I’m back with another round of Dungeon Synth summary reviews. As I continue to catch up on my review queue, I find it refreshing (and engaging) to release these more concise write-ups, as it enables me to dive deeper into these albums at a quicker pace without distraction. I hope you enjoy reading about these incredible albums and it’s my intent that you find them intriguing enough to download them and support these wonderful artists.
1. Unterland – Heimweg
Heimweg is a surprisingly good album and it differs from most other Dungeon Synth recordings, as it is primarily guitar based. This unique recording is heavily based in Medieval compositions but a wide array of instrumentation – including metal guitar riffs – adds an unforeseen twist that works out really well. If your ready for something a bit unorthodox but with impeccable songwriting, look no further than this gem.
2. Vacarch – A Dance Around Ourselves
Vacarch, another genre-bending act, pulls no punches on the immaculate, ‘A Dance Around Ourselves’. Although planted in Various sub-genre’s of Dungeon Synth, there is no limit to the musical variety that is packed into this fifty two minutes album. From synthwave to metal, no genre is safe from being besieged by this incredible artist. The compositions are astonishing and the production is gloomy like on mid-90’s gothic metal album releases. Highly recommended for those that aren’t afraid to venture beyond the ordinary!
3. Alkilith – Tales Of The Wandering Mage
Minimalistic Medieval Dungeon Synth with a significant mix of gloomy soundscapes and field recordings that easily succeeded in summoning the listener back to the Middle Ages. Don’t expect fancy compositions or pristine productions, as this was meant to be an unsettling adventure back in the times of dark unrest. This is masterful Dungeon Synth at its best and shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone.
4. Erang – Imagination Never Fails
‘Imagination Never Fails’ was in my “Top 10” list for Dungeon Synth releases of 2020. Not only is Erang a legend in the Dungeon Synth community, he creates a fantasy world like no other and by the end of the album, you’ll have visited a fanatical realm beyond verbal description. A master at song composition and instrumental arrangements, this album is one of his best and it continues to expand beyond Dungeon Synth and explore other synth-based genres. Highly recommended for fans of synth music in general!
5. WizzardStorm – WizzardStorm Presents: ‘Excerpts From Beowulf’
This Medieval Folk-based album may be one of the most bizarre albums in this list. However, this guitar-heavy recording is an entertaining endeavor with a high production value and quality songwriting. The vocals are deep in the mix, adding a depth of character that is dark and brooding, while the music is bright, yet at times discordant. This reminds me of a mix between modern Xasthur and Devin Townsend’s Casualties Of Cool recording – very interesting and worth the listen.
6. Spawn Of Incantation – Ancient Hordes Of Bochi
Not all sides of Medieval imagery has to be dark and majestic. Spawn Of Incantation play an alluring brand of Dungeon Synth that soothes the soul and meets the criteria for Middle Ages themed synth music. This music is a soundtrack for somber times amongst the darkest of days. It’s quite the change of pace from the typical Dungeon Synth music that is released, but it’s calming demeanor is great for me.
7. Leaves Of Lorien – Golden Wood
‘Golden Wood’ is forty six minutes of whimsical & cinematic synth injected with well-placed field recordings topped off with crystal clear production. This is a high-quality effort that musically expands the Medieval and Renaissance periods and the huge efforts of this artist shows, as this is a gripping album with definite replay value.
8. Wooded Memory – My Secret Horror
‘My Secret Horror’ is another album that made it to my “Top 10” Dungeon Synth albums of 2020 but definitely worth mentioning again in this publishing. More like music from the Renaissance era due to its condensed song structure and lightened sense of arrangement, the songs sway from alluring piano arrangements to gothic-infused synth piece with retrospective soundscapes and layering. This is just an excellent album to get lost in.
9. Spectral Spire – Ruination Of Tehten-Hurz
Consisting of just two lengthy dirges of lo-fi Dungeon Synth music, this album will take the listener back to a Medieval landscape of desolation and melancholy. With an excellent blend of droning keys, bleak field recordings and haunting atmospherics, it’s hard not to be emotionally transported back to that daunting time when all things led to darkness. Fortunately, there are layers of beautiful melody throughout these two tracks that make this listening experience a completely enthralling one.
10. The Backwards Funeral – The Last Day: Part I
‘The Last Day: Part I’ is the complete package in terms of truly embracing the many sub-genres of Dungeon Synth. This release has tracks that range from Medieval intonations to Crypt Hop and Chiptune. Even if you’re not a fan of all of these sub-genres, this album is laid out so well that it’s bound to draw you in at some point, as this is a highly enjoyable release. I would recommend this album to anyone that is open to a variety of music and tones on a single album.
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