The title to this 4CD compilation series *(I have both volumes 1 and 2) is a bit misleading since there are really no "Hard Trance" tracks present here-- the title combines [subgenres] "Progressive HARD HOUSE" and "epic Euro TRANCE" to equal the "HARD TRANCE" of the title.Make no mistake, the 8 total CD discs that make up the 2 volumes do present high-calibre progressive trance with a smattering of tech-house tracks throughout; overall excellent offerings of relatively obscure bands' scarce output, probably found nowhere else. By "high-caliber", I mean carefully-composed and well-executed or well-produced tracks that avoid the cheese-factor prevalent with obscure underground producers operating without major label exploitation. A satisfying majority of the tracks are very cinematic, epic and thought-provoking; definitely advancing the "progressive" tag to the hilt-- successfully, that is.The obvious alternative to all the other mall-oriented trance compilations proliferating out there that purvey mostly well-known bigbeat DJ/mixers or mainstream familiar hits; currently at "budget-priced" availability, trance fanatics and collectors cannot go wrong picking these 4CD box sets up.