This week, A State of Trance transformed into A State of Hardwell. While Armin van Buuren took a short break, Hardwell stepped in to guide listeners through a feature episode that highlighted both their shared history and the current direction of trance music.

Hardwell and Armin’s connection runs deep. The two Dutch icons released their first collaboration, Off The Hook, in 2015, a track that quickly became a staple at festivals around the world. Since then, they have frequently appeared together on lineups, showing a mutual respect that made Hardwell a natural choice to temporarily take the controls of the world’s leading trance radioshow.

The feature episode, titled A State of Hardwell, gave listeners a unique look at Hardwell’s approach to trance. Known primarily for his big room and mainstage sound, Hardwell has recently stepped closer to the trance world. His track Sanctuary has been one example of this shift, bridging his signature intensity with melodic trance elements. By including it in the broadcast, Hardwell reinforced his ability to connect across genres while offering fans something fresh.

Listeners praised the broadcast as both a surprise and a celebration of Hardwell’s versatility. Many noted how smoothly he adapted to the show’s established format while still adding his own touch. Social media posts after the episode highlighted excitement about hearing Hardwell explore trance, especially on such a respected platform.

For A State of Trance, the collaboration was another reminder of the brand’s global influence. The show, founded by Armin in 2001, has consistently brought together leading names in electronic music. Inviting Hardwell to host added a new chapter to that legacy, giving fans a crossover moment that combined the strengths of two of the Netherlands’ most prominent DJs.

As Armin prepares to return to his regular hosting duties, the success of A State of Hardwell will be remembered as a standout highlight in the series. The episode not only showcased Hardwell’s evolving sound but also reflected the continued power of trance to unite different corners of the dance music world.