Trance Review: Techno Trance: Armin van Buuren and Adam Beyer Unite for Debut Collaboration out on Drumcode/Armada Music

 

Highlighting the intertwined roots of trance and techno and the fluidity that now defines their sounds

Where trance soars and techno pulses, a revitalized sound comes alive. ‘Techno Trance’ marks the first-ever collaboration between global trance icon Armin van Buuren and techno frontrunner and Drumcode label boss Adam Beyer, bringing together two of electronic music’s defining voices on a single record. The track revisits a three-decade legacy while offering a fresh perspective for today’s dancefloors, creating a bridge between past and present that resonates with fans of both genres.

The track is a take on Dutch producer D-Shakes’s 1992 classic, ‘Techno Trance (Paradise Is Now)’, originally driven by mechanical 909 beats and trance-like hypnotic riffs; a sound that was rare at the time. Looking back to a genre-blurring era when elements of techno, acid house, and early trance freely crossed paths, the rework pays homage to that legacy while enhancing it with modern production. Delivering a bold, cutting-edge sound built for 2025’s dancefloors. It blends Armin’s uplifting synths and euphoric breakdowns with Adam’s driving kicks and hypnotic percussion.

“Techno Trance still hits hard after 30 years," says Armin van Buuren. "Reworking it with Adam let us revive the spirit of that era in a 2025 jacket, connecting a new generation on the dancefloor with our combined signature sounds. I was so excited by the reaction, it shows that when you take risks and explore beyond genre boundaries, fans are ready to embrace it, and the energy on stage and in the crowd proves it."

In the early ’90s, electronic genres were still undefined and establishing themselves, resulting in crossovers. Thirty years later, fans and DJs are once again moving fluidly across styles, enjoying music without boundaries. By revisiting this classic, Armin and Adam have created a track that connects the past with the present, a statement piece for modern dance culture.

‘Techno Trance’ premiered during their back-to-back set at A State of Trance 2025 in Rotterdam and has since become a mainstay in both artists’ sets. The track’s crossover appeal was clear from the start. “Playing the track back-to-back with Armin and seeing both trance and techno fans connect instantly was incredible,” says Adam Beyer. “It shows that great music goes beyond genres and eras, and the energy speaks for itself. Moments like that remind me why we do this, seeing people from different scenes come together through the power of music is truly special.”

To extend the concept visually, Armin and Adam created a limited edition T-shirt with a mirrored ‘Techno Trance’ graphic: flip it, and either genre takes the spotlight while the energy remains unchanged. The limited edition T-shirt is available in the Armada Music webshop.

‘Techno Trance’ is available now on all streaming platforms via Armada Music.

Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Armin van Buuren, Adam Beyer & D-Shake - Techno Trance [/item]

[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Armin van Buuren and Adam Beyer’s groundbreaking collaboration on the rework of D-Shake’s iconic "Techno Trance" is a masterclass in modern electronic production, seamlessly blending elements from trance and techno to create an explosive mainstage anthem. Premiered during their electrifying back-to-back set at A State of Trance 2025 in Rotterdam, this track is a sonic powerhouse designed to dominate peak-time dancefloors. Clocking in at an energetic 134 BPM, the track’s tempo strikes the perfect balance between techno’s relentless drive and trance’s euphoric momentum. The foundation rests on a bed of robust, punchy kicks that have been meticulously layered and processed to achieve maximum impact. The kick drums exhibit a tight low-end thump complemented by subtle saturation, giving them a gritty edge that cuts through even the densest of festival sound systems. The bassline is a standout feature—bouncy yet commanding, crafted using analog synthesizers that add warmth and depth. The bass undergoes dynamic sidechain compression, synced precisely with the kick to create that signature pulsing effect, enhancing the groove without overpowering the mix. Armin and Adam’s genius lies in their ability to preserve the essence of the original "Techno Trance" while infusing it with futuristic sound design. The haunting melodies, a nod to the classic, have been reinterpreted using lush, evolving pads and sharp, resonant leads processed through reverb and delay units to create an expansive, hypnotic atmosphere. The vocals maintain the cool, eerie vibe of D-Shake’s original but are reprocessed with modern techniques—adding granular delays, pitch modulation, and spectral reverb, which gives them an ethereal, almost otherworldly presence in the mix. Drum programming is tight and intricate, with percussive elements that include crisp hi-hats, snappy claps, and textured shakers layered to build rhythmic complexity. The use of polyrhythms and subtle syncopation injects an infectious energy, keeping listeners engaged from start to finish. The mixdown showcases meticulous attention to detail. Elements are perfectly balanced with clever EQ carving to ensure each part occupies its unique space. The stereo field is masterfully utilized, with widened synths and panned percussion creating an immersive 3D soundscape. The mastering process ensures the track’s loudness is optimized for both club systems and streaming platforms, maintaining clarity and punch without sacrificing dynamic range. Multiband compression and limiting are applied with precision, enhancing the track’s cohesiveness and sonic weight. This rework of "Techno Trance" is more than just a remix; it’s a reinvention that pays homage to rave classics while pushing the boundaries of contemporary electronic music. Armin van Buuren and Adam Beyer have crafted a track that is hypnotic, commanding, and undeniably infectious—an instant #PureGold masterpiece destined to ignite dancefloors worldwide. #PureGold Love iT[/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]

About Armin van Buuren

Armin van Buuren has been a global ambassador for electronic music for over thirty years, with a Grammy nomination, five #1 spots in the DJ Mag Top 100, and nine full-length artist albums to his name. Through his exemplary productions, groundbreaking live shows (e.g. his new ‘THE ORB’ world tour) and his weekly A State of Trance radio show (44 million listeners from over 80 different countries), event series and album series, he cultivates a massive global following.

Armin van Buuren headlines tens to hundreds of shows per year at leading festivals and venues around the world, including Electric Daisy Carnival (Las Vegas, New York), Ultra Music Festival (Miami), Lollapalooza (Chicago. Berlin) and Tomorrowland (Belgium, Brazil), plus residencies on Ibiza and in Las Vegas, and his own A State of Trance events in Rotterdam, London, Mexico and beyond. As a producer, Armin van Buuren has joined forces with the biggest artists in dance music and beyond, from Hardwell, David Guetta and Martin Garrix, to Moby and Jon Bon Jovi. In June 2025, he released his ninth studio album, ‘Breathe’. 

Armin van Buuren is also the co-founder of Armada Music, the world’s biggest independent dance music label. 

About Adam Beyer

Adam Beyer is one of techno’s true originators, remaining at the forefront since the ’90s. Over three decades, the Swedish pioneer has performed at nearly every major club and festival worldwide, delivered two BBC Radio 1 Essential Mixes and a fabric mix, and launched three record labels, most notably Drumcode: a global powerhouse with a syndicated radio show, weekly streams, and international events.

Founded in 1996, Drumcode quickly became techno’s defining label, releasing Beyer’s own high-voltage productions alongside early records from Cari Lekebusch, Joel Mull, Marco Carola and more. Today, it stands as the genre’s leading imprint, surpassing 250 releases, including Kevin Saunderson’s revived E-Dancer project, and championing artists such as Robert Hood, Amelie Lens, Len Faki, TYGAPAW, Bart Skils and Layton Giordani.

A meticulous selector and festival headliner, Beyer’s sets push sonic and visual boundaries while staying rooted in techno’s countercultural spirit. Recent highlights include residencies at Hï Ibiza and M2 Miami, headline slots at Coachella, and performances at Tomorrowland, Awakenings, Creamfields and Junction 2.

About Armada Music

Armada Music is the biggest independent dance music label in the world. Founded by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron (CEO) and David Lewis, the label manages an ever-growing catalog of over 50,000 tracks built up across twenty-plus years of specialized dance music exploitation.

Representing artists such as Armin van Buuren, ARTY, D.O.D, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, THEMBA and Yulia Niko, Armada Music amasses more than one billion streams per month, airplay on leading radio outlets such as BBC Radio 1 and Sirius XM, and top positions in the world’s most notable charts. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.

Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a global appeal to its growing roster. The label has its own club, radio studio and multiple production studios, and hosts various live formats. Producer platform Armada University, which offers educational products and opportunities, shows the label’s sustained effort to nurture the next wave of talent.

Additional info:
www.astateoftrance.com
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https://www.facebook.com/astateoftrance
https://www.instagram.com/armadamusic
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https://www.x.com/armada
https://www.soundcloud.com/armadamusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@armadamusic
https://www.armadamusic.com
https://discord.gg/arminvanbuuren
https://www.instagram.com/arminvanbuuren
https://www.tiktok.com/@arminvanbuuren
https://www.facebook.com/arminvanbuuren
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https://www.arminvanbuuren.com