Belgian hardcore techno

Belgian hardcore techno (also referred to as Belgian techno or rave techno) is an early style of hardcore techno that emerged from new beat as EBM and techno influences became more prevalent in this genre. This particular style has been described as an "apocalyptic, almost Wagnerian, bombastic techno", due to its use of dramatic orchestral stabs and menacing synth tones that set it apart from earlier forms of electronic dance music. It flourished in Belgium and influenced the sound of early hardcore from Netherlands, Germany, Italy, UK and North America during the early-1990s, as a part of the rave movement during that period.

Belgian hardcore is related to both European techno and hardcore techno, being generally considered an early form of the latter. The genre is referred to by several other names, such as "Belgian rave" and "bretter tekkno".

The immediate predecessors of Belgian hardcore were two short-lived new beat subgenres called "hard beat" and "skizzo".