In the world of Hardstyle/Hardcore music, several musicians and bands have played a significant role in shaping the genre. German producer Marc Trauner (Mescalinum United) claimed to release the first hardcore techno track with "We Have Arrived" in 1990. British group Together's track "Hardcore Uproar" also made an impact that year.

Producers from the Belgian hardcore scene, such as Second Phase, T99, and L.A. Style, as well as Dutch hardcore bands like Human Resource, contributed to the genre. In the United States, Lenny Dee's label Industrial Strength Records became a center for early American hardcore.

In the Netherlands, Paul Elstak and Rob Fabrie popularized "gabber" and "happy hardcore." The Thunderdome events and ID&T label further popularized hardcore in Europe. Laurent Hô was a pioneering figure in the French hardcore scene, which later developed into frenchcore. The style evolved in the late 1990s, leading to the emergence of other subgenres like mákina and hardstyle.

In the 2000s, the mainstream hardcore scene grew with artists like DJ Promo, Endymion, and Art of Fighters. Labels such as Enzyme Records and Bloc 46 supported darkcore artists. The free party movement led to the development of hard techno and frenchcore genres, represented by labels like Epileptik and Audiogenic.

The rise of hardcore continued internationally in the early 2010s, with artists like Angerfist gaining popularity. The scene later saw a shift towards faster styles like frenchcore, uptempo hardcore, and terrorcore.

Hardstyle/Hardcore music has been defined by a collection of influential songs from renowned artists in the genre. Paul Elstak's "Rainbow in the Sky," with its uplifting melodies and anthemic vocals, has become an iconic track representing the essence of happy hardcore. 3 Steps Ahead's "Drop It" showcases the aggressive and energetic side of hardcore with its pounding beats and relentless intensity, while Neophyte's "Hardcore to the Bone" embodies the raw power and unapologetic nature of early hardcore sound.

In the realm of modern hardcore, Angerfist's "Raise Your Fist" stands out as a symbol of the genre's ferocity, combining heavy distorted kicks and aggressive vocals. Nosferatu's "The Future" explores the darker side of hardcore, featuring haunting atmospheres and relentless drive. The Prophet's "Hardstyle Baby" represents the fusion of hardstyle and hardcore, blending euphoric melodies with hard-hitting kicks.

Tellurian's "Guyver" captures the essence of early gabber with its pounding beats and distorted sounds, while Lenny Dee's "Funky Twisted" showcases the unique blend of techno and hardcore that characterized the New York scene. D-Block & S-te-Fan's "Music Made Addict" exemplifies the fusion of hardstyle and euphoric elements, becoming a beloved anthem in the genre. Chosen Few's "Name of the DJ" symbolizes the rebellious spirit and relentless energy of hardcore, while Headhunterz's "Rock Civilization" represents the evolution of hardstyle with its melodic hooks and energetic drive. Together, these tracks have played a vital role in defining the diverse and dynamic nature of Hardstyle/Hardcore music.

The end of the decade saw rapid growth of the hardcore scene in Europe. Hardcore festivals within the Netherlands saw a significant rise in attendance. 2019's edition of Thunderdome reached an attendance of almost 40,000 people and became the biggest hardcore event to ever take place.

Some of the most popular festivals and events that represent the Hardstyle/Hardcore music genre include Defqon.1, Qlimax, Dominator, Masters of Hardcore, Decibel Outdoor, and Intents Festival. Regular large scale events hardcore started happening outside of the Netherlands in countries like Spain, Russia, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic among other European countries. In America hardcore remains a relatively underground genre, but can be found in major cities being pushed by independent promoters and artists.

These festivals typically feature high-energy sets from some of the biggest names in the genre, as well as cutting-edge production values and immersive visual experiences. With their intense beats, pounding basslines, and futuristic soundscapes, these festivals are a must-see for anyone who loves the Hardstyle/Hardcore genre.