History Main / Trance

** Notable artists include Flutlicht, Cosmic Gate, Indecent Noise, Mauro Picotto, Sunburst, DJ Scot Project, System D, and Technikal.

** [[GenrePopularizer The sound that brought trance, and EDM in general, to worldwide popularity]]. Also called "mainstream", "commercial" or "festival" trance, Eurotrance is a spin-off of the aforementioned hard trance, and is easily recognizable for an overall big and catchy sound that makes crowds dance like crazy for hours on end. Typically slower than hard trance with tempos ranging from 128-150 BPM and tends to use more supersaw with leads often layered on top of each other, and it is somewhat similar to uplifting trance but can be distinguished from it by its more abrasive sound. Primarily European (with most releases being of Dutch or German origin), [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff but more popular elsewhere]]. The genre was, along with psytrance and tech trance, very popular during TheNineties and the early 2000s before suffering due to being derided as "cheesy" and "generic", but in recent years its influence has gradually become more noticeable, backed by listeners' demand for more "pure" trance sounds.

** Also known as "euphoric", "epic", "melodic", or "emotional" trance, Uplifting Trance is ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin, being much [[LighterAndSofter lighter in tone]] than the aforementioned psy, full-on and Goa. As a general rule of thumb, tempo lies in the 136-142 range. Tracks' chord progressions usually rest on a major chord, and the balance between major and minor chords in a progression will determine how "happy" or "sad" the progression sounds. Uplifting features longer major chord progressions in all elements (lead synth, bass, and treble), extended breakdowns, and relegation of arpeggiation (the melodic part of the song, usually consisting of sawtooth or square-wave synth sounds) to the background while bringing harmonic elements to the fore (the "background fill", usually consisting of wash effects, EchoingAcoustics, or synth choir/voice/string chord progressions).
** Uplifting trance is well-known for its many different varieties, such as Orchestral/Symphonic trance (mixed with ClassicalMusic), Anthemic trance (melody-driven with heavy emphasis on "big" sounds), and Power trance (a more abrasive form of the genre)

** Loud, aggressive trance music that has a rapid, empowering and dense feel, achieved through fast tempos (typically around 140 BPM but can reach 175 BPM in "speed trance" tracks) and a generally abrasive sound characterized by deep, pounding basslines, pitched sub-bass kick drums, and distorted supersaw melodies, with more modern tracks incorporating reversed offbeat basslines and high-pitched stabs. Recognizable for a verse-chorus-verse structure with shorter-than-usual buildups that lead to intense climaxes, leading to listeners mistaking it for {{Eurobeat}} or [[HardcoreTechno Gabber]] at times.

** [[GenrePopularizer The sound that brought trance, and EDM in general, to worldwide popularity]]. Also called "mainstream", "commercial" or "festival" trance, Eurotrance is a spin-off of the aforementioned hard trance, and is easily recognizable for an overall big and catchy sound that makes crowds dance like crazy for hours on end. Typically slower than hard trance with tempos ranging from 128-150 BPM and tends to use more supersaw with leads often layered on top of each other, and it is somewhat similar to uplifting trance but can be distinguished from it by its simpler chord progressions. Primarily European (with most releases being of Dutch or German origin), [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff but more popular elsewhere]]. The genre was, along with psytrance and tech trance, very popular during TheNineties and the early 2000s before suffering due to being derided as "cheesy" and "generic", but in recent years its influence has gradually become more noticeable, backed by listeners' demand for more "pure" trance sounds.

** Originating in Germany, tech trance, as the name implies, draws influences from both {{techno}} and trance with complicated electronic rhythms and dirtier, harder, more synthesized, and generally more "robotic" sounds than the other, more mainstream subgenres. There's more delay and distortion, coupled with repetition, a bold 4/4 beat with pitched sub-bass, precise rhythms, and minimal vocals. Rose to popularity alongside Eurotrance and psy in the early 2000s and later diversified alongside other trance subgenres.

** Notable artists include Art of Trance, Electric Skychurch, Hardfloor, Hennes & Cold, Kai Tracid, and Ultraform.

** Trance music from Japan, with stylistic roots in the harder trance subgenres (Euro, hard, tech and psy). Identifiable in many cases by a persistent unison lead playing the melody, the presence of solos, heavy {{Eurobeat}} influences or by Japanese vocals. Especially huge with fans of anime music, with most releases being remixes of opening/ending themes from popular series; original compositions are just as plentiful.

** Notable artists include DJ Manian (Cascada / Tune Up!), Pulsedriver, Rob Mayth, Alex Megane, and Special D.

** Notable artists include Tetsuya Komuro (credited as an early pioneer of the subgenre), Yuzo Koshiro, Yoji Biomehanika, Satoshi Yaginuma (known for his J-pop projects fripSide and ALTIMA), I've Sound, globe, savage genius, livetune, NAGO, Hiroyuki Oda, Nhato, and Plutian.

** Originating in Belgium, acid trance uses the "acid" sound created on the Roland TB-303, by playing a sequenced melody while altering the instrument's filter cutoff frequency, resonance, envelope modulation, and accent controls, resulting in soft, deep, bouncy basslines and piercing riffs. Shares many similarities with acid house, but can be distinguished from it by its slower approach to song progression and more melodic sound. Once the most common form of trance, nowadays it rarely exists in its pure form, being mostly fused with hard, psychedelic or progressive trance.

** Generally has a more powerful, [[MindRape cerebral]], explosive, and [[SensoryAbuse overwhelming]] sound in comparison to the aforementioned psy and Goa trance, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin as the name suggests]]. Distinguishing features of the genre include high tempos (often around 140-160 BPM), powerful distorted basslines, heavy use of supersaws and acid synths, extended leads that build into lush climaxes, multi-layered instrumentation that creates a massive wall of sound, and inclusion of all sorts of sounds from other electronic music genres like ElectroHouse, {{Industrial}}, {{Eurobeat}} and HarshNoise, to the point where the term "full-on" has become a catch-all term for psytrance fusions [[GenreBusting that do not fit the style-blending conventions of the genre]]

** Obscure genre originating in Germany. ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin - a DarkerAndEdgier version of psytrance, with more distortion and wobble, sparse instrumentation, use of minor keys and liberal use of samples, loops and slices.

** Tends to have a more "organic", spiritual and relaxing sound than psytrance, but is otherwise pretty similar. Draws influences from folk, tribal and world music, primarily traditional Indian Goa music, as well as {{EBM}} and {{Industrial}}. The tempo typically lies in the 130–150 BPM range, although some tracks may have a tempo as low as 110 or as high as 160 BPM. [[EpicRocking Generally 8–12 minutes long]], Goa Trance tracks tend to focus on [[BoleroEffect steadily building energy throughout]], using changes in percussion patterns and more intricate and layered melodies as the music progresses in order to build a hypnotic and intense feel. Acoustic instrumentation is commonly used, and {{sampling}} is frequent, with liberal use of Sanskrit chanting or vocal snippets taken from science fiction movies and documentary shows relating to mysterious or unconventional topics.

** Generally has a more powerful, [[MindRape cerebral]], and [[SensoryAbuse overwhelming]] sound in comparison to the aforementioned psy and Goa trance, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin as the name suggests]]. Distinguishing features of the genre include high tempos (often around 140-160 BPM), powerful distorted basslines, heavy use of supersaws and acid synths, extended leads that build into lush climaxes, aggressive, multi-layered instrumentation that creates a massive wall of sound, and inclusion of all sorts of sounds from other electronic music genres like ElectroHouse, {{Industrial}}, {{Eurobeat}} and HarshNoise, to the point where the term "full-on" has become a catch-all term for psytrance fusions [[GenreBusting that do not fit the style-blending conventions of the genre]]

** Originating in Israel, Nitzhonot is a faster, harder, and more stripped-down form of Uplifting, and often incorporates elements of psy and Goa trance. Tempo lies in the 145-155 range. The genre ended up suffering due to many cheap, rushed, and similar-sounding songs that more or less crippled it through saturation. It, however, paved the way for psytrance's rise to popularity in the mid-2000s and the breakout of the Israeli trance movement into the global EDM scene.

** Originating in Germany, tech trance, as the name implies, draws influences from both {{techno}} and trance with complicated electronic rhythms and dirtier, harder, more synthesized, and generally more "robotic" sounds than the other, more mainstream subgenres. There's more delay and distortion, coupled with repetition, a bold 4/4 beat with pitched sub-bass, rolling rhythms, and minimal vocals. Rose to popularity alongside Eurotrance and psy in the early 2000s and later diversified alongside other trance subgenres.

** Tends to have a more "organic", spiritual and relaxing sound than psytrance, but is otherwise quite similar. Draws influences from folk, tribal and world music, primarily traditional Indian Goa music, as well as {{EBM}} and {{Industrial}}. The tempo typically lies in the 130–150 BPM range, although some tracks may have a tempo as low as 110 or as high as 160 BPM. [[EpicRocking Generally 8–12 minutes long]], Goa Trance tracks tend to focus on [[BoleroEffect steadily building energy throughout]], using changes in percussion patterns and more intricate and layered melodies as the music progresses in order to build a hypnotic and intense feel. Acoustic instrumentation is commonly used, and {{sampling}} is frequent, with liberal use of Sanskrit chanting or vocal snippets taken from science fiction movies and documentary shows relating to mysterious or unconventional topics.

** Notable artists include Music/MarkusSchulz, Tritonal, [=MaRLo=], Fisherman & Hawkins, Shinovi, Arisen Flame, Mark Sixma, Ilan Bluestone and Bobina. Several progressive and uplifting trance artists such as Music/FerryCorsten and Orjan Nilsen have incorporated big room elements in their works as well.

** Notable artists include Tetsuya Komuro (credited as an early pioneer of the subgenre), Yuzo Koshiro, Satoshi Yaginuma (known for his J-pop projects fripSide and ALTIMA), I've Sound, globe, savage genius, livetune, NAGO, Hiroyuki Oda, Nhato, and Plutian.

** The microgenre known as Balearic Beat is the more organic-sounding, energetic and danceable variant commonly played in most summer EDM festivals.

** Notable artists include Vini Vici, Omiki, Hilight Tribe, Reality Test, Shanti People, Mandragora and Loud.

** Notable artists include Art of Trance, Electric Skychurch, Hardfloor, Kai Tracid, and Ultraform.

* {{Minimalism}}: Psytrance has a lot of influences drawn from minimalism, mainly focusing on pounding rhythms, wobbling basslines, repetition and ambient noises in the background. Some mainstream psy artists such as Infected Mushroom and Vini Vici [[StylisticSuck deliberately go for a simpler sound]] to further their fan appeal. Several hard and tech trance artists such as Mauro Picotto and Indecent Noise also opt for a minimal sound in their releases.

** Loud, aggressive trance music that has a rapid, empowering and dense feel, achieved through fast tempos (typically around 140 BPM but can reach 175 BPM in "speed trance" tracks) and a generally abrasive sound characterized by deep, pounding basslines, pitched sub-bass kick drums, and distorted supersaw melodies. Recognizable for a verse-chorus-verse structure with shorter-than-usual buildups that lead to intense climaxes, leading to listeners mistaking it for {{Eurobeat}} or [[HardcoreTechno Gabber]] at times. Often draws inspiration from HardcoreTechno and may or may not contain rock instrumentation such as electric guitars.

** Originating in Belgium, acid trance uses the "acid" sound created on the Roland TB-303, by playing a sequenced melody while altering the instrument's filter cutoff frequency, resonance, envelope modulation, and accent controls, resulting in soft, deep, bouncy basslines and piercing riffs. Shares many similarities with acid house, but can be distinguished from it by its slower approach to song progression and more melodic sound. Once the most common form of trance, nowadays it rarely exists in its pure form, being mostly fused with psy or progressive trance.

* Music/{{Angerfist}} (occasionally, also [[HardcoreTechno gabber]])

Something to keep in mind is there is a lot of overlap with these subgenres. To make matters worse, many artists [[NeoClassicalPunkZydecoRockabilly have dabbled in and blended the subgenres]] even to a point where prog-Goa, prog-psytrance, uplifting psy, psy-tech, prog-tech, uplifting tech ("upliftech"), and uplifting prog ("proglifting") have become recognized as standalone microgenres.

* NeoClassicalPunkZydecoRockabilly: Goa trance is basically electronic trance music mixed with Indian Goa music and all sorts of folk sounds. Uplifting trance meanwhile is known for its near-seamless fusions and similarities with European classical music. Many producers are known to mix several different trance subgenres in songs and sets together, and trance is generally known for being easy to mix with other genres of music, electronic or otherwise.

** Notable artists include Music/ArminVanBuuren, RAM, Above & Beyond, Tiesto, Daniel Kandi, Aly & Fila, Music/FerryCorsten and Super8 & Tab.

** Notable artists include Oliver Lieb, Darude, Humate, Marco V, Indecent Noise, Simon Patterson, Heatbeat, and Timo Maas.

** Notable artists include Music/ArminVanBuuren, RAM, Above & Beyond, Tiesto, Daniel Kandi, Aly & Fila, and Music/FerryCorsten.

** Notable artists include Nitrous Oxide, Above & Beyond, Sasha, Music/ArminVanBuuren, Music/MarkusSchulz, Protoculture, Liquid Soul, Jorn Van Deynhoven, Paul van Dyk, Cosmic Gate and Grum.

** Notable artists include Music/MarkusSchulz, Tritonal, [=MaRLo=], Fisherman & Hawkins, Shinovi, Arisen Flame, Mark Sixma, and Bobina. Several progressive and uplifting trance artists such as Music/FerryCorsten and Orjan Nilsen have incorporated big room elements in their works as well.

** Notable artists include Nitrous Oxide, Above & Beyond, Sasha, Music/ArminVanBuuren, Music/MarkusSchulz, Protoculture, Liquid Soul, Jorn Van Deynhoven, Paul van Dyk, and Cosmic Gate.

** Notable artists include Cascada, Pulsedriver, DJ Sammy, and Special D.

** [[GenrePopularizer The sound that brought trance, and EDM in general, to worldwide popularity]]. Also called "mainstream", "commercial" or "festival" trance, Eurotrance is a spin-off of the aforementioned hard trance, and is easily recognizable for an overall big and catchy sound that makes crowds dance like crazy for hours on end. Typically slower than hard trance with tempos ranging from 128-150 BPM and tends to use more supersaw with leads often layered on top of each other, and it is somewhat similar to uplifting trance but can be distinguished from it by its simpler chord progressions. [[CaptainObvious Primarily European]] (with most releases being of Dutch or German origin), [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff but more popular elsewhere]]. The genre was, along with psytrance and tech trance, very popular during TheNineties and the early 2000s before suffering due to being derided as "cheesy" and "generic", but in recent years its influence has gradually become more noticeable, backed by listeners' demand for more "pure" trance sounds.

** [[CaptainObvious Trance music from Japan]], with stylistic roots in the harder trance subgenres (Euro, hard, tech and psy). Identifiable in many cases by a persistent unison lead playing the melody, the presence of solos, heavy {{Eurobeat}} influences or by [[CaptainObvious Japanese vocals]]. Especially huge with fans of anime music, with most releases being remixes of opening/ending themes from popular series; original compositions are just as plentiful.

** Sitting at around 138-140 BPM, Tribal Psy has an even more raw and organic sound than conventional Goa or psychedelic trance, achieved through very deep, dark basslines, intricate and layered percussion patterns derived from various folk music styles, An emphasis on more "natural" samples, and lush, traditional instrumentation. Tribal psy focuses more on peak moments in its composition, and drops often feature triplet rhythms and layered percussion rolls that aim to bring listeners into a state of primal ecstasy. As with Goa trance, chanting in exotic languages is very frequent and carefully selected to fit the mood of a particular track.

** Notable artists include 1200 Micrograms, Astrix, Avalon, Electric Universe, Talamasca, GMS, Juno Reactor (later material), Protonica, Vini Vici (earlier material), and Sesto Sento.

** Notable artists include Darude, Cascada, Basshunter, Dash Berlin, Alex M.O.R.P.H., Signum, Insomniac, Yuzo Koshiro, and Tiesto.

** Psytrance is also notable for its multiple spin-off genres which include Psybient (the LighterAndSofter variant, influenced by HouseMusic and downtempo), Psycore (the DarkerAndEdgier variant influenced by HardcoreTechno, particularly gabber), Psybreak (a fusion of psy and DrumAndBass), and freeform psy (a primarily Finnish genre that can be described as psytrance with jazz and chiptune elements).

** Originating in Israel, Nitzhonot is a faster, harder, and more minimalistic form of Uplifting, and often incorporates elements of psy and Goa trance. Tempo lies in the 145-155 range. The genre ended up suffering due to many cheap, rushed, and similar-sounding songs that more or less crippled it through saturation. It, however, paved the way for psytrance's rise to popularity in the mid-2000s and the breakout of the Israeli trance movement into the global EDM scene.

** Notable artists include Nitrous Oxide, Above & Beyond, Sasha, Music/ArminVanBuuren, Music/MarkusSchulz, Protoculture, Liquid Soul, Jorn Van Deynhoven, and Cosmic Gate.

* Robert Miles

** [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Trance music from Japan]], with stylistic roots in the harder trance subgenres (Euro, hard, tech and psy). Identifiable in many cases by a persistent unison lead playing the melody, the presence of solos, heavy {{Eurobeat}} influences or by [[CaptainObvious Japanese vocals]]. Especially huge with fans of anime music, with most releases being remixes of opening/ending themes from popular series; original compositions are just as plentiful.