Qlimax


Qlimax is an annual hardstyle and hard dance event in the Netherlands. It is a major attraction held by Q-dance, and considered to be one of the leading hardstyle events, attracting nearly 30,000 people annually. It contains some of the most sophisticated production and setup, as well as sound system for any Q-dance event.

History

During the first few years following Qlimax's debut, the event used to have several editions each year. Since 2004, it was changed to the third or fourth week of November. At first it was held at the Beursgebouw and then moved to various other venues such as the SilverDome and AFAS Live, but has now settled at the GelreDome.

Artists and event

Many artists consider being chosen to play at Qlimax as a highlight since the event is used to showcase the most successful artists in their respective genre. The beginning saw the lineup featuring genres ranging from Hardhouse to Techno. This was changed to traditionally begin with one Hardtrance act, numerous Hardstyle acts and then finish off with one Hardcore/Gabber act. This was changed in 2008 with the removal of the Jumpstyle act and in 2009 with the replacement of the Hardtrance act to one playing early Hardstyle.
The sound, light, pyrotechnic and stage setup at Qlimax is substantial. Around 350 L'Acoustics speaker boxes are deployed in the arena, with a majority being suspended from the ceiling. The conventional part of the lighting setup is controlled from 3 light desks, and the laser show is done by a certified laser show operator. FOH is placed out in the crowd, giving the technicians the overview they need, as well as the sound coverage needed to ensure everyone is having the most ideal possible sound at all times.

Anthems

Like most of the Q-dance events, an anthem is made every year by the headlining DJ to represent that edition. Below is a list of the anthems for each edition:
Dutch Anthems
YearDateLocationThemeAnthemMCLineup-
20003 JuneBeursgebouw, Eindhoven N/AN/ARuffianCaptain Tinrib, Dana, Nick Sentience, and Pavo-
20012 JuneHeineken Music Hall, AmsterdamN/AN/ARuffianAcid Junkies, Alpha Twins, Bas & Ram, Dana, Gary D, Jon The Baptist, Kai Tracid, Lisa Loud, Marco V, Michel de Hey, and Mauro Picotto-
20026 AprilThialf Stadion, HeerenveenCosmosN/ARuffianCaptain Tinrib, Cosmic Spoils, Dana, Gary D, Kai Tracid, Pavo, Technoboy, and Warmduscher-
200221 SeptemberSilverDome, ZoetermeerInfectionN/ARuffianAlpha Twins, Bas & Ram, Charly Lownoise, Dana, The Darkman, Gizmo, Haze & Abyss, DJ Isaac, Luna, Melanie de Tria, Pavo, Pila, Sunny D, Technoboy, and Zenith-
200312 AprilThialf Stadion, HeerenveenFollow The LeaderThe Prophet - Follow The Leader RuffianDana, Gary D, Isaac, Luna, Pavo, Pila, Super Marco May, Technoboy, The Prophet, and Zenith-
200322 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemThe ProphecyDeepack - The Prophecy RuffianBas & Ram, Daniele Mondello, Deepack, Kai Tracid, Luna, Max B Grant, Pavo, The Prophet, Technoboy, and Bass D & King Matthew-
200427 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemDestiny's PathFuture Tribes - Deadlock Mouth Of MadnessCharly Lownoise, Dana, Luna, Igor S, Outblast, Pavo, Technoboy & The Prophet, and Zany-
200519 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemScience & ReligionDJ Zany - Science & Religion RuffianBas & Ram, The Beholder & Ballistic, Pila, Zany, The Prophet, Luna, DJ Isaac, Alpha Twins, Technoboy, and Vince-
200625 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemThe DarksideAlpha Twins - The Darkside RuffianAlpha Twins, Dana, Luna, The Prophet feat. Headhunterz, Promo, DJ Ruthless, Showtek, Tatanka, Zany & Donkey Rollers, and Yves de Ruyter-
200717 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemThe Power Of The MindHeadhunterz - The Power Of The Mind RuffianFausto, DJ Ghost, Brennan Heart, Showtek, Headhunterz , Technoboy, The Prophet & Zany, and DJ Neophyte-
200822 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemNext Dimensional WorldTechnoboy - Next Dimensional World RuffianMark Sherry, Showtek, Headhunterz, Headhunterz & Wildstylez Pres. Project One, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Technoboy, Tatanka, and Zany & Vince-
200921 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemThe Nature Of Our MindD-Block & S-te-Fan - The Nature Of Our Mind RuffianDJ Isaac, A-Lusion, Davide Sonar, Brennan Heart, Technoboy, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Headhunterz, Noisecontrollers, Deepack, and Noize Suppressor -
201027 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemAlternate RealityBrennan Heart - Alternate Reality RuffianPavelow, DJ Stephanie, Wildstylez, Wildstylez & Noisecontrollers, TNT aka Technoboy & Tuneboy, Brennan Heart, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Psyko Punkz, Zatox, and Endymion vs. Evil Activities-
201126 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemExperiment DomeZatox - No Way Back RuffianStana, Coone, Headhunterz, Zany & The Pitcher, Noisecontrollers, Zatox, Ran-D, Gunz For Hire, and The Prophet-
201224 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemFate or FortunePsyko Punkz - Fate or Fortune Ruffian A*S*Y*S, Wildstylez, Frontliner, Isaac, Technoboy, Zatox, Psyko Punkz, Brennan Heart, B-Front, Adaro, and Evil Activities -
201323 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemImmortal EssenceGunz For Hire ft. Ruffian - Immortal RuffianActi, Wildstylez & Max Enforcer, Code Black, Coone, Gunz For Hire, Noisecontrollers, Zatox, Alpha Twins, and Mad Dog & Art of Fighters-
201422 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemThe Source Code of CreationNoisecontrollers – The Source Code of Creation RuffianAudiofreq & Technoboy, Headhunterz, Atmozfears, Frontliner, Noisecontrollers, Ran-D, Crypsis, Endymion, The Viper, and Partyraiser-
201521 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemEquilibriumAtmozfears - Equilibrium VillainIsaac, Bass Modulators, Atmozfears, Noisecontrollers & Wildstylez, Brennan Heart, Ran-D, Zatox & Adaro, Frequencerz, Deetox, and Tha Playah-
201619 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemRise Of The CelestialsCoone - Rise Of The Celestials VillainTuneboy, Audiotricz, Brennan Heart, Coone, Headhunterz & Wildstylez Pres. Project One, Bass Modulators, Frequencerz, B-Front, Angerfist, and Ran-D
201718 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemTemple of LightWildstylez - Temple of Light VillainTNT aka Technoboy & Tuneboy, D-Block & S-Te-Fan, Wildstylez, Da Tweekaz, Noisecontrollers & Atmozfears, Frequencerz, Phuture Noize, Sub Zero Project, Gunz for Hire, and N-Vitral-
201824 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemThe Game ChangerSub Zero Project - The Game Changer VillainLuna, Sound Rush, Coone, Bass Modulators, Wildstylez, Sub Zero Project, Tweekacore, Phuture Noize, B-Freqz and Dr. Peacock-
201923 NovemberGelreDome, ArnhemSymphony of ShadowsB-Front - Symphony of Shadows VillainThe Qreator, Keltek, Sound Rush, D-Block & S-Te-Fan, HeadHunterz, B-Front, Ran-D, D-Sturb, Rejecta, Radical Redemption, and Miss K8-

Most significant artists