Iridium DJ Presents The Foundation of Hardstyle - The Qlubtempo Era - 2025

Martin van Zeelandt / TCD
Sep 23
4 min read

Qlubtempo. I do recognise the name and its legacy, but I've never been to an event. It was mainly held at the Hemkade in Zaandam, which is a bit far out for this boy from Heerlen, Limburg, who had no friends who loved harder sounding styles, like Hard House and Hardstyle. Just me, and no mode of transportation back in the day. Well, I could have used the NS (trains), but to go on my own? Already did Mysteryland on my own, bit too much, if you ask me. We had our local events, but they obviously weren't near as good as Qlubtempo.

It was legendary. And also kind of the birthplace of Q-Dance. You might have heard of this little organisation? Qlubtempo was unique, as it gave this nearly formed style called Hardstyle the opportunity to progress into one of the biggest sounds in the world. And of course did this event give Q-Dance (then called Qlass Elite) the movement it needed, to become bigger, bolder, and better. All because of this legendary name, Qlubtempo.

The lifespan of Qlubtempo was short. The first event was held on the 24th of February 2001, and the last on the 13th of October 2007. It is kind of a shame that they let things disappear, but if it has runs its course, it's the most logical thing to do. As said before, I've not been to Qlubtempo, but I do remember seeing the flyers everywhere, even in my little town. And I do still own my school agenda, which has got a small flyer in it. Full circle, right?

I don't think there were any CDs, like what they do with most events, such as Decibel, Mysteryland, Thunderdome, Qlimax, and more. But the DJ who made this mix, selected 19 records, and those records reminded him the most of Qlubtempo and the early Hardstyle years. And his comment ''nothing can beat that specific sound'' resonates with me. This is Hardstyle in its earliest form. And that's when I fell in love with it too!

Brain Ovulation - Kicks & Bass (Acid Step Mix)
Warmduscher - 10 Kleine Bassdrums (Pille Palle Mix)
CJ Ash - Machines (Ultrasonic Remix)
Cherry Dee - The Drums (Original Mix)
The Beholder - Frequency Attack
K.A.M. - Frequency (Direct Mix)
Gollum & DJ Yanny - Shithead (Original Mix)
Arne L2 - Rest In Peace (R.I.P)
Trance Generators - Never In Danger (Y.O.M.C. Remix)
Kenji Ogura feat Melanie Di Tria - Kreissage (Typ A)
Pro-Tech - Out Of Control (DJ Wag Club Mix)
Tankis & Savietto - Octopus (Lost In Case Remix)
Bison Meets The Quakers - I Got Tonight (Original Mix)
Blutonium Boy - Brainshooter (Club Mix)
Klinisch Tot - Klinisch Tot (Wiederbelebungs Mix)
Poeppelbaum & Helmedach - 25.17 (2nd Club Mix)
Unit 4 - Relax
Nitro Man - Indian Rave
Technoboy - Hardrive (Lesson 2)

This gives me goosebumps. This is a trip down memory lane. Iridium DJ selected some serious anthems from the golden years of Hardstyle. And this sound, you don't hear anymore. So unique, so Millennium years, so amazing. Why did we choose the current Hardstyle sound over this? Why didn't this last as long as it should have been? Bring this sound back, and bring it back NOW!

What a trip down memory lane. So many fantastic anthems from a forgotten era. And to think that Qlubtempo was at the beginning of all of this. Insane, right? The birthplace of Hardstyle, the platform it needed to become big.

I've owned these songs during the Millennium years, and I've listened to them a lot. I can dream them. So good were they, they've stuck with me, years after I last listened to them. And yes, they might sound a bit dated, but that's what makes it great. The nostalgia factor is great here. It was influenced by many other genres and styles, so you can hear a bit of Hardcore, Hard House, Techno, and more. No one knew that it was to become such a popular sound, one that took over the world!

But it all had to start somewhere. And Qlubtempo could have been the birthplace. Where would we have been without it? And what would we have done without ''Out Of Control''? What a banger! Still a certified club banger!

I've never been, and now my chances are out of the window. 18 years ago since the last event. I missed it. I should have gone, regardless if I had friends or not. But you can't turn back the time. Only remember the good old days (if you experienced them). And to me, the early Hardstyle sound, always brings a smile on my face. Nothing sounded like it, and nothing today sounds like it.