Few annual compilations in electronic music carry the same weight and anticipation as A State of Trance. With the 2026 edition, Armin van Buuren once again delivers a carefully curated journey through the current spectrum of trance — from melodic and progressive textures to full-throttle peak-time energy. Structured across three mixes — Pulse, Frequency, and Energy — this year’s installment feels particularly forward-thinking, blurring genre lines while staying rooted in the emotional core that defines ASOT.
Mix 1 – Pulse
The opening chapter, Pulse, sets the tone with a modern, melodic approach that leans heavily into progressive and crossover influences. Tracks like Omnia’s “As We Become One (Intro Mix)” and the nostalgic-yet-contemporary “Greece 2000 (Max Styler Rework)” immediately establish a warm, flowing atmosphere.
Armin’s own presence is strong here, with highlights like “Fathers & Sons (OTTAGON Remix)” and the infectious “Serendipity” with Andrew Bayer closing the mix on an emotional high. The inclusion of GAIA’s “Tuvan (BLR Remix)” is a clever nod to longtime fans, reimagined with a modern twist.
Standout moments come from the seamless fusion of melodic techno influences (Joris Voorn x Ferry Corsten x Moonman – “Don’t Be Afraid”) and deeper progressive cuts, making Pulse feel like a bridge between club introspection and festival anticipation.
A sophisticated, genre-fluid opening that reflects how far trance has evolved without losing its soul.
Mix 2 – Frequency
If Pulse is the warm-up, Frequency is where the heart of trance beats strongest. This mix delivers a perfect balance between uplifting melodies and driving energy.
The A State of Trance 2026 ELEVATION Anthem, “Always You” (with Richard Durand & Dicosis), stands as the emotional centerpiece — a soaring, euphoric production that captures the very essence of ASOT. Elsewhere, names like Farius, David Forbes, and Ronski Speed bring authenticity and depth, while modern acts such as nilsix and SUPERSTRINGS inject fresh momentum.
Particularly impressive is the diversity: from the classic feel of Jurgen Vries – “The Theme (Amy Wiles Remix)” to the unexpected yet effective Kesha – “DELUSIONAL. (Armin van Buuren Remix)”, Armin showcases his ability to merge mainstream appeal with underground credibility.
The defining core of the compilation — emotional, uplifting, and unmistakably ASOT.
Mix 3 – Energy
The final chapter, Energy, is where things get raw, fast, and unapologetically intense. Armin dives deep into harder, techno-influenced territory — a direction he has increasingly embraced in recent years.
Tracks like “Dopamine Machine” (with Lilly Palmer) and KI/KI’s “5AM” push the tempo and intensity, while cuts such as Mark Sixma – “Bring The Fire” and David Forbes’ “Diskotek” ensure the trance DNA remains intact.
There’s a clear underground edge throughout this mix, with artists like LAWTON, SIKOTI, and RIVER contributing to a darker, warehouse-ready vibe. It’s a bold statement: ASOT is no longer confined to one sound — it’s a spectrum.
A high-energy, boundary-pushing finale that embraces the harder side of modern trance culture.
“A State of Trance 2026” is more than just a compilation — it’s a snapshot of where trance stands today. Armin van Buuren successfully balances nostalgia, innovation, and cross-genre experimentation across all three mixes.
What stands out most is the cohesion despite diversity: whether it’s progressive, uplifting, or harder techno-influenced sounds, everything feels part of a unified vision.
This is not just a compilation for longtime fans — it’s a statement to the wider electronic scene that trance continues to evolve and remain relevant.
“A State Of Trance 2026” mixed by Armin van Buuren will be out on May 08th, 2026!
Get your copy here: https://asot.lnk.to/2026
Tracklist “A State Of Trance 2026”:
Mix 1 – Pulse
01. Omnia – As We Become One (Intro Mix)
02. Max Styler x Three Drives – Greece 2000 (Max Styler Rework)
03. Sultan + Shepard – The Way (Ginchy Remix)
04. Ruben de Ronde & Amber Revival – River In Me
05. Armin van Buuren – Fathers & Sons (OTTAGON Remix)
06. Mesh x Dan Stone – Purple Haze
07. GAIA – Tuvan (BLR Remix)
08. Armin van Buuren & ARGY feat. Marlo Rex – Like A Child
09. Joris Voorn x Ferry Corsten x Moonman – Don’t Be Afraid
10. OTTAGON & Giuseppe Ottaviani – Linking People
11. ReOrder pres. Crowd+Ctrl – Move To The Rhythm
12. Armin van Buuren & Skytech – She A Freak
13. Sevek – Dark Love
14. Armin van Buuren & Andrew Bayer – Serendipity
Mix 2 – Frequency
15. Armin van Buuren & Alle Farben feat. ROSY – Lost In Time
16. Farius – Elements
17. David Forbes x Sue McLaren – Satellite
18. Ronski Speed – Without You (Allen Watts Remix)
19. Armin van Buuren & Glockenbach – Sun Shines On Me (Rising Star Remix)
20. Armin van Buuren & Richard Durand & Dicosis – Always You (A State of Trance 2026 ELEVATION Anthem)
21. nilsix – Outta My Head
22. Jurgen Vries – The Theme (Amy Wiles Remix)
23. SUPERSTRINGS – NEON DUSK PROTOCOL
24. DIM3NSION x StanV – Lacrimosa
25. Armin van Buuren – Equanimity (XiJaro & Pitch Remix)
26. Pascal M & Scott Mac – The Remedy
27. Alexander Popov, FAWZY & Wavetraxx – Attractive Force
28. Ahmed Helmy & Doppenberg pres. HEL:BRG – Open Your Eyes
29. Kesha – DELUSIONAL. (Armin van Buuren Remix)
Mix 3 – Energy
30. Armin van Buuren & Lilly Palmer – Dopamine Machine
31. SIKOTI – Fall Back Into You
32. LAWTON & Deckers – Los Retratos
33. Armin van Buuren & Olive Anguz – Vem Comigo
34. RIVER – All Day All Night
35. BK – Full Fire
36. The Rocketman x Sacha Harland x YORK – On The Beach
37. S3PPA X DEVERAUX – Goosebumps
38. LAWTON – Bad Potato
39. MDDLTN X RIVER – Like This Like That
40. Mark Sixma – Bring The Fire
41. KI/KI – 5AM
42. onTune – Flying Circus
43. David Forbes – Diskotek
