Underground Trance Lives On: The Story Behind Who’s Afraid of 138?!

In the ever-changing landscape of electronic dance music, genres evolve, trends shift, and sounds are constantly reinvented to capture the ears of new audiences. Yet, amidst this constant flux, trance music—especially its more energetic and underground forms—has struggled to maintain its foothold in the mainstream consciousness. Enter Armin van Buuren, one of the world’s most renowned DJs and producers, who through his groundbreaking project and album series Who’s Afraid of 138?! has created a powerful vehicle to keep the spirit of underground trance vibrant and thriving.

This article dives deep into the significance of Who’s Afraid of 138?!, especially its third part representing the Uplifting / Hard / Tech Trance sound. We explore the meaning behind the name, analyze its musical features, recount the epic tours that brought this underground movement to major stages like Ushuaïa Ibiza, and emphasize Armin’s dedication to honoring trance’s roots while embracing its future.

The Significance Behind the Name “Who’s Afraid of 138?!”

The title “Who’s Afraid of 138?!” carries symbolic weight beyond the catchy phrasing. The number 138 refers directly to the beats per minute (BPM)—a tempo that has long been synonymous with the high-energy pulse of classic trance music. For many trance aficionados, tracks around 138 BPM evoke the genre’s golden era: an era defined by euphoric melodies, driving rhythms, and emotional intensity.

By naming his project Who’s Afraid of 138?!, Armin issues both a challenge and an invitation: Are listeners ready to embrace the unrelenting speed, the technical precision, and the raw emotional power of trance at its most authentic and energetic? The name acts as a statement of defiance against the commercial dilution of trance and EDM in general. It asks—if you’re not afraid, come join the party and keep the underground flame burning bright.

This phrase also functions as a branding tool, representing a growing community and movement of artists and fans who value the underground trance ethos and want to preserve it in an evolving musical landscape.

The Third Part: A Deep Dive into Uplifting, Hard, and Tech Trance

The Who’s Afraid of 138?! album is divided into parts, with the third part focusing on Uplifting, Hard, and Tech Trance—the styles most associated with underground trance’s core. This segment stands out because it reintroduces listeners to the faster, harder, and more intricate side of trance music that has sometimes been overshadowed by softer, vocal-driven variants.

What Defines Uplifting, Hard, and Tech Trance?

• Uplifting Trance is characterized by soaring, euphoric melodies, emotional breakdowns, and dramatic build-ups that culminate in powerful drops. It’s the sound that moves the soul and lifts the spirit.

• Hard Trance leans into aggressive rhythms, punchy basslines, and relentless energy—often designed to keep dancefloors pumping with unyielding force.

• Tech Trance blends the melodic sensibilities of trance with the percussive, hypnotic elements of techno, producing a sound that’s both rhythmic and atmospheric.

In this album section, Armin masterfully weaves these elements together, creating tracks that not only pay homage to trance’s origins but also push the genre forward with modern production techniques. The precision in layering synths, the complexity in drum patterns, and the expertly crafted emotional arcs reveal Armin’s commitment to quality and authenticity.

The Sound Engineering Behind the Project

Armin’s approach to production in Who’s Afraid of 138?! demonstrates a high level of technical sophistication. Using advanced software and hardware synths, he focuses on creating clean, dynamic mixes where every element—from the kick drum to the highest arpeggio—has space to breathe.

The tempo of 138 BPM demands a balance: the music needs to maintain clarity despite the high speed and dense arrangements. Armin’s experience allows him to craft tracks where the energy never feels chaotic, but rather builds tension and release in a way that captivates listeners physically and emotionally.

Bringing Underground Trance to the Mainstage: The Who’s Afraid of 138?! Tour

One of the most impactful aspects of Who’s Afraid of 138?! is how it transcended studio recordings to become a live movement. Armin took this project on the road with an extensive global tour, bringing underground trance to major venues and festivals, most notably the legendary Ushuaïa Ibiza.

Ushuaïa Ibiza and Other Iconic Stages

Ibiza is known as the mecca of electronic music, a place where mainstream EDM and underground genres converge. By performing his Who’s Afraid of 138?! sets at Ushuaïa, Armin sends a clear message: underground trance deserves a place on the biggest and most prestigious stages.

These performances are high-energy, immersive experiences where Armin showcases not only his DJ skills but also a deep connection to the trance community. The sets often feature tracks from the album alongside classics and exclusive new material, designed to create an unforgettable journey for fans.

Building a Global Community

The tour helped solidify a global community of trance fans who identify with the Who’s Afraid of 138?! ethos. From Europe to the Americas and Asia, fans gathered not just to party but to celebrate the music and culture that Armin so passionately advocates.

This community-driven aspect is crucial—it reminds us that underground trance isn’t just about music; it’s about shared experiences, passion, and keeping a tradition alive.

Respecting the Underground While Embracing Global Stardom

Armin van Buuren stands out among global superstars because of his genuine respect for the underground scene that shaped his career. While many artists compromise their sound for mass appeal, Armin has maintained his roots.

The Balancing Act

Performing at massive venues and festivals while delivering pure, hard trance requires a delicate balance. Armin achieves this by carefully curating his sets to maintain the authentic underground vibe, even as the crowd size grows into the thousands.

He acts as a bridge between underground artists and mainstream audiences, promoting new talent through his A State of Trance radio show and collaborating with producers who keep the trance spirit alive.

Influencing a New Generation

Through Who’s Afraid of 138?!, Armin has inspired a resurgence of interest in trance’s harder styles. His influence extends to DJs and producers worldwide who see that underground trance can thrive beyond small clubs and niche events—it can dominate festival mainstages without losing its identity.

Why Who’s Afraid of 138?! Matters Now More Than Ever

In today’s EDM landscape, where trends shift rapidly and commercial pressures mount, Who’s Afraid of 138?! serves as both a reminder and a beacon. It reminds us of trance’s power to move hearts and feet and acts as a beacon guiding producers and fans back to the roots of the genre.

Armin’s project is more than nostalgia—it’s a living, breathing movement that proves trance can evolve without compromise, maintaining its technical complexity and emotional intensity.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Who’s Afraid of 138?!

Armin van Buuren’s Who’s Afraid of 138?! is a testament to his unwavering dedication to underground trance. By embracing the Uplifting, Hard, and Tech Trance styles, he preserves the genre’s heritage while innovating for the future. Through meticulous production, electrifying tours, and his powerful presence on global stages like Ushuaïa Ibiza, Armin demonstrates that the underground spirit of trance remains as vital as ever.

For fans, artists, and the broader EDM community, Who’s Afraid of 138?! stands as proof that trance music’s heart beats loud and fast—at 138 BPM—and that with passion and respect, the underground can always thrive on the world’s biggest stages.