DJ Hardy Heller

Germany’s DJ HH, aka Hardy Heller, has become well established since he became a resident DJ at the massive “Nature One” open-air parties in Germany, and here fills his portion of the trance quota with this offering on Dutch label Black Hole Recordings. The mix definitely starts up on a trance vibe, but moves easily into progressive house, with uplifting moments from Paul Van Dyk and Angel’s “Godlrush.” Added to the mix is a groovy, seriously techno-tinted number courtesy of Marc et Claude, called “I Need Your Lovin,” which is easily the highlight of this assemblage. As if that weren’t enough, Hardy Heller sticks his collaborative effort with Ray Boye next to it and keeps the lovin’ groove going with frightening urgency. Other featured tracks include those by German trance DJ Timo Mass, whose collaboration with manager and mate Leon Alexander, in the guise of Mad Dogs and Englishmen, makes an appearance. The range covered and the splicing in this mix are its strengths, as it makes for a spellbinding choice of tracks in the trance milieu. Though Moby’s “Natural Blues” and BT’s “Dreaming” — both quite popular — are refreshingly re-worked, they’re not necessarily integral to what otherwise stands as a pumping, progressive trance mix in motion.