Guide to Psytrance Subgenres

Brian McKey

November 2, 2023

Explore the vibrant world of psytrance subgenres, from Goa to Darkpsy. Dive into the beats and rhythms that define each unique facet of this mesmerizing electronic music genre.

Psytrance, also known as psychedelic trance, is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the 1990s. Since then, it has evolved into numerous subgenres, each with its unique sound, style, and culture. In this guide, we will explore the various subgenres of psytrance and what makes each one unique.

Psytrance has always been a genre of music that has pushed the boundaries of sound and style. Its unique blend of hypnotic rhythms, intricate melodies, and mind-altering soundscapes has captured the hearts of countless listeners around the world. However, with the rise in popularity of psytrance, the genre has splintered into numerous subgenres, each with its unique sound and style.

Goa Trance

Also known as Goa

135 - 150 bpm

Goa Trance is one of the oldest and most well-known subgenres of psytrance. It originated in the Goa region of India in the late 1980s and early 1990s and was heavily influenced by the psychedelic rock music of the time. Goa Trance is known for its heavy use of melodic synths, hypnotic beats, and trippy soundscapes. It often features Indian and Middle Eastern instrumentation, as well as samples from nature and other sources.

Psytrance

Also known as Psy-Trance, Psychedelic Trance

134 - 138 bpm

This subgenre organically fits between Progressive Psy and the classic Psychedelic in the BPM range, combining the best elements of these two. It is arguably the most common Psytrance subgenre now that sounds on the festivals all over the world, and in fact, if you hear the word “Psytrance”, it’s most likely referred to this particular subgenre.

Progressive Psytrance

Also known as Progressive, Psyprog

138 - 144 bpm

Progressive Psytrance is a subgenre that emerged in the mid-2000s and is known for its deep, atmospheric sound. It features slow, evolving melodies and often incorporates elements of house and techno music. Progressive Psytrance is popular among fans of more laid-back, introspective music and is often played at indoor events and chillout areas at festivals. Some popular progressive psytrance artists include Ace Ventura, Atmos, Liquid Soul, Perfect Stranger and Phaxe

Full-On Psytrance

Also known as Morning Psytrance

140 - 148 bpm

Full-On Psytrance is a subgenre that emerged in the early 2000s and quickly became one of the most popular styles of psytrance. It is characterized by its high energy, fast-paced beats, and uplifting melodies. Full-On Psytrance is often played at outdoor festivals and parties and is known for its infectious and uplifting vibe.

Night Full-On Psytrance

Also known as Night Psytrance

140 - 148 bpm

Twilight Psytrance

Also known as South African Psytrance

140 - 150 bpm

Twilight Psytrance is often played during the transitional periods of dusk and dawn, capturing the unique atmosphere of these times. It has a moderate energy level, serving as a bridge between the daytime Full-On Psytrance and the more intense Night Time Psytrance. Twilight Psytrance tends to incorporate a significant amount of melody and musicality. Melodic elements are often atmospheric and emotive, contributing to the dreamy and uplifting vibe. South Africa is known for its vibrant Psytrance scene, and Twilight Psytrance has gained popularity in the outdoor festival circuit.

Darkpsy

140 - 155 bpm

Darkpsy is a subgenre of psytrance that is known for its aggressive, dark, and twisted sound. It features heavy use of distortion, dissonant melodies, and driving beats. Darkpsy is often played at night-time events and is popular among fans of more extreme and intense music.

Forest Psytrance

Also known as Forestpsy

150 - 160 bpm

Forest Psytrance is a subgenre that emerged in the mid-2000s and is known for its earthy, organic sound. It features heavy use of natural sounds, such as birds, insects, and animals, and often incorporates elements of tribal music. Forest Psytrance is popular among fans of more experimental and avant-garde music and is often played at outdoor festivals in natural settings.

Hi-Tech

Also known as Hitek

170 - 240 bpm

Hi-Tech is a more extreme and fast-paced subgenre of psytrance that has become increasingly popular in recent years. With its rapid-fire beats and frenzied rhythms, Hi-Tech is not for the faint of heart. The music is often characterized by its use of unusual, distorted sounds and high-pitched, fast-paced melodies. Hi-Tech is popular among fans of more extreme and cutting-edge music and is often played at high-energy events like outdoor festivals and all-night raves. Some of the most well-known Hi-Tech artists include Psykovsky, Kashyyyk, and Furious.

Psybient

Also known as Psychedelic Chill, Psycehdelic Downtempo

90 - 120 bpm

Psybient, also known as “psychill,” is a fusion of psychedelic trance and ambient music. This subgenre is characterized by its slower tempo, atmospheric soundscapes, and intricate, textured layers of sound. Unlike other subgenres of psytrance, Psybient is often more focused on creating a mood and setting a tone than on getting people up and dancing. Some popular Psybient artists include Shpongle, Carbon Based Lifeforms, and Bluetech. This subgenre is a great choice for those who want to experience the hypnotic, trance-inducing effects of psychedelic music without the frenetic energy of other psytrance subgenres.

Zenonesque

Also known as Dark Progressive, Minimal Psychedelic

130 - 135 bpm

Zenonesque is a fusion of Zenon Records’ unique minimal sound and progressive psytrance. It is characterized by its intricate sound design, intricate rhythms, and heavy use of glitchy effects. Zenonesque is popular among fans of both Zenon-style music and progressive psytrance. Some popular Zenonesque artists include Sensient, Tetrameth, and Ryanosaurus. This subgenre is a great choice for those who want to experience the unique sound of Zenon Records in a more dancefloor-friendly context.

Suomisaundi

Also known as Suomisaundi, Freeform Psytrance

130 - 135 bpm

Suomisaundi is a subgenre of psytrance that originated in Finland in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its playful, quirky sound, and often features unconventional samples and sound effects. Suomisaundi is popular among fans of both psytrance and experimental music. Some popular Suomisaundi artists include Texas Faggott, Squaremeat, and Ozmali. This subgenre is a great choice for those who want to experience the unique and eclectic sound of Finnish psytrance. These are just a few examples of the many different subgenres of psytrance that are out there. Each one has its unique sound, style, and energy, and there is truly something for everyone in the world of psytrance music. Whether you’re a seasoned raver or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of psytrance and discover all that this exciting and ever-evolving genre has to offer.

Psychedelic Techno

Also known as Psy-Tech, Psy-Techno

125 - 135 bpm

Psychedelic Techno, also known as Psychedelic Trance Techno, is a subgenre of Techno that combines the driving rhythms of Techno with the psychedelic soundscapes of Psytrance. It emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s and has since gained a dedicated following around the world. The sound of Psychedelic Techno is characterized by its fast and energetic beats, often ranging from 135 to 145 beats per minute. The music incorporates elements from both Techno and Psytrance, with pulsating basslines, hypnotic melodies, and otherworldly sound effects. The tracks are often long and complex, with intricate layers of sound that build and evolve over time. Some notable Psychedelic Techno artists include Beckers, D-Nox, Ra, Youlen, Yuli Fershtat, Extrawelt, Egbert, and Victor Ruiz.

Psybreaks

Also known as Psychedelic Breaks

130 - 138 bpm

Psybreaks, short for psychedelic breaks, is a subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that combines elements of breakbeat and psychedelic trance. It emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a fusion of breakbeat rhythms with the trippy and atmospheric sounds characteristic of psychedelic trance.

Psybreaks typically features breakbeat drum patterns, which are characterized by the use of broken, syncopated rhythms. This gives the music a distinct, funky feel and sets it apart from more traditional four-on-the-floor dance music. Psybreaks artists draw inspiration from both breakbeat and psychedelic trance scenes. Producers often experiment with the fusion of these genres, bringing their unique styles to the forefront.

Share this article