The GelreDome in Arnhem was home to a bittersweet yet monumental night as Qlimax: The Final Prophecy marked the end of an era.
For 24 years, Qlimax has been a cornerstone of the Hardstyle community, offering not just music but incredible shows. This year’s edition, themed around the mystical “Dark Star,” promised to be more than just a party—it was a goodbye to one of the most iconic festivals in electronic music history.
The Legacy of Qlimax
Since its inception in 2000, Qlimax has been setting the tone for Hardstyle. From the early days at Het Beursgebouw in Eindhoven to its recent home at the GelreDome, Qlimax evolved from a niche event into a global phenomenon. With each passing year, Qlimax redefined what a Hardstyle event could be, providing unparalleled visual storytelling.
Over two decades, Qlimax cultivated a reputation for mystical themes, massive stage designs, and the world’s top Hardstyle acts. Each edition was a narrative, where music and visuals combined to take the audience on an unforgettable journey. The stage wasn’t just a backdrop, it was a portal into another world.
This year’s theme, The Final Prophecy, symbolized both an ending and a transcendence. In true Q-dance fashion, this last edition was designed to leave a lasting impression, showcasing the pinnacle of the Qlimax experience.
The Art of Storytelling: A History of Themes and Anthems
Qlimax’s ability to weave a story through its themes and anthems has been one of its defining traits. From “Follow the Leader” in 2003 to “Enter the Void” in 2023, these tracks didn’t just hype the event—they became milestones in the evolution of hardstyle.
Each anthem reflected its year’s theme, taking fans deeper into Qlimax’s world. For example, Zany’s “Science & Religion” (2005) introduced philosophical depth, while Noisecontrollers’ “The Source Code of Creation” (2014) brought cinematic complexity. B-Front’s “Symphony of Shadows” (2019) embodied the haunting, atmospheric tone that defined Qlimax’s later years.
The lack of an anthem this year allowed fans to reflect on the rich catalogue of music that Qlimax has built over the years. It wasn’t about one track—it was about the entire history of Hardstyle and creativity.
Legendary Stages and Unforgettable Experiences
Qlimax’s stage designs have always been leaving visitors speechless, evolving from simple structures to breathtaking, immersive art pieces. In the early 2000s, LED screens and traditional lighting dominated the scene. But as technology advanced, so did Q-dance.
By the mid-2010s, Q-dance introduced 3D mapping, holographics, and dynamic stage elements that transformed the GelreDome into a living, breathing entity. The 2019 edition, Symphony of Shadows, featured massive gears and a glowing, all-seeing eye that seemed to orchestrate the event.
This year’s stage, themed around the Dark Star, was a tribute to 24 years of mystical shows. The well-known blades, the skull we know from Defqon.1 Weekend Festival’s stages, and stained glass windows created a dark cathedral-like structure that embodied the role of Qlimax in Harder Styles. As lasers, pyrotechnics, and lights danced in perfect harmony with the music, the GelreDome became was full of 28.000 dancing ravers!
The Final Lineup: A Showcase of Hardstyle’s Finest
The lineup for The Final Prophecy was a carefully curated mix of legends and rising stars, ensuring the event honored hardstyle’s roots while celebrating its future.
The night opened with a nostalgic set from Zany, Deepack, and Luna, paying homage to the early days of the event. From there, the energy built steadily, with electrifying performances from Noisecontrollers, Rebelion, and D-Sturb.
A standout moment was the hour of set by B-Front, Phuture Noize, and Adaro, which encapsulated the event’s emotional core. Their atmospheric tracks, paired with celestial visuals, created a spiritual climax that left the crowd voiceless (yes, I lost my voice from singing along during Phuture Noize – worth it). As the night continued, acts like Sefa, Dr. Peacock, and Mad Dog pushed the tempo, bringing intensity and higher bpm to the closing hours.
The End of an Era
While Qlimax has come to an end, its influence will stay for years. It was more than just a n indoor event—it was a cultural touchstone for Hardstylers arounf the world, shaping the genre and inspiring countless artists and fans.
Q-dance’s decision to retire this event is part of a broader shift, with other events like The Qontinent and QAPITAL also ending. However, the flagship festival Defqon.1 Weekend Festival continues to thrive, ensuring that hard dance music remains a global force.
For those lucky enough to attend Qlimax: The Final Prophecy, the night was a mix of nostalgia, celebration, and bittersweet goodbyes. As the final beats echoed through the GelreDome and the lights were turned on, fans took their last group photos in front of the stage, capturing memories of an event that was more than just music—it defined the genre.
Thank You, Q-dance
The legacy is not just in its anthems, stages, or themes—it’s in the moments shared by fans. It’s in the chills of the first drop, the awe of the visuals, and the curtain drop and dancing shoulder to shoulder in a sea of thousands.
As we say goodbye to Qlimax, we thank Q-dance for 24 years of pushing boundaries, for giving Hardstyle the stage it deserves.
Here’s to Qlimax—forever the Church of Hardstyle.
Photos provided by Q-dance
