By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Rotterdam, The global trance community is currently standing on the precipice of a historic milestone as the genre’s most influential brand, A State of Trance (ASOT), prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary. To mark this monumental occasion, Armin van Buuren, the visionary behind the movement, has officially unveiled the anthem that will define the year 2026. Titled "Always You," the track is a high-profile collaboration featuring the vocal talents of Dicosis and the seasoned production prowess of fellow Dutch heavyweight Richard Durand. This release does more than just provide a soundtrack for a tour; it encapsulates two and a half decades of emotional resonance, technical innovation, and the unwavering "A State of Trance" spirit that has united millions of listeners worldwide.
The selection of Richard Durand as a collaborator for this specific anthem is a significant nod to the lineage of Dutch electronic music. While both artists have occupied the upper echelons of the trance scene for decades, "Always You" represents the first time the two titans have joined forces on a completely original single. Durand, a name synonymous with high-energy production and intricate melodic structures, rose to international prominence through his legendary remixes of Tiësto classics like "Lethal Industry," "Flight 643," and "Break My Fall." Having also taken the mantle of the iconic In Search of Sunrise compilation series, Durand’s participation in the 2026 anthem signals a "full circle" moment for the genre, bridging the gap between the golden era of the early 2000s and the modern, polished soundscapes of the current decade.
"Always You" is more than a standard club track; it is the sonic identity for the "ELEVATION" world tour. The composition utilizes the ethereal vocals of Dicosis to anchor its emotional core, building a narrative of connection and constancy that mirrors the relationship between van Buuren and his global audience. Musically, the track strikes a delicate balance between the driving, peak-time energy required for massive festival stages and the lush, atmospheric layers that have defined the "uplifting" sub-genre. It is a production that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking, honoring the roots of the ASOT brand while embracing the high-fidelity production standards of 2026.
The rollout of the anthem has been a masterclass in organic hype-building. Rather than a traditional digital-only premiere, van Buuren opted to test the track in the heat of live performance. "Always You" became a standout moment during his headline set at Tomorrowland 2025, where the sprawling crowds of Boom, Belgium, were among the first to experience its soaring leads. However, its true baptism occurred earlier in the year on the dedicated ASOT stage at Ultra Music Festival in Miami. The reaction from the crowd confirmed what many had suspected: the track possessed the "anthem quality" necessary to carry the weight of a 25th-anniversary celebration. By the time the official studio version reached the public, it had already been ingrained in the memories of those who witnessed its debut under the neon lights of the world’s biggest mainstages.
The year 2026 is set to be the most ambitious period in the history of A State of Trance. The journey began in earnest this week in Rotterdam, a city that has become the new spiritual home for the brand’s flagship festival. On February 27th and 28th, the Rotterdam Ahoy will transform into a multi-stage sanctuary for trance fans, featuring a curated lineup of veterans and rising stars. This event serves as the official launchpad for the 25th-anniversary festivities, setting the tone for a year that promises to take the ASOT experience to new corners of the globe.
Beyond the borders of the Netherlands, the "ELEVATION" tour is scheduled to make significant inroads into the rapidly expanding Asian market. With confirmed stops in Vietnam and Hong Kong, the brand is capitalizing on the explosive growth of electronic dance music in the East. These regions have shown an insatiable appetite for the melodic and emotional depth of trance, and bringing a production of this scale to these territories underscores van Buuren’s commitment to a truly global community. Additionally, the tour will return to Poland, a country with a legendary dedication to the ASOT brand, ensuring that the European heartland remains a central part of the celebration.
This milestone comes at a fascinating point in Armin van Buuren’s personal artistic evolution. While he remains the undisputed figurehead of the trance movement, he has recently demonstrated a desire to explore the more intimate and organic side of his musicality. Last year’s release of Piano, a solo acoustic album, showcased a different facet of his talent. By stripping away the synthesizers and heavy percussion, van Buuren invited listeners into a minimalist world of melody and composition. This experimental detour seems to have reinvigorated his approach to trance; by reconnecting with the fundamental building blocks of music through the piano, he has returned to the "Always You" production with a renewed sense of purpose and a refined ear for harmonic progression.
The 25th anniversary of A State of Trance is not merely a celebration of a radio show that started in 2001; it is a celebration of the endurance of a genre that many critics once claimed was a passing fad. Through the "Always You" anthem, van Buuren and Durand remind the industry that trance is an ever-evolving ecosystem. It has survived the rise and fall of various sub-genres by staying true to its core tenets: euphoria, community, and the ability to transport the listener to another realm.
The collaboration with Richard Durand also highlights the importance of mentorship and mutual respect within the Dutch DJ community. Durand’s career, which saw him transition from a prolific remixer to a global headliner in his own right, is a testament to the longevity possible within the scene. His ability to maintain a signature sound while adapting to the shifting sands of technology makes him the ideal partner for van Buuren in this landmark year. Together, they have crafted a piece of music that serves as a bridge between the legends who built the foundations and the new generation of producers who will carry the torch for the next twenty-five years.
As the "ELEVATION" tour begins its trek across continents, the anthem "Always You" will undoubtedly become the defining sound of 2026. It will be the track that plays as the sun sets over the South China Sea in Hong Kong, the melody that echoes through the industrial halls of Rotterdam, and the rhythm that unites thousands in the stadiums of Poland. In a world that is often fragmented, Armin van Buuren continues to use his platform to prove that music—specifically the driving, emotional pulse of trance—remains a universal language.
For the fans who have tuned in every Thursday for over two decades, this anthem is a gift of gratitude. It represents the countless hours of radio broadcasts, the long nights spent on dance floors, and the shared connection of a "state of trance." As the 2026 celebrations unfold, "Always You" stands as a beacon of what has been achieved and an exciting preview of the heights yet to be reached. The elevation has begun, and if this anthem is any indication, the view from the top has never looked better for the global trance family.