Hope all is well and please enjoy this latest round of Dungeon Synth summary reviews. I know that many of these absolutely deserve a full review. However, being a one-man shop, periodically doing these Celestial Ephemerides articles is the best way for me to keep up with the high review demand. These ten albums are all very intriguing and different in their own right, but are still firmly planted in the mysterious genre that we all know and love.
1. Countryside Views – ‘Mountain Country Memories’
This comfy synth projects takes us to far away hills and farmland settings in this tranquil synth outing. Featuring field recordings of the peaceful endeavors of country living, this album will make almost anyone feel right at home in the serene setting of all things nature. Elongated droning keyboards and crisp, enjoyable synths complete this reposeful recording and provides the feeling of refreshment and undisturbed emotions. ‘Mountain Country Memories’ is perfect for creating a placid start to your day or just having a moment of calmness.
2. Ferrydor Archive – ‘Tale Of The Foolish Dreamer’
Another multi faceted outing that moves Dungeon Synth music beyond the blurred lines of tradition and incorporates a slew of other styles and techniques. From ambience, whimsical interludes to modulations composed of chip tune technique, ‘Tale Of The Foolish Dreamer’ is an impressive album that could very well be a soundtrack for a fantasy-based story. Sometimes cheerful and sometimes somber, it is unequivocally a meticulous synth recording that has superlative elements of classical compositions.
3. Arcanist – ‘Poseidonis’
The purveyor of multi-genre greatness, Archanist, surpass all expectations on the darkly fantastic offering, ‘Poseidonis’. From lush, textured synths to Berlin school sequences, this album runs the gamut of soulful and emotional sounds that exclude melody and magnified feelings. Each track produces a unique vibe while maintaining a constant, bleak posture. A wonderful, modern take on Dungeon Synth aesthetics while brilliantly weaving in retro synthwave, this album is an instant classic and is sure to be a fan favorite for all.
4. Landstrykar – ‘A Walk Amidst The Cairns’
Over an hours worth of well crafted, beautifully orchestrated music, ‘A Walk Amidst The Cairns’ is an epic release that transcends any genre. Even though it’s rooted in Dungeon Synth, these soothing tracks emit an energy of classical instrumentation and exuberant scenes of endless landscapes and peaceful times. This is the perfect album to have for filling the void of background ambience, or slipping away into a meditative bliss. This is top quality synth music and is highly recommended.
5. Lunar Cult – ‘Death Cannot Contain You’
‘Death Cannot Contain You’ is a hefty collection of quirky canticles with ominous undertones and endless exploration of synth madness. Watch what’s lurking around every corner, as these tunes provide the soundtrack for lurking evil and heinous ambition. Nearly forty five minutes of non-stop keyboard and percussive repose, these tracks offer an impressive melding of various instruments sounds and effects to bring forth a sense of gritty contentment. Don’t pass on this album as if offers an audial satisfaction like no other.
6. The Sage Of Seers – ‘Watching From Within’
The Sage Of Seers hit the jackpot with this release as it’s one of the most momentous collection of tracks I’ve heard in a while. Heavy use of reverb give it a huge wall-of-sound feel and the instrumentation is performed in a flawless, mesmerizing way. Songs such as “As I Slept Upon The Ancient Barrow” and “The Path Leads To The Light” pay homage to quaint, Medieval settings, while “Under The Frozen Lake” contains Dark Ambient passages and idiosyncratic effects. Very impressive release that covers an array of genres without sounding fatigued or over played.
7. Thalmar – ‘Pried From Winter’s Frost Laden Grip’
Strident, lo-fi project from the Ithildin Tape Production camp, Thalmar epitomizes the despotic side of Dungeon Synth with epic, grinding tracks of looping discord. Creating an uneasy approach to layering with a consternation of bleak arrangements, ‘Pried From Winter’s Frost Laden Grip’ is a disturbing audial ride through chaos and the horrors of Medieval battles. Edgy production that borders on tense distortion and restive modulated impulses, this is the ultimate album for your dark inquisitions.
8. Fantoma Sânge – ‘The Siren Of Black Lake’
Fantoma Sânge takes the listener on a colossal adventure that is part whimsical and part theatrical. From big sounds to quirky arrangements, this is a twenty four minute excursion that you don’t want to miss. Jubilant drums and massive synth tones pave a path toward eccentric oblivion while the lo-fi production maintains a tradition of Medieval spirit. Don’t pass up this dainty little offering and enjoy all the turns and twists along the way.
9. Chamber Of Sorrows – ‘Guardian Of The Realm’
Produced with a sense of isolation, this gritty offering presents a cloudless perspective of ancient times. Full of sorrow and melancholy, these tunes range from light-hearted dirges to jarring compositions that truly reflect life back in ancient times. With an array of synth effects and tonal changes, ‘Guardian Of The Realm’ is a complete listening experience and will surly meet all of your Dungeon Synth needs and desires.
10. Disemballerina – ‘Fawn’
Unofficially rooted in the aesthetics of Dungeon Synth, Disemballerina charges forth on ‘Fawn’, their latest EP of Medieval fueled orchestrations and discordant instrumentation. Nearly fifteen minutes of classical interpretations that dive into various genres of avant-garde liking. Subtle, smooth, and at times unconventional, this enticing release is worth multiple listens as well as a gander into their back catalog of impressive albums.
The main article image is a unique creation from the WOMBO Dream APP.
Dungeon Synth & Dark Ambient Reviews!! 