Album Review: Special Edition by DJ Snowman
Alright, let’s talk about Special Edition by DJ Snowman. This 1995 hard trance gem from Switzerland is one of those albums that just hits different. Released under his own label (Not On Label), it’s raw, unfiltered, and straight-up wild—kinda like stumbling into a rave in the '90s with no idea what you’re in for.
First off, the track “Special-Edition” is an absolute banger. It’s got this relentless beat that grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you awake. The synths are sharp, almost metallic, but they’re layered so well that it feels like controlled chaos. You can tell DJ Snowman wasn’t messing around when he put this together—it’s not perfect, sure, but that’s kinda why I love it. There’s something super authentic about how rough around the edges it feels. Like, yeah, it could’ve used a bit more polish, but then again, maybe that’s what makes it stick in your head.
Another standout is… well, honestly, most of the tracks blend together after a while because it’s all mixed live (props to DJ Snowman for keeping it real). But there’s this one moment—I think it’s near the start of another track where the bassline drops out completely, and all you hear is this eerie pad sound. Feels like you're floating for a second before the kick comes back in. Stuff like that? It’s small, but man, it leaves an impression.
What gets me about this album is how DIY it feels. Hard trance in the mid-'90s was blowing up, but instead of chasing trends or trying to sound like everyone else, DJ Snowman did his own thing. And yeah, it’s not gonna be everyone’s cup of tea—it’s way too intense for background listening—but if you’re into music that makes your chest rattle and your brain buzz, this is worth checking out.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to Special Edition now feels kinda like finding an old mixtape in your attic. It’s nostalgic as hell, but also weirdly futuristic in parts. Makes you wonder what DJ Snowman would come up with today if he had access to modern gear. Would he still have that same raw energy? Or would he lose it trying to make everything sound "perfect"? Either way, I’m glad we’ve got this little slice of '95 Swiss rave culture to vibe to.
Oh, and fun fact—if you ever meet someone who claims they were at a DJ Snowman set back in the day, ask them about it. Chances are, their story will be half lies and twice as entertaining.
