Armin van Buuren has officially released the A State of Trance 2026 compilation, and it’s not just another yearly mix but indeed a massive celebration of 25 years of the ASOT brand.

For the longtime “Trance Family” members, there’s a big shocker here as for the first time since 2006, Armin has retired the classic “On the Beach,” “In the Club,” and “Who’s Afraid of 138?!” segments. In their place, we have a fresh tri-mix structure that reflects the evolving landscape of 2026 with the New Era.

The 43-track collection is split into three distinct moods, Pulse, Frequency, and Energy moving away from genre-pigeonholing and toward a “vibe-based” journey:

Pulse – This is where the deep, melodic, and “party-starter” sounds live. It features massive collaborations like “Serendipity” (with Andrew Bayer) and “Like A Child” (with ARGY). It’s hypnotic, sleek, and perfect for that sunset transition.

Frequency – This is your peak-time, stadium-filling energy. It also holds the official 2026 ASOT Anthem, “Always You,” alongside Richard Durand and Dicosis. Notably, it also features the Amy Wiles remix of the classic “The Theme”, a huge nod to the rising talent.

Energy – The BPMs climb and the shadows get darker. This mix bridges the gap between high-octane trance and the hard-techno resurgence. Expect heavy hitters like Lilly Palmer (with the collab “Dopamine Machine”) and the unstoppable KI/KI.

Beyond the music, this release feels like a statement. Armin isn’t just resting on his 25-year-old laurels; he’s actively reshaping what “Trance” means in 2026. By including techno-leaning artists like Joris Voorn and Lilly Palmer, he’s proving that the genre is more of a “feeling” than a strict BPM limit.

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