Things have been rather slow this year for The Dungeon In Deep Space, as a multitude of life changes have consumed my time. That’s not to say that I’ve not been keeping up with one of my favorite genres of music, as it’s been the constant element that has provided a sense of sanity in my life. As things start to dwindle down (personally), I’m excited to resume my writing activities and “blog” about the releases that have left an impact on my life this year thus far. I’d like to start with the amazing album by Sokol Keep called ‘Underkeep – The Adventure’, a forty three minute excursion through the depths of Medieval gloom and maniacal contumacy. Sokol Keep doesn’t forge alone, as a troupe of Dungeon Synth artists add to the adventure in courageous fashion.
The album commences with the powerful, “Enter The Keep (w/Atlantean Sword)”. As if returning from a gruesome battle, it starts with the sounds of muddied (or bloodied) warriors returning to their kingdom and into the realms of much needed safety. A cold ambient texture plays in the background as a spoken word narrative reiterates victory. Bombastic Dungeon Synth cords play loud and proud as this dainty little anthem is the perfect way to start this album. “The Sokol Keep Crypts (w/Crypt Mage)” starts with a gloomy soundscape, followed by ghoulish ambient textures. A looping, off-rhythm beat adds to the sinister vibe of the song while haunting noises and whispers plague the remainder of the track. “The Guardians (w/Blood Tower)” is a soothing intonation that fusses deep chords with elongated synths. Eldritch sounds create a layer of uneasy mysticism and the quality of the track continues to emulate something from a horror movie film score. “Room By Room, Passage By Passage (w/Hérétique Du Nord)” resembles more of a deep space ambient track, with hollow, reverberated synths, showcasing a vessel crossing a forbidden void. About halfway through the track, synths build in layers, producing a climactic ending for a tumultuous quest. “Fear The Dungeon (Encounter) (w/Balin)” is a unique undertaking as the sound turns to more of a synthwave vibe. The pace of this track is hectic and full of angst as the clashing tones of looping percussion and ghostly soundscapes ultimately collide. “The Door Lies Beyond (Onto Underkeep) (w/Sylfvr)” is a heartwarming tracks with whimsical keys and pounding percussive elements. The synth leads are serene and the near-inaudible narrations add a sense of mystery to the narrative. Flute-like keys, soon takeover in a gloriously led effort to bring tranquility back to the keep. “Into The Underdark of Underkeep (w/Robe Of Eyes)” is one of my favorite tracks on the album, as the bell-like sounds at the the into create a realm of ritualistic expanse. Flowing keys bridge the gap of obscure haunts and melancholic dreams, while lush production efforts creates a dreamy vision of days past. “The Forges Of Sokol Keep (w/Sombre Arcane & Khand)” is another introspective track with icy cold ambient textures and lo-fi percussion loops. However, about halfway through, animated instrumentation creates sort of an interlude before breaking into a grandiose moment that is nearly breathtaking. “No Further | Last Battle (In Underkeep) (w/Warlock Corpse)” is a battle ready track that exudes aggression and confrontation. Galloping percussion, war cries and deep synth tones lead the charge in this effort and the output is a spectacular song that should be used in preparation for battle. “Emergence | See The Light (w/KletTtermax)” is a short, retrospective offering with lush melodies and looping hisses that create almost a superannuated sound. The final track on the album is “Victorious? (w/Atlantean Sword)”. Complete with a short, spoken word intro, gleaming synth chops and grand soundscapes, this track represents the ultimate finale with an abbreviated anthem, followed by the maniacal laugh and weathered field recordings. Such a defiant way to end this conceptual masterpiece.
I’d first like to say, that I’m glad to be back, writing reviews on the music that I love and that firmly creates a sense of inner peace within. That being said, I’m really excited to write about one of my favorite Dungeon Synth offerings of the year so far, ‘Underkeep – The Adventure’ by Sokol Keep. Featuring an impressive group of Dungeon Synth artists, adding their individualistic ideas to every track, there is not a dull moment throughout. From haunting soundscapes, gloomy ambience and top tier Dungeon Synth moments, this is an amazing effort by an artist that has had a minimal output of albums throughout the years. I can’t recommend this one enough so please check out the link below and support this incredible artist and 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!!
Link:
https://sokolkeep.bandcamp.com/album/underkeep-the-adventure
Cassette Release:
https://grimestone.bandcamp.com/merch/sokol-keep-underkeep-the-adventure-mc
Dungeon Synth & Dark Ambient Reviews!! 