Trance metal, a genre that merges the power of heavy metal with the hypnotic rhythms of electronic trance music, has carved a unique niche in the world of heavy music. This genre combines the aggressive and intense qualities of metal with the pulsating beats and atmospheric sounds of trance, creating a hybrid that is both energetic and immersive. Over the years, several artists have explored this fusion, producing tracks that push the boundaries of both genres and offer listeners an exciting new sound. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best trance metal hits, exploring how these tracks blend the raw power of metal with the fluidity of trance.
11 Essential Trance Metal Hits to Add to the Playlist
1. Infected Mushroom – “Becoming Insane”
Infected Mushroom is one of the most well-known acts to bridge the gap between trance and metal. “Becoming Insane” from their album Vicious Delicious is a track that exemplifies the fusion of electronic and metal elements. The song features an infectious blend of trance-like synths, atmospheric effects, and heavy metal guitar riffs, creating a unique soundscape that pulls listeners in. The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of personal struggle and mental turmoil, adding depth to its hypnotic electronic elements. The energy and intensity of the metal parts are perfectly complemented by the pulsing electronic beats, making “Becoming Insane” a standout example of trance metal.
2. Celldweller – “End of an Empire”
Celldweller, known for blending metal, electronic, and industrial elements, offers a perfect example of trance metal with “End of an Empire” from the album End of an Empire. The track opens with atmospheric, trance-inspired synths that gradually build into powerful, metal-driven breakdowns. The song’s balance between electronic soundscapes and heavy guitar riffs showcases Celldweller’s ability to seamlessly fuse the two genres. The lyrics are empowering, discussing the rise and fall of empires, which adds a layer of narrative depth to the track. “End of an Empire” stands as a testament to Celldweller’s skill in creating music that is both emotionally intense and sonically immersive, offering a unique fusion of trance and metal.
3. Strapping Young Lad – “Love?”
While Strapping Young Lad is known for their industrial and extreme metal influences, their track “Love?” from the album City features trance-like elements that enhance the song’s chaotic intensity. The heavy, distorted guitars are complemented by pulsating electronic rhythms that provide a sense of otherworldly energy. The track’s lyrics explore themes of alienation, rage, and personal struggle, all of which are accentuated by the frenetic pace and dissonant sounds. The fusion of trance’s hypnotic qualities with Strapping Young Lad’s aggressive metal style creates a powerful and unpredictable listening experience. “Love?” captures the essence of trance metal by fusing electronic elements with the band’s signature extreme sound.
4. Amaranthe – “The Nexus”
Amaranthe is known for combining metalcore, symphonic metal, and electronic elements, and their track “The Nexus” from the album The Nexus is a perfect example of trance metal. The song opens with a smooth, trance-inspired synth melody that quickly transitions into heavy guitar riffs and catchy, melodic vocals. The blend of clean and harsh vocals, along with the electronic beats, creates a dynamic and energetic atmosphere. “The Nexus” explores themes of unity and perseverance, with its lyrics urging listeners to stay connected and fight through adversity. The track’s seamless integration of trance melodies with powerful metal instrumentation makes it an exciting example of trance metal.
5. Epica – “Cry for the Moon” (DJ Nilsen Remix)
Epica, known for their symphonic metal sound, took a different approach with the DJ Nilsen remix of their track “Cry for the Moon.” This version incorporates trance elements, transforming the original symphonic metal anthem into an electronic-infused trance metal piece. The remix keeps the powerful vocal performance and orchestral arrangements of the original while adding pulsing synths, atmospheric effects, and driving electronic beats. The result is a mesmerizing version of the song that retains the intensity of Epica’s metal roots while exploring the hypnotic rhythms of trance music. This remix shows how trance elements can elevate symphonic metal into the realm of trance metal, offering a fresh take on the original track.
6. Juno Reactor – “Pistolero”
Juno Reactor is a group that blends electronic music with world influences and heavy guitar, and their track “Pistolero” showcases their ability to fuse these elements into a trance metal masterpiece. The song features an infectious electronic beat paired with heavy, distorted guitar riffs that bring a sense of urgency and intensity to the track. “Pistolero” incorporates tribal rhythms and cinematic elements, adding depth to the trance and metal fusion. The song’s cinematic feel is complemented by its pulsating electronic base and aggressive guitar lines, making it a prime example of how trance metal can incorporate diverse influences to create something unique and powerful.
7. The Browning – “The Call”
The Browning is a band that has made a name for itself by blending metalcore with electronic and trance elements. “The Call,” from their album Hypernova, is a perfect example of their trance metal style. The track combines heavy breakdowns and screaming vocals with trance-inspired melodies and electronic beats. The song’s lyrics discuss themes of inner conflict and self-realization, and its atmospheric soundscapes enhance the emotional depth of the track. “The Call” stands out due to its ability to seamlessly integrate metalcore’s aggressive energy with the hypnotic qualities of trance music, making it a standout in the trance metal subgenre.
8. Koven – “Never Have I Felt This Way” (Koven Remix)
Koven’s remix of “Never Have I Felt This Way” is a trance metal track that blends electronic music with powerful metal elements. The remix features a driving bassline and atmospheric synths that create an uplifting yet intense atmosphere. The track’s electronic beats and melodic lines give it a trance-like quality, while the distorted guitar riffs and heavy drums bring a raw, metal edge. The lyrics are emotionally charged, focusing on themes of longing and loss, which are heightened by the track’s powerful mix of electronic and metal sounds. Koven’s remix showcases the band’s ability to combine the energy of both genres, creating a track that is both euphoric and heavy.
9. Front Line Assembly – “Mindphaser”
Front Line Assembly is known for their industrial and electronic music, but “Mindphaser” from their album Tactical Neural Implant brings in a significant metal influence, resulting in a trance metal track that stands out. The song features robotic vocals, electronic synths, and heavy guitar riffs that combine to create a dark, atmospheric soundscape. “Mindphaser” is an exploration of psychological themes, and its aggressive yet hypnotic sound perfectly matches the track’s intense lyrical content. The fusion of electronic beats and metal guitar work on this track shows the potential of trance metal to explore deep, complex themes while maintaining an energetic and intense sound.
10. Sabaton – “The Last Stand” (Club Mix)
Sabaton, a band known for their power metal anthems, took a bold step into trance metal with the Club Mix of “The Last Stand.” The remix takes the original track’s heavy metal core and infuses it with upbeat, danceable trance rhythms. The combination of Sabaton’s soaring vocals and powerful guitar work with the electronic synth lines and bass creates a unique listening experience. The song’s lyrics, which focus on heroic acts and the defense of freedom, are given an added intensity through the high-energy trance elements. The remix of “The Last Stand” is a perfect example of how trance metal can take a well-known metal track and reinvent it through the incorporation of electronic elements.
11. Dark Tranquillity – “ThereIn” (Ferry Corsten Remix)
Dark Tranquillity, a band at the forefront of melodic death metal, entered the trance metal territory with the Ferry Corsten remix of “ThereIn.” The remix takes the original track’s melodic death metal foundation and transforms it into an electronic-infused trance metal hit. The song’s catchy, melodic lines are enhanced with layers of synthesizers, creating an atmosphere that is both captivating and intense. The remix stays true to Dark Tranquillity’s original sound while incorporating trance elements that bring a fresh, modern twist to the track. “ThereIn” (Ferry Corsten Remix) is a fine example of how trance and metal can work together to create something both familiar and new.
See Also: What Makes Heavy Metal Music Translate to Symphonic Music?
Conclusion
Trance metal is a genre that continues to evolve, blending the raw aggression of metal with the hypnotic rhythms of trance music. The artists and tracks highlighted in this article showcase the diversity of sounds within the genre, from the atmospheric soundscapes of Celldweller to the high-energy remixes of Sabaton and Bullet for My Valentine. As the genre grows, it will likely continue to inspire new artists to experiment with the fusion of metal and electronic music, pushing the boundaries of what both genres can achieve. The tracks listed here are just the beginning of the ongoing exploration of trance metal, and they prove that this genre is one worth keeping an eye on as it continues to innovate and captivate listeners worldwide.
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