As 2025 draws to a close, it was once again time to hand the spotlight over to you – the TranceAttack community. Over the past weeks, you took part in our annual Community Flashback, voting across five carefully curated polls to celebrate the artists, tracks, and labels that shaped the year in trance and electronic music.
The categories remained unchanged, staying true to the format you know and trust:
- Artist Of The Year 2025
- Female Artist Of The Year 2025
- Track Of The Year 2025
- Album Of The Year 2025
- Label Of The Year 2025
With more than 1,600 votes, this year’s response was the largest ever — a clear sign of how passionate, diverse, and engaged the TranceAttack community has become. The numbers are in, the rankings are locked, and the results reflect not just popularity, but the sound and spirit that defined 2025 for all of us.
Community Flashback 2025 – At a Glance
More than 1,600 votes. Five categories. One year of trance and electronic music, as chosen by the TranceAttack community. From global icons to powerful new momentum, these are the artists, tracks, albums, and labels that defined 2025.
Artist Of The Year 2025
The Artist of the Year category once again stands at the core of the TranceAttack Community Flashback. More than any other poll, it reflects the full spectrum of what defines an artist today: studio output, DJ performances, consistency, innovation, and the emotional connection created with fans worldwide.
In 2025, the results show a powerful balance between enduring legends and artists shaping the present and future of trance. At the very top, Armin van Buuren successfully defended his position, underlining his unmatched influence through A State of Trance, global touring, and an unbroken connection to the scene. His ability to remain both relevant and visionary continues to set the benchmark.
Close behind, Cosmic Gate climbed significantly, driven by emotional productions, refined storytelling, and consistently powerful live performances. Their modern yet deeply melodic approach resonated strongly with fans throughout the year. Right alongside them, Above & Beyond reaffirmed their unique position within the scene, blending heartfelt releases with a sense of community that few artists can replicate.
Just outside the podium, Giuseppe Ottaviani once again proved why he remains one of the most respected figures in modern trance. With relentless energy, technical mastery, and unforgettable live sets, his presence in 2025 was as impactful as ever. Completing the Top 5, Paul van Dyk showcased the power of longevity and evolution, continuing to inspire with a forward-thinking approach rooted in decades of scene-defining history.
Beyond the Top 5, the ranking also delivered some of the most exciting moments of this year’s vote: strong new entries. Bryan Kearney stormed straight into the Top 10, earning massive support thanks to his uncompromising sound, standout releases, and explosive live performances. Meanwhile, Tiësto marked one of the year’s most talked-about re-entries, as his renewed connection to trance resonated deeply with longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Altogether, the Artist of the Year 2025 results perfectly capture the current state of trance: rooted in legacy, driven by passion, and constantly evolving through both familiar icons and powerful new momentum.
- Armin van Buuren (↔)
- Cosmic Gate (↗3)
- Above & Beyond (↗3)
- Giuseppe Ottaviani (↘1)
- Paul van Dyk (↘3)
- Ferry Corsten (↘2)
- Daxson (↗4)
- Alex M.O.R.P.H. (↗5)
- Bryan Kearney (NEW)
- Markus Schulz (↘1)
- Tiësto (NEW)
- Asteroid (NEW)
- Craig Connelly (↘6)
- Cold Blue (NEW)
- Aly & Fila (↘5)
Female Artist Of The Year 2025
The Female Artist of the Year category once again highlighted the incredible diversity, strength, and influence of women shaping today’s trance and electronic music landscape. From peak-time techno-trance energy to uplifting melodies and emotionally charged vocals, the 2025 results reflect a scene that is more multifaceted and dynamic than ever.
At the very top, Charlotte de Witte successfully defended her position, confirming her status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary electronic music. Her relentless output, unmistakable sound, and global presence once again resonated strongly with the TranceAttack community.
Close behind, Nifra continued her upward trajectory, delivering a year defined by power, precision, and consistency. Her high-energy productions and commanding live performances firmly established her as one of trance’s leading forces. Rising rapidly into the Top 3, Amelie Lens made one of the biggest jumps in the ranking, underlining the growing crossover appeal between techno and trance-influenced sounds.
Just outside the podium, Alessandra Roncone made an immediate impact as a new entry, debuting straight into the Top 5. Her uplifting sound, emotional melodies, and strong connection to the trance community earned her widespread support. Rounding out the Top 5, Amy Wiles also entered the ranking as a newcomer, with a standout year marked by refined productions, major releases, and growing recognition across the scene.
Beyond the Top 5, the 2025 ranking highlighted a surge of fresh talent and renewed momentum. Maria Healy delivered another strong new entry just outside the Top 5, while established names like Emma Hewitt and JES remained key pillars thanks to their lasting emotional impact on the genre.
Overall, the Female Artist of the Year 2025 results paint a powerful picture: a category defined by evolution, fearless creativity, and a new generation rising confidently alongside established icons — all driven by passion, connection, and musical identity.
- Charlotte de Witte (↗1)
- Nifra (↗1)
- Amelie Lens (↗5)
- Alessandra Roncone (NEW)
- Amy Wiles (NEW)
- Maria Healy (NEW)
- Emma Hewitt (↘6)
- JES (↘3)
- Laura van Dam (↔)
- KI/KI (↗5)
- Natalie Gioia (NEW)
- Nora En Pure (↗2)
- Lilly Palmer (NEW)
- Miss Monique (NEW)
- Rinaly (NEW)
Track Of The Year 2025
The Track of the Year category captures the moments that truly defined 2025 on dancefloors, in DJ sets, and on repeat playlists around the world. These are the tracks that stood out through melody, energy, and emotional impact — releases that connected instantly and stayed relevant long after their first play.
At the very top, Sonic Samba (Rising Star Remix) by Armin van Buuren claimed the #1 spot. A modern reinterpretation with infectious groove and unmistakable trance energy, the Rising Star Remix became a standout anthem across clubs, festivals, and radio shows alike.
Securing second place, Marama (Moon & Stars) by Gouryella featuring Saskia Lie Atjam delivered pure emotional depth. Its uplifting melodies and spiritual atmosphere resonated deeply with fans, reaffirming the timeless magic of the Gouryella sound.
In third place, Bigger Than All Of Us by Above & Beyond featuring Justine Suissa showcased the trio’s unmatched ability to blend emotion, songwriting, and dancefloor impact. This track felt both intimate and massive.
Just outside the podium, Bring Me To Life by Tiësto & FORS marked one of the year’s most talked-about releases. With a clear nod to trance roots and modern production polish, it became a defining comeback moment. Completing the Top 5 is Quicksand (Don’t Go) by Above & Beyond featuring Zoë Johnston, which delivers haunting emotion and lyrical depth, reinforcing its place as a fan favorite.
Beyond the Top 5, the Top 10 further highlighted the richness of 2025: powerful collaborations like Fathers & Sons (OTTAGON Remix), high-energy anthems such as New Inner Way, and emotional statements like Is This Only A Dream all played a crucial role in shaping the year’s soundtrack.
Altogether, the Track of the Year 2025 results perfectly reflect what the community values most: emotion, melody, and tracks that transcend the moment to become part of trance history.
- Armin van Buuren – Sonic Samba (Rising Star Remix)
- Gouryella feat. Saskia Lie Atjam – Marama (Moon & Stars)
- Above & Beyond and Justine Suissa – Bigger Than All Of Us
- Tiësto & FORS – Bring Me To Life
- Above & Beyond feat. Zoë Johnston – Quicksand (Don’t Go)
- Armin van Buuren – Fathers & Sons (OTTAGON Remix)
- Ferry Corsten & Ruben de Ronde pres. NRG2000 – New Inner Way
- Paul van Dyk + Aly & Fila – Is This Only A Dream
- Daxson – Perpetuity
- Cosmic Gate – You
Album Of The Year 2025
The Album of the Year category celebrates long-form artistic statements – bodies of work that go beyond individual tracks and tell a broader story. In a scene often driven by singles and club tracks, these albums stood out for their cohesion, vision, and lasting emotional impact throughout 2025.
Taking the top spot, This World Is Ours by Paul van Dyk resonated deeply with the community. Blending classic trance emotions with modern production and thoughtful songwriting, the album felt both reflective and forward-looking – a powerful statement from one of the genre’s true architects.
In second place, Perspectives by Cosmic Gate delivered a refined journey through melody, atmosphere, and emotion. The album showcased the duo’s ability to evolve while staying true to their core sound, earning strong support across the community.
Securing third place, Breathe by Armin van Buuren underlined his continued relevance in album storytelling. Balancing accessibility with depth, Breathe offered a wide-ranging sonic palette that resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners.
Just outside the podium, Eight by Giuseppe Ottaviani under his OTTAGON project pushed energy and intensity to the forefront. Built for the dance floor yet cohesive as an album, it reflected Ottaviani’s relentless drive and modern edge. Rounding out the Top 5, Bigger Than All Of Us by Above & Beyond once again demonstrated the trio’s strength in emotional storytelling, blending vocal-driven moments with club-ready productions.
Beyond the Top 5, the Top 10 further emphasized the depth of album releases in 2025. From the melodic beauty of Mountain and the uplifting energy of Ignite, to the reflective journeys found on Retrospekt, innermost, and Etherflow, the ranking highlighted a year rich in depth, variety, and artistic ambition.
Overall, the Album of the Year 2025 results show that the trance scene continues to value albums as meaningful creative statements – works that reward repeated listening and leave a lasting imprint well beyond the dancefloor.
- Paul van Dyk – This World Is Ours
- Cosmic Gate – Perspectives
- Armin van Buuren – Breathe
- Giuseppe Ottaviani presents OTTAGON – Eight
- Above & Beyond – Bigger Than All Of Us
- Cold Blue – Mountain
- ilan Bluestone – Ignite
- Paul Denton – Retrospekt
- Solarstone – innermost
- Johan Gielen presents Airscape – Etherflow
Label Of The Year 2025
The Label of the Year category spotlights the backbone of the scene: the imprints that shape sound, nurture talent, and define musical direction throughout the year. From global flagships to deeply curated genre specialists, the 2025 results reflect both consistency at the top and exciting momentum further down the ranking.
For the first time, A State Of Trance reached #1 — taking over the crown and marking a defining moment in this year’s Community Flashback. With a relentless release schedule, strong artist development, and its unmatched global platform, ASOT became the community’s top label pick for 2025.
Right behind, Anjunabeats slipped to second place after previously leading the category. Even with the change at the top, the label’s carefully curated catalog, consistent quality, and loyal fanbase once again secured a podium finish. Holding steady in third place, Future Sound Of Egypt underscored its importance in uplifting, emotionally driven trance, remaining a cornerstone for fans of pure, energetic sound.
Climbing significantly into the Top 5, SubCulture delivered one of the strongest upward moves of the year. Known for pushing high-energy, no-compromise trance, the label’s bold identity and powerful releases clearly resonated with the community. Completing the Top 5, Enhanced Progressive maintained its position, continuing to bridge progressive, melodic, and trance-forward sounds with a consistently modern edge.
Beyond the Top 5, the 2025 results also highlighted several of the most exciting new entrants to the ranking. Vandit Records made a strong debut, marking a notable return to prominence with renewed focus and impactful releases. As another fresh addition, Abora Recordings entered the ranking thanks to its unwavering dedication to emotional, uplifting trance and its passionate global following.
Altogether, the Label of the Year 2025 results capture the full spectrum of today’s trance scene: a new #1 at the top, established powerhouses still dominating the conversation, and fresh entries proving that vision and consistency continue to drive the culture forward.
- A State Of Trance (↗1)
- Anjunabeats (↘1)
- Future Sound Of Egypt (↔)
- SubCulture (↗5)
- Enhanced Progressive (↔)
- Armind Recordings (↔)
- Pure Trance (↘3)
- Vandit Records (NEW)
- Black Hole Recordings (↘1)
- Flashover Recordings (↘3)
- Abora Recordings (NEW)
- Bemind Recordings (NEW)
- Dreamstate Records (NEW)
- In Trance We Trust (NEW)
- Flashover Recordings (↘8)
