Inspired by the golden era of trance, Daniel Skyvers Take Me Back channels the energy of the late 90s through a contemporary production lens. With a dramatic drop and not one but two soaring lead melodies, this a masterclass in tension and release for old-school purists and new-age ravers alike.
Dimitris Kechagias Review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Daniel Skyver - Take Me Back [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Daniel Skyver’s "Take Me Back" stands as an exemplary homage to the golden era of trance, seamlessly blending nostalgic elements from the late 90s with cutting-edge contemporary production techniques. The track operates at a swift 140 BPM, exuding euphoric, uplifting energy tailored for both seasoned trance aficionados and a new generation of ravers. From a technical perspective, Skyver adopts a minimalist ethos—"less is more"—which is evident in the clean, uncluttered arrangement. The pulsating basslines are meticulously crafted, providing a rich, textured foundation that drives the track forward with relentless momentum. Complementing the bass are punchy, well-defined kicks layered with crisp thumping drums, engineered to deliver maximum impact on club sound systems. One of the standout features of "Take Me Back" is its masterful use of tension and release. The dramatic drop serves as a pivotal moment, creating an electrifying shift in energy that captivates listeners. Skyver employs two soaring lead melodies, each expertly crafted with gated trance effects—a hallmark of classic trance tracks. These melodies are intricately woven with epic Balearic-style synths, characterized by their warm, expansive tones and shimmering textures. The production process likely involved meticulous sound design, utilizing synthesizers with analog warmth and digital precision to achieve the track’s lush sonic landscape. Techniques such as sidechain compression are deftly applied to create dynamic interplay between the bass and kicks, ensuring clarity and punch. Additionally, reverb and delay effects are strategically used to add depth and spatial dimension, enhancing the track’s immersive quality. "Take Me Back" is not just a track; it’s an auditory journey that encapsulates the essence of trance. Its unstoppable energy, cohesive flow, and expertly executed production make it an instant classic in the genre. #PureGold 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]
A classic trancer from U.K. producer Daniel Skyver, Kaval Sviri offers a brilliant modern interpretation of the legacy sound. Bringing the standout harmonies to fruition with gated synths and choir-like backdrop vocals, this track brings the past to the present in a way that suits Flashover Recordings through and through.
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Daniel Skyver, a renowned and consistent force in the trance music scene, showcases his expertise and mastery over the genre with his track "Kaval Sviri," released under Flashover Recordings. This 140 BPM uplifting trance anthem captures the essence of UK trance with an unmistakable euphoric and nostalgic vibe that resonates deeply with trance aficionados. The track is a sonic journey that begins with pulsating basslines and thumping kicks, setting the powerful foundation needed for any trance track designed to energize. Daniel expertly weaves bouncy drums into the mix, adding a dynamic rhythm that progresses throughout the track. The integration of superb Bulgarian choir vocals is a standout element, invoking a sense of familiarity and nostalgia by drawing parallels to well-known trance classics. Skyver's production brilliance shines through in his use of big gated synthy riffs, which are meticulously crafted to create a rich, expansive soundscape. These synths not only serve as the driving melodic force but also complement the vocals, building toward the track's epic crescendo. It's in this moment that the "hands in the air" euphoria is fully realized—each element in the mix is strategically positioned to maintain balance, ensuring that the track does not become overwhelmed with excess melodies or effects. The simplicity and effectiveness of "Kaval Sviri" lie in its adherence to the core elements of trance, resisting the temptation to overcomplicate. Daniel Skyver's meticulous attention to detail and production techniques ensure that the track remains pure and impactful, making "Kaval Sviri" a must-listen for those seeking a quintessential trance experience. It is indeed a "#PureGold" moment that will be cherished by fans and DJs alike. #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]
UK producer 'Daniel Skyver' bring us some nostalgia with his latest release on FSOE Fables! 'A Trillion Suns' features an uplifting riff, beautiful piano and lush atmospheres, it has all the ingredients for a dance floor banger!...
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [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] [item value="10"]Daniel Skyver - A Trillion Suns[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Daniel Skyver is on great shape servicing the trance community with excellent uplifting trance beauties. His latest on Fables is the straight forward uplifting euphoric trancer A Trillion Suns. Energetic driving basslines, thumping kicks and pumping drums along with cool acid overtones create the massive foundation so better get your ticket to ride these wild manic beats. His euphoric synths and piano romantic flavors along with balearic trancy voices guarantee to put a wide smile of satisfaction in your cheeks and feel good atmosphere in the most straight forward uplifting trance with nostalgic touch and notches towards the Anjunabeats sound of the 90's. Daniel is a very trusted machine that delivers napalm bombs non stop. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
Following his hyper-euphoric remix of Force Majeure’s ‘Out Of My Mind’ on Armada Captivating, U.K. producer Daniel Skyver hits Who’s Afraid of 138?! for a purely uplifting label debut. Taking listeners by the hand with mesmerizing melodies and harmonies of the heavenly kind, ‘Lyra’ is just a beautiful dream put into sound.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [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] [item value="10"] Daniel Skyver - Lyra [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Daniel Skyver is a force that you can trust in trance as he produces always bangers delivering the highest output that you can think of as he continues the UK Trance tradition as he presents an exceptional full on euphoric trancer called Lyra inspired by his 20 month old niece. Energetic driving pulsating basslines, pounding drums, metallic kicks, heavenly trancy gated voices and stunning euphoric swirling synths that will elevate you instantly. The breakdown is long and atmospheric with sweet sugar style melody that can crawl under your skin and give you goosebumps. His climax screams euphoria and hands in the air that any trance lover can appreciate. Classy production from start to finish contains all right ingredients to keep trance alive and kicking. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
All-out euphoria from U.K. producer Daniel Skyver, this no-holds-barred remix of Force Majeure's 'Out Of My Mind' is the perfect kick-off of the third volume of The Space Brothers' '25 Years' album series. Designed to fulfil the song's near-limitless uplifting potential, this highly energetic rework of the 2007 original will make the crowd lose control in a matter of seconds.
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [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"]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] [item value="10"]Force Majeure - Out Of My Mind (Daniel Skyver Remix) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Force Majeure aka Space Brothers beloved classic Out Of My Mind gets the 2023 remix treatment by Daniel Skyver. The always trusted UK trance producer deliver an excellent slice of well balanced full on euphoric positive hands in the air version with solid and pumping energetic thumping basslines, pounding thrilling kicks and fantastic euphoric melody that satisfy your ears and awake your mind and soul. The fantastic vocal sounds so sweet and on the spot creating that mystic sacred mysterious atmosphere that any great trance needs to carry the listener up and away to faraway lands. Breathtaking synthy leads and superb build up leads to the finest crescendo moment to create memories on any dancefloor or living room. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
Daniel Skyver is a name synonymous with energetic, uplifting trance music, an unmistakable sound made for the dancefloor.
Skyver confesses he is very much a music nerd and as such is a DJ before anything else.
He has exported his sound to 25 different countries throughout his career playing for some of the biggest brands on offer around the globe and believes in playing a proper DJ set rather than just a bunch of tunes.
Indeed he is as comfortable warming up a room with deeper progressive sounds as he is ending the night on a more banging note.
With his own releases on the biggest labels in the business Including Armada, FSOE, Black Hole & Subculture, all a regular fixture in the Beatport top 10 and on thousands of listeners Spotify playlists, Daniel has been carving out a career as one of the best in the business for the last decade and there is plenty more still to come!
Dimitris: Your Top 3 biggest music career achievements in 2022:
Daniel Skyver: DJ debut in Canada
DJ debut in Malta
First releases on FSOE
Best of 2022
1) Best track(s) and short comment for each track from other fellow artists of 2022
Daniel Skyver: Kristina Sky & Danny Stubbs feat Evan Henzi - Rollercoaster (Sunset Horizons mix) - Pure Trance.
Although this one is from the trance camp it's not actually a trance track but I absolutely love it!
2) Best of 2022 personal productions with short comment about them:
Daniel Skyver: I don't like to comment on my own tracks very much, they are for others to judge. My personal favourite though is Expeditions on FSOE.
3) Best Artist of 2022(DJ & producer) with short comment:
Daniel Skyver: I think Paul Denton is the best producer in the business. He releases so often but each track is different and fresh and they are all of the highest standard.
4) Best Remix(es) from other fellow artists of 2022 with short comment :
Daniel Skyver: I really don't know. All my favourite tunes have been originals.
5) YOUR Best Remix which you have produced of 2022 with short comment?
Daniel Skyver: The only remix i have done this year is of Andain - Summer Calling for my sets only :)
6) Best New Talent of 2022 (DJ or producer) with short comment :
Daniel Skyver: There's loads of talented DJ's and producers, none of them particularly new though.
7) Best lyrics in electronic dance music track(s) of 2022 with short comment :
Daniel Skyver: I have to say this one again i'm afraid.
Kristina Sky & Danny Stubbs feat Evan Henzi - Rollercoaster (Sunset Horizons mix) - Pure Trance.
8) Best vocalist/singer on electronic dance music track of 2022 with short comment:
Daniel Skyver: I'm not a massive fan of vocal trance these days. I do like Shelby Merry's voice though.
9) Best electronic dance music label of 2022 with short comment:
Daniel Skyver: Subculture, FSOE, Afterdark, Skullduggery, WAO138?!
10) Best online social media of 2022 with short comment:
Daniel Skyver: Social media is a pain in the ass lol
11) Best social media response you may have received about your music or your DJ performance of 2022:
Daniel Skyver: Don't know but I am thankful for all positive responses regarding any aspect of my music.
12) Best music composition software of 2022 with short comment:
Daniel Skyver: Ableton
13)Best club event /festival/music conference of 2022 with short comment:
Daniel Skyver: Going back to Luminosity this year was special as was the first Beyond Euphoria weekender in Malta
17)Best hobby or non music related activity of 2022.
Daniel Skyver: Going to see Spurs play! COYS!
18) Best ever electronic dance music track(s) of all times with short comment?
Daniel Skyver: A completely impossible question to answer. The Prodigy are my all time dance music heroes so pick a track by them :)
19) From 1 (bad) to 10(super excellent) what is your rate for 2022 in electronic dance music?
Daniel Skyver: 7
Dimitris: During 2022 we experienced many tracks that were hybrids of music styles & genres. Do believe that music genres or styles are still relevant today?
Daniel Skyver: I wish genres were put in the bin and we all just enjoy the music we like without labelling it.
Dimitris: Do you have any concrete plans for 2023 regarding future releases, tracks, albums, collaborations, DJ gigs? Please provide us the juicy details.
Daniel Skyver: I have my first release on Armada coming in January. I've finished two new original tracks with labels for them to be confirmed. Gig wise I have a few things in the diary but not many are announced. I am returning to Malta in May which i'm looking forward to.
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for 2023.
Daniel Skyver: Thank you for everyone's support in 2022 and I hope to see you out and about in 2023!
Following up from his summer FSOE release Daniel Skyver is back with a fantastic uplifting record, this is Expedition!
Dimitri Kechagias review: [review top="1"] [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"]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] [item value="10"] Daniel Skyver - Expedition[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]FSOE recordings is the home of really good uplifting trance and Daniel Skyver is one of the most recently added artists to their rooster. Expedition is epic and full on uplifting to the maximum with solid driving basslines, pounding thick drums and kicks while the melody is melodramatic and very epic at the same time. The breakdown is cinematic and dreamy until to explode out of any proportions in the exquisitely executed climax where some piano notes added that make huge difference along with the epic synthy hooks to drive the track into oblivion and beyond. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
You want it pure, unmodified and exactly as the original artist intended it?! Well this time you’ll need to look elsewhere! This September the good folk at Grotesque stand ready to toot the horn of all things ‘remix’ once again!
With an airtight game plan, ‘Grotesque Reworked & Remixed 2’ serves you one mix of the best of the best from trance’s freshly released & remixed crop, whilst the other cliff-dives into the archives to rework some of the genre’s classier classics. Over 230 minutes, the release has a posse of on-point remixers to hand, with Alex M.O.R.P.H., Ferry Tayle, Jordan Suckley, Sneijder, Robert Nickson, Roger Shah just some of those flexing their remix-muscles. They’ve had a starry cast of legends to work on too, with productions from Tiësto & Armin, Aly & Fila, Ferry Corsten, Gabriel & Dresden, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Andy Moor and Lange among those coming under the remix laser.
Having handled Volume 1’s duties solo, Master of Grotesque ceremonies RAM shakes up the album system some. For its second outing he’s drafted in head of Grotesque A&R Daniel Skyver to co-mix the edition. With RAM’s focusing on the ‘now’ and Daniel on the ‘then’, between them they’ve delivered a mixcomp that’s as big a salute to the time honoured trance remix as you’ll hear this year!
On his mix Daniel has dug deeper into the crates to focus on still remix-fresh trance heritage. A ‘Café Del Mar’/‘Greece 2000’/’1998’-rerun this is not! Over its opening half you’ll hear reworks like Ruddaz’s much-champed take on Coast 2 Coast’s ‘Home’, Roger Shah’s reimagining of ‘Somewhere Inside’ from Allure & Julie Thompson and Alex M.O.R.P.H. uptick of Kamaya Painters’ ‘Wasteland’. Further in Joy Kitikonti’s ‘Joyenergizer’ gets a lightning bolt retouch from 2nd Phase, Armin & Tiësto Pres. Major League’s ‘Wonder?’ dazzlingly comes to the remix attentions of that man Jordan Suckley and Indecent Noise overhauls DJ Wag’s Overdose classic ‘Man On The Moon’. Bringing his disc to an adrenaline-charged conclusion, Daniel lines up David Forbes’ fresh-off-the-desk remix of Hennes & Cold’s ‘The Second Trip’, while the mix and heads to the dawn with Binary Finary’s elevating spin on Mauro Picotto’s ‘Komodo’.
On Vol. 2, RAM’s tasked himself with handling the cherry-pick of 2018’s remixes and in the search has left no stone unturned. He frontends’ the mix with Robert Nickson reshaping of Giuseppe Ottaviani & Christian Burns ‘Brightheart’, Sneijder’s restoration of Lustral’s ‘Everytime’ and the Ciaran McAuley refit of Aly & Fila/Ferry Corsten collab ‘Camellia’. As the mix crosses over into its second - even more uplifting - phase, RAM spikes the punch with some reworks of his own material. ‘Forever And A Day’ and ‘Circle Of Life’ feature in their Allen Watts and Amir Hussain reinterpretations, while his and Mark Sherry ‘Nordic Nights’ gets hit by a Darren Porter rebuild. He reaches its final apex with Dan Stone’s remix of Aly & Fila’s ‘We Control The Sunlight’, Davey Asprey’s ‘Sunbreaker’ and HP Source’s H.P Lovecraft-esque take of Sneijder’s ‘Neutralize’.
Remix fun for the whole (trance) family, ‘Grotesque Reworked & Remixed 2’ is the release you need to launch your 2018 clubbing autumn the right way. Full tracklist details below, and the album’s available to pre-stream/purchase via this link now: https://reworked.choons.at/remixed2
RAM & Daniel Skyver - Grotesque Reworked & Remixed
Disc 1 Reworked - Mixed by Daniel Skyver
01. Julie Thompson - Shine (Ciaran McAuley Remix)
02. DJ Ton T.B. - Dream Machine (Ton T.B.’s After Daylight Remix)
03. Coast 2 Coast featuring Discovery - Home (Ruddaz Remix)