Illegal emerged from Italy's hardcore scene as a pioneering force in the genre's development. The project, fronted by producer Peter Paul Pigmans (also known as 3 Steps Ahead), became instrumental in shaping the sound of European hardcore throughout the 1990s. Working alongside collaborator Rob Fabrie (DJ Waxweazle), Pigmans crafted hard-hitting tracks that defined the era, while also exploring sonic territory under aliases including The Illegal Alien and The Ender.
Known for their raw, energetic approach to hardcore production, Illegal's releases left a lasting impact on the scene's evolution. Pigmans' prolific output and distinctive production style influenced a generation of hardcore and techno producers across Europe, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the genre's history.