"..Over two CDs you get pretty much every constituent you need to make the perfect trance tune...Every 4/4 kick combination that you can imagine, with clap and percussion variations is here. There are also three great tracks of acid lines which are probably the best tracks on the CD; full of energy and build and easy enough to edit to make yours. Verdict: 9/10"

Total Trance is the latest CD in the Total series from Zero-G. Over two CDs you get pretty much every constituent you need to make the perfect trance tune (no sniggering at the back there). As every trance head will tell you, there's no point using the best euphoric leads in the business unless you've got some solid beats to hang them on. Good job the first 39 tracks of this CD have just that then. Every 4/4 kick combination that you can imagine, with clap and percussion variations is here. There are also three great tracks of acid lines which are probably the best tracks on the CD; full of energy and build and easy enough to edit to make yours.

To be honest, I'd have liked more of these before the pad tracks starts, of which I'd like to have seen less! Pads are great, don't get me wrong, but often those chord progressions are probably easier to play and fit in yourself. We're back on form with the synth lines and bass loops that will help you muster your last ounce of euphoria. There are some duds but mostly there's enough good stuff here or enough to at least inspire you to create your own.

Handily, the CD also has loads of tracks of effect stabs and snare rolls plus constituent elements including drumkits (808 and 909 are here of course).

Total Trance is actually very good indeed. There are some sections that could have had more and some of the padding (get it?) could have been reduced but it really does have all the bits you'll need. It's a genre that could date quite quickly though, so get in there fast.

Verdict: 9 out of 10