Since 2020, Calignosa has been producing a very distinctive brand of cinematic Dungeon Synth. Combining haunting orchestrations and majestic synth tones with ethereal Medieval themes, Calignosia has established a quality that is undeniable. On latest effort, ‘What Has Risen May Sink, And What Has Sunk May Rise’ Calignosia delivers his most gallant offering yet. Forty six minutes of ambient-filled Dungeon Synth, influenced by mighty Lovecraft tales complete this audial saga that transcends boundaries and amplifies spectacular songwriting.
On opening track “An Invocation To Cthulhu”, ominous tones and instrumental variants emit an introductory song riddled with mystery and haunting soundscapes. The percussive elements depict a time of precipitancy and excitement. “Once Upon A Time In Arabia” is a sonic piece with a Middle Eastern vibe and spacious orchestrations that are soundtrack worthy. As the arrangement shifts through volume changes and crescendos, Calignosia skillfully fuses patterns of beautifully constructed parts that produce a stellar orchestration. “Wandering In The Desert Of Rub’ Al Khali” is a light-hearted interpretation of vast melodies and layers of harmonious intonations with a touch of dreamy narrations that – at times – are very brooding. “By Night They Come Alive” is akin to a professionally composed orchestration with the addition of splendid narrations and a touch of traditional Dungeon Synth sounds. “Iram Dhāt Al-‘Imād” is a somber track with elongated synth notes and light ambient impressions with bouts of lead orchestrations and an overall ethereal vibe. Naturalistic field recordings add to the ambiance, creating a a warm world of solace and tranquility. “Spectral Winds Always Blow From The North” begins with an ambient fill that crescendos slowly into a dark soundscape with menacing results. Inaudible narrations with grim effects add a level of darkness that amplifies the gloomy sounds of this track. “Toward A Nameless City” is a buoyant song full of warm emotions and effervescent orchestrations. This track definitely represents a gleeful time in a distant fantasy world. Modulated narrations are a welcomed touch that injects a sense of animation into the overall experience of this track. “Meditations Of A Mad Man I (Within The Nameless City)” presents an obscure darkness that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With the feeling of a certain evil lurking around every corner, the menacing nuances throughout do an amazing job at painting a surreal picture of bleak embrace. “Meditations Of A Mad Man II (De Profundis)” is a continuation of the crepuscular sounds of Part I but in a more ambient way. With layers of elongated notes, angelic vocal effects and the occasional discordant tone, this is a quixotic way to conclude this two part magnum opus. The final track on this breathtaking album is, “Bedouin Song”. A lively song that embellishes peace and harmony, it features stringed instrumentation and a jaunty blend of synths and percussion that is sure to result in a celebratory dance of boundless energy.
Calignosia is an exceptional artist that epitomizes the orchestral sound and goes above and beyond to create an authentic brand of Dungeon Synth that is easily recognizable. Layers of exuberant orchestrations, unerring soundscapes and an ear for memorable melody are the keys to the mighty adventures that Calignosia always sends us on and ‘What Has Risen May Sink, And What Has Sunk May Rise’ is no exception, as it may be his most exploratory album yet. Fans of classical orchestrations and adventurous Dungeon Synth tones shouldn’t pass on this massive undertaking. Click on the link below to check out this astounding album, you’ll be glad you did.
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Links:
https://calignosia.bandcamp.com/album/what-has-risen-may-sink-and-what-has-sunk-may-rise
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