It’s such a refreshing experience when, out of the blue, a new artist is introduced to the scene and hits it out the park on their debut release. ‘Shadow Realm: A Dungeon Synth Mixtape’ is the album in question by the searing duo known as Dreadwood Prophecies. Donning skeletal masks and cloaks of black, this team emits a compulsory sound of synth wizardry and includes a variety of genres to produce their own unique Dungeon Synth experience. Over the course of ten riveting tracks, we get to encounter fantastical realms of nostalgia through lo-fi synth effects and mesmerizing songwriting. At just thirty six minutes in length, this short album packs quite a punch with an assortment of tones, styles and memorable songs.
Catapulting us into a sphere of dark enchantment is the vivacious album opener, “The Evil Wizard Is Ruining The Town With His Bullsh*t”. Quirky song title aside, this is a momentous beginning with fantasy synth vibes and angelic keys, albeit amongst obscure harmonies and nostalgic tones. Up next is the ominously textured, “The Great Unraveling”. As if it were accompanying an enthralling dream, these peculiar sounds transcend the lo-fi production qualities with its flow into other territories such as Berlin School and synthwave. At just over two and a half minutes, this short intonation delivers a wondrous endeavor of anxious cadences and memorable melodies. “The Wonderer” commences with a fast paced synth chop and melodic, acoustic guitar tones. The first of my top three favorite tracks on the album, this one is on another level with its shifting choice of melodies and masterful songwriting. As each section continues to build each time around, you can’t help but to succumb to a world of psychedelic mischief and dreamy horizons. “Somber Longing” is a steady Dungeon Synth offering that achieves a bleak ambience through heartfelt harmonies and serene instrumentation. The overall alluring tone is mesmerizing and continuously draws the listener in with its hypnotic arrangement. The second of my top three tracks is “Into The Abyss”. Beginning with a funereal, celestial tone, a beat slowly forms, creating a haunting atmosphere. Soothing keys come into play and are again joined by a steady drum beat. Various degrees of synth effects add to the mix as drum patterns come and go with surprising effect. As darkness continues to enshroud, this track never ceases to build, adding an array of synths that are addictive and demand repeated listens. “Swamp Journey” presents a snug little canticle that is part whimsical and part quixotic with a sound that glistens with pleasant inflection. Natural sounds in the background elicit a peaceful environment, rich with enjoyment and elation. “Lost Echoes” is another fascinating experience that evokes a melancholic tone with jubilant percussive parts and spiritualistic ambience that supremely fills the background space. Mollifying synth leads produce a mournful fervor with its rhythmic patterns and enchanting harmonies. The third of of my top three tracks is “Dark Ritual”. The layers of music has a hypnotizing effect due to the combination of sonic bass textures and assortment of synth leads. In between, the experience of elongated keys creates a soothing balance that properly fuses all of these elements into a single, massively sounding song. “Patient Montage” is an introspective creation that combines soft guitar strums with resilient synth leads, producing an enigmatic track that is enriched with colorful modulations and exquisite tones that clear and bright. The fitting, final track on the album is, “Death Of A King”. The initial riff is like a Medieval epilogue, emitting a sense of reprieve with its upbeat – almost comfy synth-esque – arrangement and alluring vibe that concludes with a refreshing sensibility.
Dreadwood Prophecies are an amazing project that embodies all that Dungeon Synth has to offer. Eagerly willing to take chances on a cluster of sounds and styles, they’ve easily come up with a unique approach that they can call their own. Whether it’s Medieval influenced or ventures into synthwave or Berlin School, ‘Shadow Realms: A Dungeon Synth Mixtape’ is a refreshing experience with endless replay value. If you’ve not heard this album yet, you’re missing out on one of the genres album of the year contenders. Click on the link below and prepare to enter an audial realm that demands to be experienced.
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Links:
https://dreadwoodprophecies.bandcamp.com/album/shadow-realms-a-dungeon-synth-mixtape