One of my favorite exploits of 2025 was the DIY Sessions presented by the UK based Dungeon Synth Label, Sokol Keep. These session afforded various artists to record tracks (or albums) in an authentic, old-school format so that credible material could be delivered with true, Medieval intentions. One project that contributed to these sessions (that immediately grabbed my attention) was Blades Of Folmär. Hailing from Devon, UK, Blades Of Folmär combines vintage recording aesthetics with an elemental Dungeon Synth essence that summons the true nature of the ancient spirit. Assembling a pair of releases that pay homage to the immutable past of bloodstained keeps, grueling battles, daunting castles and enchanted forests, they provide an authentic, audial journey of the dark ages. ‘Eternal Dungeon I & II’ betoken a glorious quest for honor, crimson crusades and an age of dark exploration.
Eternal Dungeon (Feb 2025)
Eternal Dungeon commences with the abbreviated intro, “Quest Of Heroes”. Immediately showcasing a muddled, lo-fi production, with slightly reverberated synths, a particular homage is paid to the ways of old, crafted with Medieval integrity. “The Dungeon Goes Ever On” continues the ancient cadence and adds a spectrum of melody that exudes a tranquil precedence, combined with gloomy synth tones and haunting atmospherics. “Beware, The Servants Of Morcar” clocks in at almost eight and a half minutes and consistently produces a ghostly sound throughout as the darkened synths parallel ambient textures that are both pastoral and somber. Occasional percussive elements are inserted throughout that contribute in a boastful way. The final track on this offering is “Star Of The West”, a lighthearted anthem that is a fitting bookend to the album opener. This is exactly the sound I imagine could be played in an isolated dungeon, deep below the surface of a far away kingdom.
Eternal Dungeon II (Dec 2025)
Continuing where the first album left off, “Eternal Dungeon II” produces that classic Dungeon Synth experience across four amazing tracks. Beginning with “The Moonlit Portcullis”, forlorn modulation integrate with a murky production for a pristine, authentic sound. The looming melody that is present throughout creates an alluring atmosphere that is extremely enjoyable to listen to. “To Dine In Carrion Halls” includes a thumping drum beat, regulating a haunting cadence that is reminiscent of a funeral procession, sauntering down muddy trails in the dead of night. “Gurrok Cairn” is a seven and a half minute darkened offering that combines ambient structures with elongated synth tones, evoking a daunting tale of bloodshed, damned battlefields and a triumphant return to a victorious kingdom exclusively seen through a black and white lens. The final track, “Glademist”, is a brief oblation that perfectly closes the album in true Dungeon fashion. Brief and to the point, nostalgic synth chops are a true testament to the authentic sounds of this canticle seemingly purloined from the Middle Ages. The gritty production is a convincing attestation of what Blades Of Folmär set out to achieve, to present true Dungeon Synth songs with a classic embrace.
Blades Of Folmär has taken complete advantage of the Sokol Keep DIY Sessions by releasing two amazing Dungeon Synth albums, ‘Eternal Dungeon’ and ‘Eternal Dungeon II’. Even though each album forges its own path to age-old glory, together they present an audial unification that pays homage to everything we love about the Medieval dynamism. From dirge-like cadences to battle ready synth intonations, these albums are a perfect precedent of old-school dungeon synth. Not only are these two albums amazing but all of the other DIY Sessions offerings are worthy contributions to the Dungeon Synth genre. Don’t pass on these albums and prepare for an ancient battle while hearkening on the prodigious anthems contained within.
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Link:
Sokol Keep:
https://sokolkeep.bandcamp.com/music
Blades of Folmär:
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