New releases this week: Trance

Review: KI/KI's Slash label takes a deep dive into the history of hard trance and proudly presents a first re-issue of a true classic and personal favorite, 'Emerald', by Swiss production group Artemis. Originally released back in 1995 on the Swiss label Atoom Records, it's one of the most sought-after gems from this era. At its rather fast pace of 180bpm it's impressive how subtle and dreamy the nine minute journey is; the track ios a truly unique piece of hard trance history. Remixes come from Sansibar, Alpha Tracks and label owner herself, KI/KI.

Review: Grown-up techno label Kompkat has always served up its most dancefloor ready sounds as part of the Speicher series and it is now up to an impressive 129 installments. This one kicks off with Hunter/Game & U S H N U's collaboration 'Reload' which is an electric cut with bright synth lines shimmering about the mix next to thunderous claps and dark future vocals. On the flip, Bawrut cuts loose with rave stabs over dense percussive grooves with vocal snatches adding to the unsettling and boisterous mood of 'Clapa', which does indeed also have plenty of claps.

Review: Of course everyone knows Chicane for the epochal chart trance hits 'Offshore', 'Don't Give Up' and 'Saltwater', but the prolific producer has a catalogue which travels well past those hits of yesteryear. Given his last studio album topped dance charts globally, it's a fine time to catch up on some of the incredible music he's crafted in the more recent phase of his career. Spread across two CDs, extended mixes of instrumental club tracks like 'Hiding All The Stars' and 'Going Deep' sit alongside the vocal talents of Christian Burns on 'One Thousand Suns' and Senadee on 'No More I Sleep'.

Review: Armin van Buuren has had the fortitude to stay true to his values throughout an unrivalled DJ career, in which he was voted DJ Mag's #1 DJ more times than anyone in history. In addition to never-before-seen techniques in his live shows and concerts, Armin has always had his number one priority be the music itself. And so, with a deep respect for his loyal fans, Armin set out to create a different kind of record: one in which the fans played a key role. He reached out during his radio show and through his website and social media, giving the fans and the fans alone the chance to determine the tracklist of this compilation album. And they responded in droves. While each listener's top five Armin-favorites may be different, combined these are the fan-voted, greatest Armin Anthems of all-time.