Well, it seems like the Discover team is just tearing through these album samplers and it brings us great joy to unveil the 3rd installment, of 4, to land on the Discover Records imprint.  As many of you are aware, John Askew is releasing a remixed artist album at the end of May and to help lead up to that date the Recoverworld team is unleashing 4 album samplers that contain remixes from Sean Tyas, Simon Patterson, Reaky, Activa and many other heavy hitters. Be sure to enter our giveaway for your chance to win 1 of 2 copies of this 2XCD artist album!

On this third sampler we’ve got a  line up of remixers that went above and beyond, each providing some amazingly tasty and hard/epic trance reworks for you to bop the night away. This release, like the previous samplers, is not for the faint of heart.  I found myself feeling revved up and pissed off beyond belief after listening to the tracks herein, so proceed with caution.

Read on past the break for my quick rundown of each track, some high quality samples and to vote for your favorite!

John Askew – Fade To Black (Sean Tyas Remix)

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John Askew – Black Out (Simon Patterson Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

John Askew – Giving You Acid (Sly One vs Jurrane Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

John Askew – Misfit (Adam Foley Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

The Verdict

If the music itself doesn’t smack you across the face with a frozen fist of fury, then the track titles certainly will.  With titles like Misfit, Fade to Black, Black Out, and Giving You Acid you certainly do wonder what John had on his mind while crafting his original artist album. Regardless, we’ve got a dish full of dark, angry beats that are sure to whip any party into a bona fide frenzy.

As for my pick of the litter: I’m leaning towards Adam Foley’s remix as I’m at a place in my mind right now where I just can’t handle too much darkness.

Score: 9/10

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Claudia is likely one of the most popular female trance producer/dj in modern history, and it’s with good reason!  Her sound has been evolving over the past years, and as a DJ she’s extensively toured the world.  With her breakthrough release on her very own label Couture in 2007 she cemented her place among the boys atop the trance production world, and today she’s back with her follow up to the massive 2009 release, Quatrain.

Quatrain 3 kicks things off with an underspoken agenda that becomes quite clear as we enter the breakdown.  Claudia has crafted a ridiculously catchy riff that belongs in a banging techno tune the likes of John Askew or Bryan Kearney might drop on any given night.  I seriously had no idea what to expect out of this track and given that monster breakdown, I’m completely smitten with it. On the B Side we’ve got Quatrain 4, a track that kicks off with what sounds like a groovy tribal groove and as it moves along I’m reminded of Randy Katana, Mr Pit and Claudia’s cultivated sound.  She’s created a rather unique production with this gem, and you might find it will take a few listens to finally get into it.

Read on past the break for high quality samples of these fine productions and be sure to vote for your fave!

Claudia Cazacu – Quatrain 3

[See post to listen to audio]

Claudia Cazacu – Quatrain 4

[See post to listen to audio]

Score: 8/10

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David Forbes is recognized worldwide for his hard hitting trance beats that often times border the techno, or hard trance, tip. This latest effort on RESET Records is no different and it showcases a mature sound that is immaculately balanced. This Scottish producer jumped into the dance music scene some time ago at the tender age of 17 and saw his very first release land on Eve Records, a label that has seen many talented producers walk through their offices over the last 15 years.

This latest effort on RESET Records is titled Aria Waves, and this is a rather fitting title for David’s fans, as it is also the name of his radio show currently hosted on DI.fm.  The show is now into it’s 4th episode, and this track is what you might consider the flag bearer for his 2010 sound. There are two versions included in this release, the first being a Light Mix.  The Light Mix is quite similar to it’s B Side, but removes most of the tech/hard trance elements to create a mor euphoric and uplifting experience.  If you’re looking for some serious energy, wild sirens and hard edged synths, then check out the Dark Mix as it certainly is capable of doing some damage.

Read on past the break for high quality samples and be sure to vote for your favorite.

David Forbes – Aria Waves (Light Mix)

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David Forbes – Aria Waves (Dark Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

The Verdict

Nothing too massive here, but certainly both very epic, peak time trancers that can rock a party at just about anytime.  This is a fine example of today’s trance sound, and it would feel just as comfortable on VANDIT, Discover or Fraction Records.

Score: 7.5/10

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This is the third time that we’ve featured a release with Radion 6 on it on MusiCritics.com and we still have no flippin’ idea who the persons behind the mysterious name are.  Whoever you are, reveal yourself.  It’s not like you’re out fighting crime and need to keep your super sensitive identity a secret, or are you?

You might wonder why I’m chiming off about Radion 6 when the release is by Disfunktion, but rest assured, you’ll find out soon enough when you mosey over to the B Side of the release and find Radion 6’s storming rework of Desolee. Landing on the illustrious  Doorn Records, this release is rather empty in elements at times, but it manages to create an air of excitement, the perfect sound for a big room event.  I wasn’t in presence at Trance Energy, but I’m sure this gem was spun a few times.

Read on past the break if you’ve got a penchant for warped tech trance that does so much with so little. The Radion 6 remix amps things up nicely, adding some much needed energy to the Original Mix. We’ve got high quality samples for each version and be sure to tell us which mix is your favorite.

Disfunktion – Desolee (Original Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Disfunktion – Desolee (Radion 6 Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

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If you follow Ferry Corsten’s Countdown radioshow you’ll have noticed this very track was included in his latest episode and is now up for voting!  There’s a damn good reason Ferry included the track, and you’re about to find out why first hand.

When I originally received this release it was said to be released on Reset Records, but now looking at Discogs, it seems it made it’s way to 2Play Records. Regardless, it’s under Sander van Doorn’s umbrella, and this is fitting considering Garry saw his debut on another Doorn label, Liquid Records.

X Marks The Spot doesn’t have a typical breakdown with fluffy melodies that allow the listener to lose themselves. The reason this is a track you need to get to know? This track will absolutely peel your face off your skull with it’s relentless pace, epic synths and well crafted layers of trancey goodness.

Along with the Original Mix are two other mixes, one by Sean Truby (my #1 pick from last year’s new producers) and X Genix. Sean’s version is typical of his sound, and with both Garry and Sean appearing in Discover releases, this has that Discover sound without overdoing it. As for X Genix’s version, I’m unsure of who the master behind the music is, but one thing is for sure: this tribal infused rework of the original just stopped my heart and touched my soul.

If you’re dying to find out what these fine masterpieces sound like, hit up the read more link below.  Be sure to cast your vote for your favorite mix too!

Garry Heaney – X Marks The Spot (Original Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Garry Heaney – X Marks The Spot (Sean Truby Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Garry Heaney – X Marks The Spot (X Genix Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

The Verdict

Love it or hate it, trance is here to stay, and I would have to say, making one hell of a comeback!  These tracks are a prime example of the vibrance in the scene today!

Score: 9/10

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It seems that Magik Muzik is hard at work lately pumping out ridiculous release after ridiculous release!  The quality that has been flowing from their hands over the past weeks is simply amazing!

Adding to their impress current release collection is a revamp of an old trance classic that I had all but forgotten about!  This track spent years destroying me on dance floors and in darkened basement parties.  Stumbling into this release and hearing that familiar synth instantly sent me back 5+ years in the past. And what an interesting new package of remixes!

This release includes 2 remixes, one from W+W who amp the Mac Zimms Remix up and Riley & Durrant who take the track down a more minimalist/tech house road. Read on past the break for my breakdown of each track, including the Mac Zimms Remix! High quality samples are included, and be sure to vote for your favorite.

Scott Mac – Damager 02 (W+W Remix)

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Wow, where do I start with this one?  First of all let me preface this review with the fact that I typically shy away from the W+W remixes as they are just a tad too clumsy or bottom heavy for what I typically enjoy….but this remix is just the right balance of everything that is good in the world.

The track kicks off with a roaring bass line that seems to be on a crash course with disaster, but somehow manages to tread the fine line between mental and insane.  The Original’s essence is still fully present throughout the entire track, especially in the revamped breakdown. I’ve got to say that this remix doesn’t necessarily have a 2010 vibe to it, it seems like Wardt & Willem have been keeping this remix tucked away for years now as it seems to transcend time and feel right at home with the Mac Zimms Remix!

Scott Mac – Damager 02 (Riley & Durrant Remix)

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This my friends, is when it gets a little weird.  Riley & Durrant are two of progressive trance’s staple producers, and their list of prolific releases have chartered the world for many, many years.  This remix however, is nearly nothing like the old sound I remember, but buried beneath the tribal, minimalist percs and drums is that very same pad like synth that made their sound so iconic back in 2004.  As the track progresses it seems to grow and lost much of it’s awkwardness until culminating in the breakdown’s build and subsequent crash.  It’s at this point that the track finally finds solid footing and sweeps me away.

Scott Mac – Damager 02 (Mac Zimms Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Wow, what is there to say about this iconic tech trancer from days gone by? If you didn’t get a chance to enjoy this track in it’s heyday don’t worry, now is as good a time as any.  This track truly is timeless in my eyes, and it’s that mixture of crisp bassline, ondulating synth melody and sly vocal samples that make this a sticker.  Go ahead, reminisce…you know I am.

The Verdict

I am in love with the W+W Remix, it is exactly how I would want the Mac Zimms Remix redone.  As for the Riley & Durrant Remix, I’ve got to say it’s warmed up to me immensely from the first time I heard it, and now I rather enjoy it.

Score: 10/10

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I first discovered Evol Waves on Amplified Digital’s March 2008 release, Evol Waves pres G2 – Combo EP. Since then this Georgian producer’s unique sound has been whored by just about every top jock that demands music with attitude.  And I, am guilty as charged.  This is his second release this year on Oxygen Recordings, and with two releases on RESET Records in 2009 I think it’s safe to say that Sander’s team have securely latched onto this young talent.

Hourglass is the lead off track for this 2 track EP, and it’s offbeat intro is an indication of the off-the-wall antics that are sure to ensue. The track is 100% wild and it’s growling bassline pulls you along for the ride, willing or not! Toss in some tasty clap combos and you’ve got an eclectic off-the-wall tech trancer that will demolish any unsuspecting crowd. Funky Shit is where the fun really begins.  This track is smashing it’s way into a record number of replays/hour for me, and that addictive tribal groove that is reminiscent of some of Sander’s older work has me absolutely hooked.  Toss in that fantastic vocal sample and you’ve got a track that does so much with so very little.

Read on past the break for high quality samples and be sure to vote for your favorite!

Evol Waves – Hourglass

[See post to listen to audio]

Evol Waves – Funky Shit

[See post to listen to audio]

Links of Interest

Evol Waves Website

Place Your Vote

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Last week we posted the first of 4 sampler packs slowly being released for John Askew’s Rediscovered Album Remix series, and today it bring us great joy to unveil the second of the series!

At the beginning of this year, the idea of opening up John Askew’s extensive back catalogue and making it available to some of the world’s best remixers was first discussed. As soon as it was announced there was a rush of producer interest as they all wanted to remix their favourite tracks.

Fortunately they have managed to accommodate almost everyone and the album many are describing as “the trance release of the year” is almost upon us. John Askew “Rediscovered” will get its full release at the end of May and includes anticipated remixes from Tyas, Patterson, Activa, O’Callaghan, Colontonio, Datt, Kearney and Downey to name just a few.  In the meantime Discover White are releasing a series of four samplers to give you a selective taste of the delights that are to follow.

In today’s sampler we have some ridiculously powerful reworks from the likes of Joint Operations Centre, Brian Kearney, Greg Downey and the new superpower at the Discover Dark Camp, Reaky. With remixed tracks titled Vandalism, Battery Acid, and Nail Gun, you kind of wonder how Z List Uber Star fits. Read on past the break for a slice of hellish techno, trance, and a little bit of both all at once!

John Askew – Vandalism (Joint Operations Centre Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

John Askew – Battery Acid (Bryan Kearney’s ‘For The Neighbours’ Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

John Askew – Nail Gun (Greg Downey Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

John Askew – Z List Uber Star (Reaky Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

The Verdict

With the first sampler on Discover White, i’ve got a feeling the Recoverworld team will see each of these samplers dedicated to a separate off shoot of the Discover sound.  This second lands on Discover Dark and dark it is!  From the track titles to the torrid and relentless pace of each remix, this release is not for the faint of heart!

As for my fave? I’m picking the Joint Operations Centre rework of Vandalism, a track that I still love to this day, and am glad to hear a new version surface!

Score: 9/10

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I’m told these are brand new remixes of an old classic by Philip D, but frankly, I can’t find any details on the original track, and on who Philip D is exactly.  I’ve found an artist on Discogs with the same name, is that you Philip? I’ve got a feeling this isn’t a classic at all, but regardless, we’re in for a treat with this latest sampler from RESET Records.

Randy is in my top 3 all time trance producers, and it’s his tribal influenced tech trance that instantly brings me back to 2004. Ah, what a time that was…Snapping back to the present day, this latest remix by Randy Katana is in your face from the start, with an oddly arranged kickdrum/hat sequence that gets the party rolling in no time! The track is full of build ups, break downs, groovy drums and an epic tribal house groove that steals heavily from his tech trance past.

Adding to the sampler is a remix from Addy van der Zwan who decides Randy’s epic version isn’t quite dark enough and tears a hole straight into hell from earth. Adding to the track’s allure is a simple vocal track, presumably taken from the Original. Read on past the jump for high quality samples and for your chance to vote for your fave!

Philip D – Airport (Randy Katana Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Philip D – Airport (Addy van der Zwan Remix)

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The wave of musical talent from eastern Europe continues. Echelon proudly presents Ivan Vorontsov, a young DJ-producer from Riga, Latvia. Ivan was born in 1992 and had an ear for music sincea very early age. He developed an interest in electronic music in 2006 and started experimenting with producing and since then he has been completely hooked!

4 years later, Ivan debuts on Echelon with a solid 2-track EP ‘They Never Come Back Again‘ which paints a wonderful picture of this future prospect’s potential. Read on for high quality samples and for your chance to vote for your fave!

Ivan Vorontsov – They Never Come Back Again (Original Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

The name track of the EP is a progressive banger with a dark atmosphere. The track builds on a deep bass line that pumps a lot of energy in it while the percs keep lashing it forward. The first part is dominated by a simple motif played by a piercing lead sound, and prepares to unleash the lead theme in all its melodic power after the break.

Ivan Vorontsov – This City At Night (Original Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Not as sinister as its counterpart, This City At Night is a fascinating work of crispy lead timbres combined with sparkling melodies and pleasant harmonic developments. The bass line grinds a groovy dance hook while bursts of sound colours caress one’s ear, illustrating the nocturnal life of the city.

The Verdict

A unique trancer that is gritty while being seductively smooth at the same time.  Eastern trance producers are truly starting to shine as of late, and Ivan is yet another example of the fine music coming out of their corridors.

Score: 8/10

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