Men in Trance: The Swedish Synthwave Phenom

Men in Trance is a Swedish synthwave and electronic rock project known for its cinematic soundscapes and driving retro-futuristic beats. Emerging from Stockholm in the early 2010s, the artist carved a distinct niche by blending dark, melodic synthesizers with the energetic pulse of modern electronic dance music.

Early career

Men in Trance was formed as a studio project in Stockholm, Sweden, around 2012 by producer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Svenson. Drawing inspiration from 1980s film scores and electronic body music, Svenson began crafting instrumental tracks that emphasized atmosphere and rhythm. His early demos gained traction on online music platforms, leading to a digital EP release in 2013 and initial recognition within the growing synthwave community.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough arrived with the 2016 album Neon Dreams, released on the independent electronic label RetroWave Sounds. The album's lead single received significant playlisting on digital radio streams and was featured on several prominent synthwave compilation albums. This exposure helped Neon Dreams chart on the iTunes Electronic chart in multiple European countries, solidifying Men in Trance as a staple of the genre.

Key tracks

Midnight Drive — This pulsating single from the debut EP became an early fan favorite and a signature track in live sets.

Neon Dreams — The title track from the breakthrough album perfectly encapsulates the project's blend of melancholic melody and powerful bass sequences.

Echoes in the Rain — Featuring guest vocals from electronic singer Kari, this 2018 single expanded the project's reach into darker synth-pop territories.

The Getaway — A later instrumental hit known for its relentless pace and intricate arpeggiated synthesizer lines.

Following the success of Neon Dreams, Men in Trance released the well-received follow-up Digital Ghosts in 2019. The project has also engaged in notable collaborations, including production work for other retro-wave artists and a remix for the electronic act Night Flight. Their music continues to evolve, incorporating elements of industrial and alternative rock while maintaining its core cinematic identity.

Fans of the dense, atmospheric synthscapes of Men in Trance often appreciate the work of similar Swedish electronic acts. Timecop1983 shares a focus on dreamy, nostalgic synthesizer melodies. Gunship explores a similar fusion of synthwave with rock and alternative vocal features. The Midnight delivers anthemic synthwave with saxophone and heartfelt lyrics. Carpenter Brut offers a more aggressive, metal-influenced take on the dark synthwave sound.

The driving anthems of Men in Trance are a perfect fit for the playlists of various online radio stations. Their tracks frequently appear on dedicated synthwave and retro electronic music streams, as well as on broader alternative rock radio stations that feature electronic-edged guitar music. The project's consistent output ensures regular rotation across these digital airwaves.

Listeners can discover the pulsating electronic rock of Men in Trance on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to our curated stations to experience the cinematic sound of this Swedish synthwave artist.