28/10/2025
The Story of D.Trance — The Sound of a Generation
Halfway through the 90s, when techno, hardcore and trance ruled Europe’s underground and raves like the Love Parade drew hundreds of thousands of ecstatic ravers to the streets, one amazing compilation started to gain traction, the name was D.Trance
Back then, there were no streaming platforms, if you wanted the latest tracks, you had to buy the CDs, swap them with friends, or hear them blasted at parties. Amid this raw, analogue energy, three visionaries: Gary D., Marcel Ewald, and Ecki Stamer, crossed paths one fateful night in Hamburg’s legendary Voila (EFEX) club. The chemistry was instant, they had the same idea of what kind of music they wanted in the compilation. And that's how D.Trance was born.
Launched under the DJs Present label in 1995, which initially was a sub-label of PIAS Recordings Germany, D.Trance quickly captured the essence of the German hard trance sound. The very first volume dropped in November 1995, packed with euphoric synths, pounding kicks, and the unmistakable sound of mid-90s hard trance. The response was so explosive that pressing plants couldn’t keep up with demand, with copies flying off the shelves faster than they could be produced. By 1996, D.Trance Vol. 3 skyrocketed to #4 in the German sampler charts, cementing its place in electronic music history.
Over the years, D.Trance became a launchpad for countless artists who shaped the harder and more melodic side of trance: DJ Gollum, Mellow-D, Commander Tom, Nostrum and Gary D himself and many more. Even today, those iconic covers and anthemic mixes transport fans straight back to the heart of the 90s rave revolution.
Every edition of D.Trance, had two CDs which were plain music, and one that contained a mix by Gary D himself with some of the tracks from the edition. Unfortunately, Gary D passed away in 2016, but his music and D.Trance compilations live on forever. During Hard Trance Alliance: The First Rebirth on the 14 of November, (gabberizer) (DJ PulseX) will perform a tribute to the first four D.Trance CDs.
We have posted on our highlights a playlist with the mix of some of the first CDs
Hope to see you all there!