Music truly is a celebrated art form. When any type of craft can submerge your into another world by way of imaginative interpretations, I’d say there is a degree of success into what one has achieved. Specifically with music, it’s easy to drift into another world where uncommon realms of fascination take center stage. One such artist has has completed that feat, and then some. ‘Journeys In The New North’ by The Wanderer, checks all the blocks as a fantastical, Medieval endeavor, as it showcases a wonderful tale of adventure through a multitude of kingdom happenings. Wander with me beyond the keep as we break down each song on this meticulously crafted album.
“Dawn In The Forest” wastes no time in setting an insouciant mood, as dreamy melodies and crisp acoustic instrumentals merge with confidence and carefree essence. Birds chirping in the background, along with a few narrations gets the imagination flowing as this placid endeavor begins. “Mushroom Grove” layers whimsical refrain with soothing synth parts that open the path of adventure through a mystical forest for boundless quests. “March Of The Esserman” begins with a slow tempo before gradually expanding to a celebrated tune of gleeful energy. Fast-tempo percussive elements reinforce the amazing string effects that play in a capricious pattern of jovial proportions. “A Hillside Confrontation” brings a darker image to the album as war chants and pounding drums take center stage. Bolstering synths and haunting rhythms successfully create a battle-like anthem as the daring adventures continue. “An Unwelcome Valley Journey” commences with field recordings of horses and wagons as entrance into a new territory causes apprehension for the travelers. Alluring synths and symphonic arrangements fuse together in harmony and creates a theatrical anthem that is catchy and exciting. “The Grand City Of Dralden” showcases another dark arrangement filled with bellowing horns and powerful percussion parts. As anxiety fills the air, various sections in the track match the imaginative scenario with captivating leads and courageous horn effects. “The Loss Of Hope” begins with a bleak ambience and tribal-like percussive beats. When the instrumentation kicks in, it becomes apparent that this somber dirge is meant to represent some sort of loss. The flute sounds take center stage in this track with austere impulses of dread. By the end of the track, the music slowly fades into a hollow drone. “Alone And Forlorn” is a subdued offering that features a gloomy piano ballad that is soft, yet full of funereal characteristics. This is a masterful composition and one of my favorite songs on the album with a melody that won’t soon be forgotten. “The Escape” is a short track that wonderfully combines several stringed instruments that play a mesmerizing tune of various tempos and emotional stances. As the title suggests, it represents a break from captivity and a quick flee to the next daring quest. “Dance Of The Aldra” is another standout track as all of the instruments play in unison to a daring drum beat. Flute leads create a bold statement of victory and long-overdue celebration as the travelers dance to their freedom. “Moonlight Majesty” presents another mid-tempo dirge with frigid synth leads and layers of harmonious instrumentation that produces a hypnotic effect with its wall of sound production efforts and beguiling compositional strength. The final track on this audacious album is “Unknown Realms”. At just over seven minutes, it’s the longest song on the album. Combining the strengths of previous tracks it’s the perfect way to end this album. Full of melody, ambience, soundscapes and eccentric synths, you’ll not want this one to end, as it also completes the journey into the new north, where travelers hope to settle and create a easygoing life for those that venture beyond its keep.
The Wanderer has done an amazing job at creating the perfect soundtrack for an untold, transcendent adventure. Each track is different, yet flows transparently to the next with amazing tranquility. This album could truly be a soundtrack for a future fantasy film set back in the Medieval days. It’s so easy to imagine what all could happen inside of this forty six minute offering. ‘Journeys In The New North’ is a one of a kind album and I can’t recommend this enough for those that appreciate daring Dungeon Synth exploits. Please click the link below to download this incredible album!
Please Like/Follow my blog so that you’ll get first hand updates every time I post a review. Thanks for visiting the Dungeon!!
Links:
https://songsofthewanderer.bandcamp.com/album/journeys-in-the-new-north
Dungeon Synth & Dark Ambient Reviews!! 