Real Name: Avi Shmailov
Stage Name: Astrix
Origin: Israel
Genres: Psychedelic Trance, Progressive Psytrance, Full-On Trance, Progressive Trance
Years Active: 1997–present
Roles: DJ, Producer, Composer, Remixer
Labels: HOMmega Productions, Shamanic Tales, Iboga Records, Tip Records, and various international trance labels
Associated Acts: Ace Ventura, Captain Hook, Liquid Soul, Perfect Stranger, Vini Vici, Static Movement, and numerous artists from the international psychedelic and progressive trance scene.
Introduction
Astrix is the stage name of Israeli producer Avi Shmailov, one of the most influential figures in modern psychedelic trance. Since emerging in the late 1990s, he has become internationally recognized for blending the high-energy drive of full-on psytrance with sophisticated melodic composition, progressive arrangements, and cinematic atmospheres.
Over more than two decades, Astrix has played a central role in shaping the evolution of psychedelic trance. His productions combine powerful basslines, intricate sound design, emotional melodies, and technical precision, making him one of the genre\’s most respected artists. Through releases on HOMmega Productions, Shamanic Tales, Iboga Records, and Tip Records, he has become one of the defining names in contemporary trance music.
Astrix has consistently ranked among the world\’s leading trance artists and has performed at major festivals including Boom Festival, Ozora Festival, Universo Paralello, Tomorrowland, and Dreamstate, helping bring psychedelic trance to a wider global audience.
Early Career
Avi Shmailov began producing electronic music during the late 1990s, inspired by Israel\’s thriving psychedelic trance movement.
His earliest productions showcased:
- Powerful full-on basslines.
- Hypnotic psychedelic sound design.
- Emotional melodic development.
- Energetic dancefloor arrangements.
- Advanced studio production.
His distinctive sound quickly attracted the attention of HOMmega Productions, one of the world\’s leading psychedelic trance labels.
Breakthrough
Astrix achieved international recognition with his debut album Eye to Eye (2002).
The album established him as one of the leading artists in full-on psychedelic trance through its combination of:
- Powerful rhythmic energy.
- Rich melodic expression.
- Clean production.
- Memorable hooks.
- Festival-oriented arrangements.
Its success opened the door to worldwide touring and cemented his place among the leading names in psytrance.
Musical Style
Psychedelic Trance
Psychedelic trance forms the core of Astrix\’s musical identity.
His productions commonly feature:
- Rolling psychedelic basslines.
- Complex synthesizer programming.
- Hypnotic rhythmic structures.
- Intricate sound design.
- High-energy arrangements.
These characteristics define the Astrix sound.
Progressive Psytrance
During the 2010s, Astrix expanded into progressive psytrance.
His progressive productions emphasize:
- Longer musical development.
- Deep atmospheric layers.
- Cinematic progression.
- Sophisticated arrangement.
- Emotional storytelling.
This evolution broadened his appeal while remaining firmly rooted in trance.
Full-On Trance
Many classic Astrix productions remain benchmarks of modern full-on trance through:
- Fast-paced rhythmic energy.
- Powerful basslines.
- Bright melodic leads.
- Psychedelic effects.
- Festival-focused intensity.
His work significantly influenced the development of modern full-on trance.
Progressive Trance
Astrix also incorporates progressive trance elements through:
- Smooth evolving arrangements.
- Emotional harmonic movement.
- Warm melodic atmospheres.
- Layered synthesizer textures.
These influences create a balance between energy and musical depth.
Production Style
Astrix\’s productions are admired for:
- Exceptional sound design.
- Powerful low-end production.
- Intricate synthesizer programming.
- Cinematic atmospheres.
- Outstanding technical precision.
His production quality has become one of the industry\’s reference standards for psychedelic trance.
Studio Albums
Eye to Eye (2002)
A groundbreaking debut album that introduced Astrix\’s signature blend of full-on energy and melodic sophistication.
Artcore (2004)
An influential release that expanded his sound while becoming one of the defining albums of modern psytrance.
Red Means Distortion (2010)
An album demonstrating his evolution toward deeper progressive structures and more cinematic production.
He.art (2016)
One of Astrix\’s most celebrated albums, blending progressive psytrance with emotional melodies and refined production.
Notable Tracks
Some of Astrix\’s best-known productions include:
- Deep Jungle Walk
- Artcore
- Poison
- Sapana
- Valley of Stevie
- He.art
- Shamanic Tales
- Acid Rocker
- Scientific Reality
- Bungee Jump
These tracks have become staples of modern psychedelic trance and are regularly featured in DJ sets worldwide.
Remix Work
Astrix has produced numerous influential remixes throughout his career.
His remixes are recognized for:
- Enhanced melodic development.
- Advanced psychedelic sound design.
- Powerful rhythmic energy.
- Modern production quality.
- Respect for the original composition.
His remix catalogue has become an important part of his artistic legacy.
Live Performances
Astrix is internationally recognized for his energetic DJ performances.
His sets are known for:
- Dynamic progression.
- Seamless mixing.
- Powerful festival energy.
- Carefully crafted musical storytelling.
- Balance between classics and new productions.
His performances at major international festivals have contributed significantly to the worldwide popularity of psychedelic trance.
Signature Sound
Astrix\’s productions are distinguished by:
- Rolling psychedelic basslines.
- Emotional melodies.
- Intricate synthesizer programming.
- Cinematic atmospheres.
- Powerful rhythmic drive.
- Progressive musical development.
- World-class production quality.
- Festival-ready arrangements.
These qualities have made his sound instantly recognizable within trance music.
Contribution to Trance Music
Astrix has made an extraordinary contribution to trance music by:
- Helping define modern psychedelic trance.
- Bridging full-on and progressive psytrance.
- Raising production standards throughout the genre.
- Inspiring a new generation of trance producers.
- Expanding the global audience for psychedelic trance.
- Establishing Shamanic Tales as one of the leading psytrance labels.
His influence extends across nearly every aspect of contemporary psychedelic trance.
Legacy
Astrix is widely regarded as one of the most important artists in the history of psychedelic trance. Through landmark albums such as Eye to Eye, Artcore, Red Means Distortion, and He.art, along with iconic tracks including Deep Jungle Walk, Poison, Sapana, Valley of Stevie, Acid Rocker, and Scientific Reality, he has continually pushed the artistic and technical boundaries of the genre.
Through releases on HOMmega Productions, Shamanic Tales, Iboga Records, and Tip Records, Astrix has helped shape the modern identity of psychedelic trance. His innovative production, global performances, and enduring commitment to melodic and psychedelic expression have secured his place as one of the most influential and respected figures in trance music history.