R3HAB and ARTBAT join forces on “Dramma”, a powerful 128 BPM crossover between melodic techno, progressive electronic music and mainstage energy. Released on ARTBAT’s UPPERGROUND imprint on October 2, 2026, the track builds its impact through hypnotic momentum, evolving melodies and a festival-sized payoff. It is not a Trance record in the strict sense — but its immediate support on A State Of Trance makes it particularly interesting from a Trance perspective.
A slow-burning build designed for the big moment
“Dramma” does not rush towards its payoff. The track develops through a hypnotic groove and gradually evolving melodic layers, allowing tension to build before the synth work opens into its larger peak-time moments.
That restraint is one of its strongest qualities. Instead of filling every part of the arrangement, R3HAB and ARTBAT leave enough space for the progression itself to create the impact. The melodic elements become increasingly dominant as the track develops, eventually turning the controlled opening into something considerably bigger and more dramatic.
At 128 BPM, there is enough weight and forward motion for a major festival stage without sacrificing the deeper atmosphere associated with ARTBAT and UPPERGROUND.
R3HAB and ARTBAT find common ground
“Dramma” marks another meeting point between two artists coming from different corners of contemporary electronic music.
R3HAB brings a strong instinct for direct dance-floor impact and large-scale festival production, while ARTBAT contribute the darker atmosphere, melodic depth and patient tension that have become central to their sound.
The result does not feel like one artist simply entering the other’s territory. Instead, “Dramma” finds a convincing middle ground.
The production has the scale expected from a mainstage collaboration, but much of its character comes from the gradual development underneath. That combination gives the track more depth than a conventional festival weapon while keeping its payoff immediate enough for very large rooms.
The track had already proven its potential before release, with R3HAB and ARTBAT premiering it together on the Ultra Miami Mainstage.
From festival ID to A State Of Trance
The most interesting part of the story from a TranceAttack perspective came immediately around the release.
“Dramma” appeared right at the beginning of A State Of Trance 1297, becoming the first full track played after the show intro.
That does not suddenly turn it into Trance. What it does demonstrate is how much the borders between melodic techno, progressive electronic music and contemporary Trance programming have moved.
The hypnotic repetition, gradual melodic tension and extended progression translate naturally into the opening stages of a modern Trance set. In that environment, “Dramma” works particularly well as a bridge between darker progressive material and more recognisably Trance-focused territory.
Its strong early Beatport performance adds another layer to that momentum, showing that the track is connecting beyond one specific scene or DJ audience.
TranceAttack verdict
“Dramma” works because R3HAB and ARTBAT do not simply stack their individual trademarks on top of each other. They meet somewhere in the middle.
There is plenty of festival scale, but the strongest part of the production is the journey towards it. The gradual melodic evolution and controlled tension make the eventual payoff feel earned rather than automatic.
For listeners looking exclusively for traditional Trance, this clearly sits outside the centre of the genre. But as a progressive crossover record capable of connecting melodic techno, mainstage and Trance-oriented sets, it is extremely effective.
The wider context makes the release even more interesting: a heavily requested festival ID, an UPPERGROUND release, immediate Beatport momentum and prominent A State Of Trance support all arrived within the same window.
⭐️ Rating: 9 / 10
🎧 Perfect for:
- Progressive warm-ups
- Melodic-techno-to-Trance transitions
- ASOT-style progressive sets
- Festival builds
- Peak-time crossover moments
Release details:
Artist: R3HAB, ARTBAT
Track: Dramma
Style: Melodic Techno
BPM: 128
Label: UPPERGROUND
Release Date: October 02nd, 2026
Get your copy here: https://upperground.lnk.to/Dramma
Connect with R3HAB:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/r3hab
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r3hab
X: https://www.twitter.com/R3HAB
Connect with ARTBAT:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbatmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ARTBATMUSIC
X: https://www.twitter.com/artbatmusic
Connect with UPPERGROUND:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UPPERGROUND
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upperground.label
X: https://www.twitter.com/ministryofsound
