Alright, let’s dive into Sonar by Nomax. This 1998 German electronic banger is a slice of trance heaven that still hits different even today. Released on the Trance Chip label, it’s got that raw late-90s energy with two standout tracks: Sonar and Alaska. Written by Gary D & Dr. Z, this album feels like a time capsule from when hard trance was just starting to flex its muscles.
First up, Sonar. Man, this track is unforgettable. It kicks off with this pulsing beat that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The synths are sharp but not overdone—just enough to make you feel like you’re floating while your feet stay glued to the floor. What sticks with me most is how relentless it feels. You can almost picture some underground club in Berlin, everyone losing their minds as the bassline thumps away. It’s one of those tunes where you hit repeat without even thinking about it.
Then there’s Alaska. Okay, so this one’s a bit moodier compared to Sonar, but wow, does it deliver. The melody has this icy vibe (yeah, probably why they named it after Alaska) that builds up slowly, layer by layer, until BAM—you’re fully submerged in this euphoric drop. I remember spinning this track during a road trip once, windows down, wind messing up my hair, and just feeling unstoppable. Like, who needs coffee when you’ve got Alaska?
What makes Sonar special isn’t just the music—it’s how simple yet effective it all feels. No frills, no unnecessary fluff. Just pure, unfiltered trance goodness. And honestly? That’s kinda rare these days. Listening to it now reminds me how much dance music has evolved, but also how much we’ve lost along the way. Back then, it wasn’t about playlists or algorithms; it was about making people move.
Here’s the random thought to leave you with: If aliens landed tomorrow and asked for proof of human creativity, I’d hand them Sonar by Nomax. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real. Plus, imagine an alien trying to process hard trance for the first time. Bet they’d be like, “Wait… WHAT is this?”
