After releasing a few EP’s, a Demo, and participating on both Crypt Hop Compilation releases, Dungeon Synth vanguard, Lurk, has finally issued its dynamic, Lovcraftian album entitled, ‘From The Depths Of Y’ha-nthlei’. Upon initial listen, it took me only about a minute or two to realize that this album is extraordinary to the point that it belongs on my Dungeon Synth Album Of The Year list. Let’s dig in to this distinguished offering.
“From The Depths Of Y’th-nthlei” initiates like the opening theme song to a Hollywood movie with it massive sound and bombastic orchestrations. Hints of Middle-Eastern tones add a multi-cultural influence, while haunting narrations pave a dark path for this nostalgic Lovecraftian story. “Tenebris Et Spiritus” starts with a bold keyboard melody, played in a rhythmic pattern. Layers of effects build on to this colossal sound and it’s makes for a perfect transition into a sick Crypt Hop beat toward the last minute of the track. It’s dark and groovy and you’ll want to throw up your sword in an offensive stance and bop your head at the same time. “A Mountain Walked” begins with eerie soundscapes and ghostly narrations, continuing the storyline of the album. Wonderfully produced percussion play a tribal-like, rhythmic pattern while supernatural keyboard effects provide a ritualistic ambience. As this is settling in, tribal chanting from a group of warriors begin their mantra. “Vast Plains Of Madness” commences with a retro sound of hissing tapes and various soundscapes before a piano arrangement eerily plays a melody on top of the continuous battle-like effects. “700 Steps To The Gates Of Deeper Slumber” has a haunting ambient track in the background while slow footsteps can be heard. Soundscapes and field recordings are embedded in spots as another Crypt Hop beat is slipped in perfectly to keep everything in sync. Another Middle-Eastern orchestra effect is fused in with the main melody and it absolutely works perfectly. As the song fades out, the footsteps can still be heard walking off in the distance. “Moon Wine In The Phosphorescent Wood” begins with sounds from the wilderness and a pounding drone that slowly fades into the mix. A warm percussion part is added, as well as additional layers of effects. This is all brought together eventually with a louder mix and is absolutely beautiful – and almost has a chill out vibe too it, as it is very mesmerizing to listen to. I almost wish this track was ten or twelve minutes long! “Ascending The Steps To Unknown Kadath” has a very nice symphonic feel to it and toward the middle of the track contains some very nice retro-wave keyboard work. Everything in this song harmonizes beautifully and the addition of the Crypt Hop beat in the last minute is very unforgettable. The final song on the album is “Behold The Great Onyx Temple”. It begins with the sound of a distant thunderstorm and a deep drone and after a some additional field recordings, a thudding bass drum infiltrates the mix, along with harrowing keyboard effects. All of these tones slowly begin to muffle and fade out as this spectacular album comes to a close.
The first full-length album by Lurk was well worth the wait. After enjoying the amazing music thats been released on a few EP’s and compilation albums, the compositions on ‘From The Depths Of Y’ha-nthlei’ have amazed me beyond expectation and this album may also end up on my Dungeon Synth album of the year list as well. From the story, cover artwork, and the incredible music, this album blends everything perfectly to deliver an amazing release. Please show your support for Lurk by downloading this album at the link below.
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Links:
https://lurkmusick.bandcamp.com
The Opinionated Optimist:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-opinionated-optimist-podcast/id1485260250?i=1000491868998
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