melody. Their style connected with audiences through a blend of emotion and energy, showing hardstyle’s softer side without losing any impact. This anthem helped shape the euphoric side of hardstyle, influencing many future anthems and artists.
2010: Brennan Heart – “Alternate Reality”
Brennan Heart brought an anthemic, introspective feel to Qlimax with “Alternate Reality.” Known for his emotionally resonant productions, Brennan Heart captured the essence of Qlimax’s transformative experience, solidifying the event as a place of musical journey for fans.
2011: Zatox – “No Way Back”
“No Way Back” by Zatox embraced hardstyle’s raw, aggressive energy, which resonated deeply with fans. This anthem perfectly captured the feeling of crossing into a new, intense world of sound, showcasing Zatox’s raw, Italian style and establishing him as a key player in the hardstyle world.
2012: Psyko Punkz – “Fate or Fortune”
With “Fate or Fortune,” Psyko Punkz crafted an anthem full of high-energy, uplifting beats that still felt grounded in hardstyle’s hard-hitting essence. This track celebrated Qlimax as an event where fans could feel connected to a bigger, shared experience.
2013: Gunz For Hire – “Immortal”
Gunz For Hire brought their signature raw energy to “Immortal,” creating an anthem that was dark and intense, fitting Qlimax’s shadowy, mysterious atmosphere. The duo’s influence on rawstyle showed how much the genre had evolved, with a harder, darker edge that fans loved.
2014: Noisecontrollers – “The Source Code of Creation”
Noisecontrollers took Qlimax into an almost cinematic realm with “The Source Code of Creation.” Known for his innovative sound design, Noisecontrollers brought a polished, complex sound to hardstyle, showing how melodic and emotional the genre could be.
2015: Atmozfears – “Equilibrium”
With “Equilibrium,” Atmozfears created an anthem focused on balance, merging melody and power. This track was uplifting and powerful, showing Atmozfears’ skill in creating depth within hardstyle’s framework.
2016: Coone – “Rise of the Celestials”
Coone’s “Rise of the Celestials” was grand and mystical, embodying Qlimax’s immersive vibe. Coone’s anthem symbolized hardstyle’s global reach, as the Belgian producer had become a key international figure, showing hardstyle’s ability to unite fans worldwide.
2017: Wildstylez – “Temple of Light”
Wildstylez brought anthemic melodies to “Temple of Light,” capturing Qlimax’s spiritual vibe. His work highlighted the emotional side of hardstyle, adding depth and resonance to the genre and to Qlimax’s growing, devout fanbase.
2018: Sub Zero Project – “The Game Changer”
Sub Zero Project delivered an anthem that shook the scene with “The Game Changer.” Their innovative sound and energy symbolized the next generation of hardstyle, keeping Qlimax fresh, intense, and forward-thinking.
2019: B-Front – “Symphony of Shadows”
With “Symphony of Shadows,” B-Front crafted an anthem full of mystery and depth. Known for his dark, atmospheric style, B-Front’s anthem brought fans into the haunting world of Qlimax, proving hardstyle could be hauntingly beautiful.
2020: No Anthem
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Qlimax did not have an official anthem in 2020, a reminder of how challenging that year was. Yet the hardstyle community stayed connected through digital events, proving its resilience and dedication.
2021 & 2022: Ran-D ft. Charlotte Wessels – “The Reawakening”
Ran-D brought a message of resilience with “The Reawakening,” featuring Charlotte Wessels’ vocals, after the return of in-person events. This anthem was about rebirth, fitting perfectly with Qlimax’s return after the pandemic. The powerful vocals and intense beats made this anthem a reminder of hardstyle’s unbreakable spirit.
2023: Hard Driver – “Enter the Void”
In “Enter the Void,” Hard Driver captured the thrilling, unknown energy of Qlimax, bringing fans back to its dark, immersive roots. His anthem emphasized the event’s ability to transport fans to another dimension, embodying hardstyle’s continued evolution.
This year, Qlimax offered a limited edition of the complete anthem collection on vinyl, which was sold out in minutes:
Qlimax has contributed immensely to hardstyle’s growth, creating timeless anthems that define the genre’s spirit. From raw, intense energy to melodic, emotional depth, each Qlimax anthem is a chapter in hardstyle’s ongoing story, proving the genre’s ability to innovate, inspire, and unite fans year after year. With this chapter coming to an end – we want to thank Q-dance for all the incredible memories and tracks that Qlimax brought with it!
