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Trance Review: Marc Dawn - Expander (Sasha Vatoff Extended Remix) out 18/4/2025 on Drizzly Eclipse

 




1. Marc Dawn - Expander (Sasha Vatoff Extended Remix)
2. Marc Dawn - Expander (Sasha Vatoff Remix)
3. Marc Dawn - Expander (Original Mix)

Marc Dawn‘s Expander is an epic trance classic anthem and originally released on Drizzly Music’s sublabel Logport Recordings in 2002. Written and produced by Claus Terhoeven (Cosmic Gate), Andre Wevers, Erich Schmeier, Marc Dawn. The Swiss trance legend Wavetraxx and Australian mastermind Sasha Vatoff (formerly Binary Finary) put their hands on this master tune. After the successful release of the Wavetraxx Mix, we are proud to announce PT2, which contains the 2K25 Sasha Vatoff Mix and the Original Mix. The mixes reflect the classic and nowadays trance era.





Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Marc Dawn - Expander (Sasha Vatoff Extended Remix) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Marc Dawn's seminal track "Expander" receives a masterful re-imagining by Sasha Vatoff, an artist renowned for his expertise in remixing classic trance anthems. Vatoff's version is a 140 BPM euphoric trance masterpiece that showcases his deep understanding of both the technical and emotional elements required to elevate a track to epic proportions.
The production begins with a solid foundation of huge metallic basslines, crafted with precision using layered sub-bass and distorted mid-range elements to create a powerful, driving force. The bass design employs sidechain compression to achieve that quintessential pulsing effect, perfectly synchronized with the track’s thumping drums and tough kicks. The kicks are meticulously processed, featuring tight EQing and transient shaping to ensure they cut through the dense mix without overwhelming the other elements. Euphoric synths are at the heart of Vatoff's remake, with rich, layered leads that combine supersaw waveforms, complex modulated filters, and subtle detuning to create a wall of sound that feels both expansive and emotionally charged. The use of reverb and delay effects adds to the spatial depth, giving the synths a soaring, ethereal quality. The breakdown is a standout feature, dominated by a stunning cinematic orchestral reinterpretation of the original themes. Vatoff integrates meticulously arranged strings, including dynamic violin sections that add a dramatic, almost film-score-like intensity. The operatic chorus voices are harmonized with precision, layered with reverb and subtle pitch modulation to enhance their haunting, majestic presence. As the track builds toward its climax, Vatoff skillfully reintroduces the big synth hooks with a crescendo of automation techniques—filter sweeps, rising white noise, and gradual increases in reverb tails—adding to the adrenaline-charged anticipation. The drop explodes with mouthwatering energy, featuring adrenaline-pumping melodies and stunning euphoric synths that are both harmonically rich and rhythmically engaging. Overall, Sasha Vatoff’s re-imagining of "Expander" is not just a remix; it’s an epic anthemic trance experience. His meticulous attention to production details, innovative sound design, and masterful arrangement techniques result in a track that is both technically impressive and emotionally exhilarating. #PureGold indeed. #LoveIT [/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]




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