The Trancefix Best of 2022 - Let's hear your thoughts

Spacetime

Member
Nov 6, 2021
196 Posts
128 Thanked
As for the scene relating to it [underground-nutrance], nothing but excitement from my observations. Most people however aren't looking or aren't aware of its existence.

Maybe I am too conventional with my definitions, but the Trance that I, and I believe a vast majority of the scene, is looking for is not what the nu-trance movement is offering, despite all it’s obvious positives.

The best Trance for me is what I’m finding in the classic section here, on labels like ASOT, Platipus, Xtravaganza, JOOF, Coldhardbour, Bonzai, Armind, Anjuna, Perfecto, ID&T, and so on. There is no question it’s Trance, from the minute you hear it. The nutrance work is disconnected from that I think.
 
Last edited:
  • Thanks
Reactions: trancedanne

SaltAcidFatHeatAcid

Senior Member
Jul 19, 2022
278 Posts
393 Thanked
Maybe I am too conventional with my definitions, but the Trance that I, and I believe a vast majority of the scene, is looking for is not what the nu-trance movement is offering, despite all it’s obvious positives.

The best Trance for me is what I’m finding in the classic section here, on labels like ASOT, Platipus, Xtravaganza, JOOF, Coldhardbour, Bonzai, Armind, Anjuna, Perfecto, ID&T, and so on. There is no question it’s Trance, from the minute you hear it. The nutrance work is disconnected from that I think.

We are conversing though in a 2022 voting thread though right? I'm not seeing significant innovation in the labels you mention, quite the opposite. Heck, a few of them don't exist anymore. I know you mean the sounds of the past which I love as well :). But this thread is about looking forward.

NuTrance producers aren't trying to recreate that era, nor the same sounds & style. The tracks are not 'masquerading as trance' as another commenter put it. WE as fans are making the connection to trance in these sounds. Is it different? Very much so. Is it as melodic? Sometimes, but often not. I think many classic fans wish the Bandcampers would just make better quality modern trance but I fear (and have many examples to show) it would still be mostly derivative outside of some rare exceptions like with the TF productions and some others.

Not everyone feels this way of course, but I am happy to leave to confines of traditional trance to support and grow new ideas. Tracks that have subtlety, that evolve, are hypnotic, even if they lack obvious melodic euphoria. Trance was like this in the beginning, right? More stripped back, simple, and hypnotic. I feel almost no connection to the mainstream sound anymore, maybe I've heard it all too much. But, for the scene to grown and attract new fans and producing talent, it needs to change. A LOT. And maybe the easiest way to grow the genre is to do it in an unobvious way, disconnected from the trance scene, growing the scene in warehouse parties and wherever people party with an open mind. Maybe it just fizzles, who knows?
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Redrot and Hoplite

TRANCEBLASTER

Elite Member
Jul 21, 2020
1,207 Posts
1,463 Thanked
the trends in electronic music are always changing every 3 or 5 years and with them there are always new producers on the top.. in 'House' you had trends of Chicago→US→Acid→UK→French→Progressive→Micro→Tech→Deep→Breaks ... now in 2022 many new records were tagged under the name 'Goa House', its absolutely a new term... and I think its amazing that house music can have so many new babies all the time, and there is no "majority of the scene" anywhere, everybody enjoys its own thing.. how healthy

I will try to do my top 10 list right now, I have saved more than 150 trancy tunes in 2022, it will be not so easy i think
 

TRANCEBLASTER

Elite Member
Jul 21, 2020
1,207 Posts
1,463 Thanked
so here is my trancy/proggy/techy (mostly atmospheric not melodic) top 30, imo all track have a connection to the Trance sound of 91-96, mainly the Frankfurt school, so here we go:

Ferrari - Outside World [BS Radio]
Anatolian Weapons - Cloud [People & Places]
Rambal Cochet - Ambientica [Spaziotempo]
Selected Dream Memories - Human Lust [Connection Verified]
Lostlojic - Tryvoha [Deeptrax Records]
Rambal Cochet - Thrash to Treasure [Space Lab]
Dylan Forbes - Spiralistic [Be Told Lies]
Christopher Ledger - Damasio's Essay [Wex]
Worldwide Epidemic - Time Stood Still [Furthur Electronix]
Dylan Forbes - Resoblaster [Space Lab]
Omformer - Transmedium Travel [Amniote x Ute]
Seo John - Dreams Collide [Goddezz]
Gabriola - One to Zen [Magicwire]
Voiski - Blazing Star [Delsin]
Rambal Cochet - East Block [Spaziotempo]
Francesco Farfa - Airship [Air Trance Communication]
Dylan Forbes - Starburst [393 Records]
Match Box - Break A Take [Who's Susan]
Kineta - Scorpius [Ute.Rec]
Rambal Cochet - Spa Down [Space Lab]
Trancemaster - Perfect Fear [Transatlantic]
Hex Editor - Blush (Trance Mix) [Goddezz]
Blue Hour - Origins [Blue Hour]
Hybrid Man - Shapeshifting [Butter Sessions]
Reflex Blue - Ocean Bliss (Paradise Mix) [Gestalt Records]
Dj Maria. - Acid Sunrise (Mikkel Rev Remix) [Beyond the Galaxy]
Mr Ho & Xiaolin - No Change To How I Feel [20/20 Vision]
Harley Ferris - Energie 1 [Spinning Around]
Earth Trax - Dream Pop [Shall Not Fade]
Acid Synthesis - Optic Flow [Planet 303]
 
Last edited:

Hoahoa

Member
Apr 23, 2021
240 Posts
163 Thanked
Finally got my list together. Had around 50 tracks to choose from, the list you provided helped a lot. Few more changes then will submit last minute.
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Hensmon

Hensmon

Admin
TranceFix Crew
Jun 27, 2020
3,109 Posts
2,606 Thanked
UK
Alright very very close to breaking the 100 mark for votes guys. Still got some TF vets needing to drop some in. Can easily break 125. List already looking very tasty. Let's hear it...

@Daysleeper @Progrez @Uplifted @Redrot @sashamlenik @Spacetime @skyriderz @Z Dobrej Woli @proxi @TomYelland @sszecret @aSeb @s3baman @marcopm @delphion @dmgtz96 @Arnoud @mrx.friend @Magdelayna @ExDuelist @Propeller @PegaSus @Aoi O @TeardropNL @Reptile @Recharge @arif69 @Armin Van Burren

@everyone else!

P.s may be a small extension on the vote as I am behind schedule, meaning more time to drop stuff in as I prepare the final votes.
 

Arnoud

Member
Jul 7, 2020
209 Posts
122 Thanked
15 Stories High
Alright very very close to breaking the 100 mark for votes guys. Still got some TF vets needing to drop some in. Can easily break 125. List already looking very tasty. Let's hear it guys...

@Daysleeper @Progrez @Uplifted @Redrot @sashamlenik @Spacetime @skyriderz @Z Dobrej Woli @proxi @TomYelland @sszecret @aSeb @s3baman @marcopm @delphion @dmgtz96 @Arnoud @mrx.friend @Magdelayna @ExDuelist @Propeller @PegaSus @Aoi O @TeardropNL @Reptile @Recharge @arif69 @Armin Van Burren

@everyone else!

P.s may be a small extension on the vote as I am behind schedule, meaning more time to drop stuff in as I prepare the final votes.
Alright, voted. It was really difficult since I am not really paying attention to new (trance) releases. I have shifted to the crossover trance/techno artists like Narciss, MRD, Julian Müller etc. With trance I am pretty much stuck in the past :)

1. Stoneface & Terminal & Robert Nickson - From the Sun (Enigma State remix)
2. Filterheadz - Galactic
3. Factoria & Gregor Burney - Mergence
4. Activa & Slipstream - Cassini
5. Susana - Dark Side Of The Moon (Stoneface & Terminal remix)
6. Narciss - Lovechild (Outrun mix)
7. Atlantis - Voyager II (Activa remix)
8. Activa vs. Mac & Monday - A Light in the Dark
9. Benjani vs. Mac & Monday - Sanctum
10. Stoneface & Terminal & Robert Nickson - From the Sun

Ah crap, I forgot this one, should definitely be in my top 10:

 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Progrez and Hensmon

sszecret

Senior Member
Jul 19, 2020
264 Posts
212 Thanked
Cheers for the tag @Hensmon , nearly forgot to cast the vote.

Spent most of the year going after some older stuff, mostly to have it on vinyl. Managed to snag a pretty good condition copy of VdM's Eternity and CL's Rush Hour, so I'm pretty happy. Dabbled in some breaks and psybient stuff too, but nevertheless, I've managed to put together the top 10 with ease.

I voted for everything except Album & Comp because frankly, haven't paid attention to either this year, and didn't want to randomly throw something in. Outside of those, I don't think the list is going to be too surprising:


[TOTY] 01. Activa vs. Mac & Monday - A Light In The Dark [Borderline]


As if there was going to be anything else at the very top.

I get the arguments about productions being a tad safe, but honestly, I've enjoyed damn near everything Borderline's put out this year.
Was genuinely gutted when they had to shut down back in 2015, and the return was one of the best bits of news this year (technically last year, but who's counting?).



02. Astral Projection - Into The Void [Sacred Technology]


Doubt this needs much explanation. Been a fan of Avi & Lior's stuff for years and jumped on this immediately. Even after over 3 decades in the biz, there are still few out there that can even get close.

Still waiting for that artist album, whenever it's coming, probably in 2345 at this point.



03. Benjani vs. Mac & Monday - Sanctum [Borderline]


Yes, the original. Absolutely don't mind the more flat climax. I'll even go as far as to say I prefer it to the subsequent M&M remix (I know, shock and horror).


04. John Askew ft. Shelby Merry - When Darkness Comes [Black Hole]


I'm probably as surprised as anybody else to see a vocal track in my top 10, since I haven't been into vocal tracks in ages. That said, had to include this. Fantastic track all around, from instrumental to vocals. Great melody & atmosphere.


05. Peter Steele - Equilibrium [Borderline]


Technically the 'Extended Mix', which you would've really called the Original Mix in years gone by but oh well. One of my favorites from Borderline this year.


06. Stu McNally - Spurious Society [Lost Language]

Just all-round interesting track to me. A lot more uh 'bouncy' as it were. But quite good.


07. Activa & Slipstream - Cassini [Pure Trance]

Really fond of this one. Instantly reminded me of the Saturday Mix for Bullet in the Gun.


08. @DazTC pres. Enigma State - In My Fantasy [@EnigmaState Music]

Warmed up to the B side a lot more compared to the first time I listened to it, but In My Fantasy still came out on top. As I said in the related thread, never thought I'd hear this particular sound again. Massive props to everyone involved.


09. Formula None & Khromata - Gold Rush [Iboga]

Very much reminded me of some older Nano and even Iboga releases. Great build-up and lead melody.


10. 2 Players - Signet (Glynn Alan Remix) [Lost Language]

Really liked Acceptance from last year, but that doesn't quite qualify so I'll choose this for number 10. Maybe a bit less atmospheric than what some may expect on LL, but worth checking out.

Best Label is Borderline for me this year, hands down, with Activa for Best Artist. Must be such an unexpected result given the top 10 above. :p


@Katadunkass pls no ban. On a related note, can I use this very legit (tm) card to get out of such a situation? Asking for a friend, of course.

TFjail.jpg
 

aSeb

Senior Member
Jul 13, 2020
589 Posts
312 Thanked
Vote is in. Here is my list:

#1: Aerium pres. Avalon 62 - Eudaimonia
#2: Mac & Monday - Adhafera
#3: Stoneface & Terminal, Robert Nickson – From The Sun (Enigma State Remix)
#4: Simon Bostock - Reflect
#5: Aerium pres. Avalon 62 - OAHU
#6: Factoria & Gregor Burney - Mergence
#7: Definitions & Andre Maier - The Gate
#8: Above & Beyond and Mat Zo - Always Do
#9: Chris Johnson - String Theory
#10: Grum feat. Sarah Appel - Come Alive

Best album: Aerium pres. Avalon 62 - Paracosm

Best producer: Enigma State

Best label: Borderline

Best compilation: Forerunners – Pure Progressive Vol. 2
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Hensmon

Redrot

Senior Member
Jan 11, 2022
404 Posts
414 Thanked
Northern California
Alright very very close to breaking the 100 mark for votes guys. Still got some TF vets needing to drop some in. Can easily break 125. List already looking very tasty. Let's hear it...
I tried throwing a best of list together earlier this month but actually decided that it wasn't worth it. There were a ton of tracks that I played a ton, thought that were forward-thinking, unique, innovative, or just plain hit the spot, but narrowing it down to a top 10 that I would consistently agree upon for more than a few days would be pretty much impossible for me.

Also I've been traveling around snowboarding and doing family stuff so I haven't had any time to even think about music the past weeks. So should I start creating my ban evasion account now, or...?
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Hensmon

Mikey

Senior Member
Jul 15, 2020
323 Posts
195 Thanked
Was wondering if this was happening this year and so it was, so posted my top 10 below. Maybe slightly more on the commercial side I guess but not listed to as much new music and labels this year but for those interested here's what I voted for:

1. Moussa Clarke & Terrafunka - She Wants Him (Alex Sonata & TheRio Remix) - Absolutely loved this from the first listen. Alex & Riccardo can do no wrong atm and even though I liked some of their solo releases in the past, ever since they've joined forces their music has been top notch!
2. Kudus - L.O.V.E. - I'm glad Estiva used this alias for more Trancey tracks. I'm told this was actually produced a fair few years ago, but fits in here since it was released this year! Signal is also great but I think this one is better.
3. Protoculture & Nicholas Gunn Feat. Alina Renae - Wings - Quite liking Protoculture's more progressive sound and I like Alina's vocals, probably one of the tunes that's constantly been on repeat on my Spotify
4. Myon Feat. Alissa Feudo - Moon - What a lovely tune! Really good one, and more chill stuff from Myon which i wasn't expecting first listen!
4. Myon Feat. Alissa Feudo - Moon (Myon Hard Club Mix) - Sorry, both mixes too good I can't decide! XD
6. Elevven Feat. Sarah Mark - Shallow - The standout track for me on the Digitally Enhanced Vol. 7 compilation
7. Farius Feat. Christina Soto - On My Mind - I like Farius's tunes and Christina's Vocals
8. Aldous Feat. KNVWN - On My Own (C-Systems Intro Mix) - Love the intro in this especially!
9. Craig Connelly - Voodoo - A nice surprise from Craig, liking the techno influences here, although shame the Extended Mix is only on Vinyl I believe
10. Andrew Bayer & Alison May - Midnight - Favourite track from Andrew's new album, there's some gems in there but this one stands out for me.

Album wise was a tough one but went for Grum's Unreality in the end as there was some really nice stuff on there, but compilation wise I went for Myon's Tales From Another World Vol. 2: Asia. very nicely put together and there's some stunners on there! I was considering putting some of those tracks in this top 10 but considering the ones I love aren't even released yet it'll be better to just throw those into 2023 (that's if they do get released)!

So yeah there's my info for these interested, some good suggestions I've seen in here as well :)
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Hensmon and Archon

Recharge

Elite Member
Sep 26, 2020
1,004 Posts
544 Thanked
Age
38
This is going to be one sided I suck at having favourites, my 2022 playlist is done up to June and there is 300 songs. OMFG

1.Giraffi Dog, Erik Jaahalli - Members of Warning 2021 (Original Mix) [old-school]
2.DJ Darroo - Wasserwellen (Original Mix) [old-school]
3.Gianni Piras - Electronic Music People (Original Mix) [old-school]
4. Aerium Pres. Avalon 62 - Russkoye Leto [old-school]
5.BrazilianX - Dream Within A Dream [breaks] [old-school]
6.Codeswitch - TLC (Aerial Structures Chill Mix) [breaks]
7.Nima van Ghavim - Malin 1 (Extended Mix) [progressive trance]
8.John Grand, Adam Sobiech - You Got Me Saying (DJ Version) [progressive trance]
9. South Pole - Holding On (Extended Mix) [progressive trance]
10.Francesco Fruci - La Cona (Extended Mix) [progressive trance]

Adding some uplifting on the top of my head:
Mazeev - Zephyr (Original Mix)
Ronski Speed - Moonshade (Extended Mix)
Pierre Pienaar - Dakari (Extended Mix)
Dan Stone, Stine Grove - I Am Human (Extended Mix)

Some techy stuff too:
Above & Beyond and Mat Zo - Always Do (Extended Mix)
Nhato - Vert (Original Mix)
Marco V & Vision 20/20 - ALI/ENS (Official Audio)

I did not included TISKANTA - Mila since it has 2021 bandcamp self release and was picked up by a label in 2022, a bit of a grey area, but I fully intend to include it in my 2022 playlist. Too much of a progressive trance gem to miss...

DJ Darroo was the most consistent oldschool producer

After my question here 2 years ago is progressive trance dying I am so happy that in 2022 progressive trance was on the rise, and Andjunabeat is basically desolved, but Enhanced and their sublabels picked the first spot as the best progressive trance label.

Best Album - Aerium Pres. Avalon 62 - Paracosm

DJ Recharge End of 2022 compilation :)

At my guess my end of 2022 playlist will be around 500 song and I actually plan to mix all about 20 mixes each with 20/30 songs should do it. I did said it will be my most ambitious end of year mix compilation.
 
Last edited:

AlexCross

New Member
Dec 22, 2020
13 Posts
18 Thanked
so here is my trancy/proggy/techy (mostly atmospheric not melodic) top 30, imo all track have a connection to the Trance sound of 91-96, mainly the Frankfurt school, so here we go:

Ferrari - Outside World [BS Radio]
Anatolian Weapons - Cloud [People & Places]
Rambal Cochet - Ambientica [Spaziotempo]
Selected Dream Memories - Human Lust [Connection Verified]
Lostlojic - Tryvoha [Deeptrax Records]
Rambal Cochet - Thrash to Treasure [Space Lab]
Dylan Forbes - Spiralistic [Be Told Lies]
Christopher Ledger - Damasio's Essay [Wex]
Worldwide Epidemic - Time Stood Still [Furthur Electronix]
Dylan Forbes - Resoblaster [Space Lab]
Omformer - Transmedium Travel [Amniote x Ute]
Seo John - Dreams Collide [Goddezz]
Gabriola - One to Zen [Magicwire]
Voiski - Blazing Star [Delsin]
Rambal Cochet - East Block [Spaziotempo]
Francesco Farfa - Airship [Air Trance Communication]
Dylan Forbes - Starburst [393 Records]
Match Box - Break A Take [Who's Susan]
Kineta - Scorpius [Ute.Rec]
Rambal Cochet - Spa Down [Space Lab]
Trancemaster - Perfect Fear [Transatlantic]
Hex Editor - Blush (Trance Mix) [Goddezz]
Blue Hour - Origins [Blue Hour]
Hybrid Man - Shapeshifting [Butter Sessions]
Reflex Blue - Ocean Bliss (Paradise Mix) [Gestalt Records]
Dj Maria. - Acid Sunrise (Mikkel Rev Remix) [Beyond the Galaxy]
Mr Ho & Xiaolin - No Change To How I Feel [20/20 Vision]
Harley Ferris - Energie 1 [Spinning Around]
Earth Trax - Dream Pop [Shall Not Fade]
Acid Synthesis - Optic Flow [Planet 303]
OMG!! Thanks for sharing your list. Awsome tracks, completely unknown for me, I have to confess. I need more of this sound, more, MORE!
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: TRANCEBLASTER

Magik

New Member
Dec 31, 2022
1 Posts
3 Thanked
Thank you for extending. I did want to vote this year after seeing the 2021 results but I have been too busy over the holiday period. I discovered a lot thanks to this forum so this year I will contribute.
 

Katadunkass

The Banhammer
TranceFix Crew
Jun 27, 2020
1,453 Posts
1,266 Thanked
Age
33
Denmark
Submitted my votes. The following tracks made to a final list, but not to my top 10:

Eoin DJ - Invite Delight
Maara - Can't Slo Down
Trancemaster - Perfect Fear
Bliss Inc. - Get Some
Maruwa - Tricky Question
Solar Suite - Clear Skies
New Members - Ubisoft Horizon
Zara - Di Plastica (Maara Remix)
Anderson - Sunbeam (Dawn Mix)
Match Box - Grapefruit
Pannotia - Anomolous Mind (Maara Remix)
RDS - 2312
Solar Suite - Tasman Transmission
Willem & Cybernet! - Exit Phase
Lasse Vind - Cirith Gorgor
Maara - Goddess Within (Give It To Me Daddy)

EDIT: if you're interested into my top 10, please send me a DM and i will happily share it.
I'm not gay or anything, but I'd marry and make love to you because of this list
 

Electronlyman

Senior Member
Jul 14, 2020
468 Posts
281 Thanked
#1: Slam Duck - Struggle For Life
#2: Aquarius - Aero
#3: Dark Matter - Dragons Tear (Thomas Datt's Third Eye Activation Remix)
#4: Solaris - Waiting For You (Thomas Datt's Heart Activation Remix)
#5: Horizons - Dusk Over Puerto Princesa (Narel Remix)
#6: The Digital Blonde - Legato 22 (Original Mix)
#7: Mark South - Delicious (Extended Mix)
#8: Standard Form - Tracks In Crimson Dust (Pathfinder Remix)
#9: Sonic Element - Gone Again (Intro Mix)
#10: Atlantis - Vengeance (Mac & Monday Extended Mix)

Honorable mention: Romy & Fred again.. - Strong (DIY Extended Mix)


Best album: Aerium pres. Avalon 62 - Paracosm

Best producer: Aquarius

Best label: Landscapes Music

Best Compilation: Yotto - Odd Ones V2
 
Last edited:
  • Thanks
Reactions: Tievb21 and Hensmon