The Dutch producer once again aligns his alias with a legend of classic trance, York, alongside the vocals of Angel City for a powerful new release featuring an iconic, uplifting sound
Ruben de Ronde’s vision, launched last year to delve deeper into his musical roots by rediscovering the sound and style of early trance through his NRG2000 alias, now welcomes a new pioneer: York.
Since its inception, the concept behind the project has paired Ruben with legendary figures of the scene. It began with Ferry Corsten, yielding two timeless tracks, New Inner Way and especially Rise Up, followed by Mauro Picotto on Check This Out.
The arrival of Torsten Stenzel confirms this ongoing vision, turning it into a signature hallmark.
That hallmark now takes form in Slip Away, featuring the vocals of Angel City, the other key protagonist of the release, out September 25 on A State Of Trance.
Slip Away clearly defines the artistic direction mapped out by Ruben and Torsten, building from the very first beats into a captivating crescendo. Sweeping arpeggios guide the track toward a high impact, melodic chorus, enriched by the signature piano riffs that evoke York’s classic sound.
Within this balance, Lara McAllen’s vocal contribution is vital. Her intense, instantly recognizable timbre captures the unique sensitivity of early 2000s easy trance vocals, seamlessly blending with a production that, in both structure and tempo, openly pays homage to York’s iconic legacy.
While York and Angel City previously collaborated on Euphoria (2025) alongside Talla 2XLC, this new creation carries a distinctly different weight.
Torsten Stenzel has been undergoing a true musical renaissance for several years now, backed by an impressive studio output. Among his most impactful collaborations is his work with Talla 2XLC, a partnership that has spawned a string of recent releases perfectly capturing the spirit of classic trance.
For Lara McAllen, her resurgence has been built on a series of targeted collaborations with key producers in the scene. This year brought her collaboration with Andrew Rayel on Sun Never Rose as part of his EXSTASIA project, following her 2025 vocal appearances on Amy Wiles’ Dream Away and DJ T.H. & Redub’s Stars. It is a focused trajectory alongside standout artists, a vision that Ruben de Ronde has enthusiastically embraced.
For the Statement! label boss, this release serves as another testament to the mission driving the NRG2000 project: bringing core elements of classic trance back into the spotlight. It is a journey that highlights Ruben’s experimental mindset, bolstered by key contributions from veterans who helped write trance history in the first place.
Slip Away drops on A State Of Trance on Friday, September 25