Top 10 Favorite Dungeon Synth / Synth Releases Of 2022

Dungeon Synth music just gets better and better each and every year. For 2022, it seems like a million Dungeon Synth albums were released and unfortunately, I didn’t get to listen to most of them. However, I did listen to A LOT of albums and some of my favorite artists created their best works to date, while many new artists brought their A game to this ever growing community. I hope you enjoy reading my Top 10 favorite Dungeon Synth / Synth releases of 2022 and hope some of these made your lists as well.

10. Meadow Grove – A Shattered Heritage

https://meadowgrove.bandcamp.com/album/a-shattered-heritage

Meadow Grove has released a handful of impressive albums this year but ‘A Shattered Heritage’ is the one that I keep going back to the most. There is a dynamic quality about these songs that ranges from battle-like hymns to soundtrack-ready anthems. Shifting from cinematic and grandiose to simplistic and alluring, ‘A Shattered Heritage’ has a variety of music that is bound to appeal to a broad range of electronic enthusiasts looking for a further dive into the Dungeon Synth realm.

9. Pukel’E – SaqalE

https://pukele.bandcamp.com/album/saqale

Talking about a surprise, from out of nowhere comes Pukel’E with a short nineteen minute offering of the most impressive synth music I’ve heard in a while. From my favorite Dungeon Synth label – Voices Of The Ainur – ‘SaqalE’ blends Medieval Synth anthems with Winter Synth themes, producing a mesmerizing sound that I’ve not heard since ‘Silence’ by Inoriand (2019). My only complaint is that there should be forty tracks instead of four with about two hours of playing time. Jokes aside, this is an outstanding release and I can’t wait for this project to produce more music of this caliber.

8. Sunken Basilica – Sunken Basilica

https://sunkenbasilicamca.bandcamp.com/album/sunken-basilica

Blasting onto the Dungeon Synth scene with a grizzly debut album, Sunken Basilica is quickly making a name for this bold new project. Composing a collection of Dungeon Synth anthems with a dystopian edge, these songs are raw, gritty and most of all, memorable. The low fidelity production makes these arrangements standout even more as it thematically sets a precedent for Medieval music and the dilapidated quality of times that it represents. I can’t recommend this one enough – especially if you’re into the more obscure aspects of Dungeon Synth.

7. Skuggkonungen – Den Svarta Stjärnans Brödraskap

https://skuggkonungen.bandcamp.com/album/d-r-skuggor-aldrig-bleknar

There is a masterfully-crafted, calming essence that is congruent on all Skuggkonungen releases that continuously draws you in and wanting more. From synthwave to comfy synth and even ambient textures, the tracks on this album epitomize the true characteristics of Dungeon Synth without sounding dry and played out. Songs such as “Stilla” and “Tid Och Rum” have a futurist style but at the same time, are nostalgic in nature. If you’re new to Skuggkonungen, this would be a great place to start your listening endeavors.

6. Jenn Taiga – Siege

https://jenntaiga.bandcamp.com/album/siege

Refusing to be pigeonholed into a single genre, Jenn Taiga bears the sword of impiety for Dungeon Synth and beyond, while slaying those that can’t gauge the synth madness that dwells within. ‘Siege’ contains two tracks of mesmerizing synth Godliness that centers around Berlin School sequences and dark, euphoric tones, ultimately producing an uninterrupted essence of grim energy and cold intensity that is meant to be lost in – within the confines of its quintessential audial enclosure.

5. Elminster x Erythrite Throne – From Tomes Of Stygian Sorcery

https://ithildintapeproduction.bandcamp.com/album/from-tomes-of-stygian-sorcery

So, before this album came out, I had my Top 10 list all figured out, arranged and ALMOST ready to publish. However, two of Dungeon Synth’s most majestic warriors – Erythrite Throne and Elminster – decided to grace the Iron Keep with a stalwart of an album known as ‘From Tomes Of Stygian Sorcery’. Although it’s only been out for a few weeks, there was no way I was publishing a Top 10 list without this recording on it. Three epic tracks from both artists find them at the top of their game and producing the best music of their careers (so far). “Bal-Garond Ascending” from Elminster and “As Depraved Warlocks Gather At My Tomb” by Erythrite Throne are the top tracks on this vivacious and transcending album.

4. Vandalorum – Black Mold

https://vandalorum.bandcamp.com/album/black-mold

Although Vandalorum isn’t quite as active as other Dungeon Synth artists, the music he does produce is made of gold and considered the best of the best – well, at least to these ears. Last years flagship release, ‘Maewyn’, blew me away with its psychedelic incantations about the life and times of Saint Patrick. This year, we have the RPG soundtrack called ‘Black Mold’ and it’s my favorite release by Vandalorum thus far. Psychedelic orchestrations are fused with whimsical melodies and an assortment of chip tune styled synth leads. Most of all, the compositions are stylish and groovy with lots of surprises thrown in. This is totally an addictive album and it’s also the perfect listen for a late night (or early morning) drive.

3. Heldentenor – Blood Moons & Black Lakes: Chapter Two

https://sumatranblack.bandcamp.com/album/blood-moons-and-black-lakes-chapter-two

The artist behind one of my favorite Dark Ambient projects – Sumatran Black – decided to release not one, but two Dungeon Synth albums simultaneously in January and without hesitation (and much ease), I can report that these albums are pretty killer. ‘Blood Moons And Black Lakes (Chapters One & Two)’ depict a new spin on the genre, but the premise and outcome are abrasive, nostalgic and a great interpretation of this wonderful genre. However, it’s Chapter Two that stands out between the pair and each song is a ten out of ten on the awesomeness scale. The standout track is the near twelve minute long, “The End?”, a seemingly endless foray into the melancholic abyss with ominous guitar strums and bleak ambience. Doesn’t get much better than that.

2. Thalmar – Pried From Winter’s Frost Laden Grip

https://ithildintapeproduction.bandcamp.com/album/pried-from-winters-frost-laden-grip

Thalmar is one of the many projects by the conspirator behind the likes of Elminster, The Owl Knight and Moss Keep and although only a single album has been released under this moniker, it’s my absolute favorite. Four tracks of ambient induced dungeon anthems that are dark, erosive and downright terrifying. Layers of coarse madness intertwine to divulge a maniacal blend of organic synth music full of divine impurities and gloomy modulations. I practically listen to this album on a weekly basis and have done so since it’s release back in February. If you prefer your Dungeon Synth on the darker, more ominous side, then definitely give Thalmar a listen.

1. Arcanist – Hyperborea

https://yuggothrecords.bandcamp.com/album/hyperborea

When it comes to variety, this has to be one of the most impressive albums that I’ve heard all year. The Dungeon Synth duo know as Arcanist, has impeccably incorporated Black Metal, Berlin School and doom laden melodies in their arsenal to present the complete package know as ‘Hyperboria’ – my favorite Dungeon Synth album of 2022. With a plethora of sounds and styles at their beckoning call, Arcanist are able to compose these otherworldly tracks in a way that they are memorable, enjoyable and beguiling at the same time. I gladly offer forty three minutes of my time on a regular basis to this audial entity and in return, I’m able to submerge in a conglomerate world of exceptional synth music.

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Top 10 Favorite Dark Ambient Albums Of 2022

This was another amazing year for the Dark Ambient genre and again, I had a very difficult time fine tuning my Top 10 list. If truth be told, I could have probably created a Top 50 list. Many mainstay projects created some of their best music ever, while a lot up up and coming artist created spectacular albums that could easily compete with the best of them. Either way, these 10 albums are my favorite of the year and I’m excited to share them with you. How many of these albums made it to your Top 10 list?

10. Blackweald – From The Dust Of The Old Hungarian Plains, Emerges The Invisible Claw That Drags Us Into Our Rotting Grave

https://blackweald.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-dust-of-the-old-hungarian-plains-emerges-the-invisible-claw-that-drags-us-into-our-rotting-grave

Blackweald always leaves an quite an impression with each release. On his sole release from 2022, we get to experience a bold blend of space ambient, mesmerizing drones, soundscapes, narrative samples and enough field recordings to create a series of audial adventures that are spread across a ninety minute platform. Not as dark as previous efforts but certainly versatile enough to appeal to a wider audience in the electronic/ambient community.

9. God Body Disconnect – Spiral Of Grief

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/spiral-of-grief

God Body Disconnect never disappoints and I’m always looking forward to a new album by this project with eager anticipation. On ‘Spiral Of Grief’ we get a nice dose of the traditional narrative parts with soothing drones and soundscapes that are hypnotizing from start to finish. Tracks such as “Memories Become Distant Rooms” and “The Fathomless Heart” are downright otherworldly. However, as peaceful as this recording is, there is an underlying darkness – in the form of desolation – that gives these tracks extra meaning.

8. Ajna – Mors Ultra

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/mors-ultra

Ajna creates a slowly deteriorating realm of alluring drones and space ambient elegance on the nearly two and a half hour opus, ‘Mors Ultra’. Defining a process that lethargically gnaws at the psyche and combining it with an acumen of tonal clarity, this is a highly addictive album that has garnered a lot of playtime from me, hence earning a spot on my list of favorites Dark Ambient albums for this year. Not having a dull moment on the entire album, each track will have you listening (and understanding) with grave enthusiasm.

7. Eshaton – Arheia

https://eshaton.bandcamp.com/album/arheia?label=2690771343

This is one of my new favorite projects by Scorpio V. The mastermind behind Metatron Omega and Monasterium Imperi, presents another take on the Warhammer 40k sound with a much rawer style and delivery. Looping tape hisses and layers of Gregorian chants pave the way for this thirty four minute long track, as the grainy production and synth delivery is quite unique and enlightening. ‘Arheia’ presents a dark unknown from an ancient civilization that is part ritualistic and part spiritual – in the sense of how the music has such a strong, dynamic effect. It’s hard to count how many times I’ve listened to this album but even rolling into the new year, that counter will continue to climb.

6. Sana Obruent – Aftoktonia

https://sanaobruent.bandcamp.com/album/aftoktonia

I first became familiar with the works of Sana Obruent on the 2021 release, ‘Fatem’ and instantly became a fan. To say that I was extremely excited for another album is a huge understatement. This year saw the the release of ‘Aftoktonia’ and as expected, its a triumphant release. Nearly an hour and forty five minutes of minimalistic, looping drones. ‘Aftoktonia’ is an imposing collection of obscure tones and discordant modulations that are as eerie as they are tranquillizing. Sana Obruent excels at creating a world that’s easy to get lost in and ‘Aftoktonia’ is the ultimate, creative set to keep you there.

5. Caldon Glover – Labyrintia

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/labyrintia

Over the past few years, Caldon Glover has left quite the impression by releasing some amazing albums under a few different project names (a few in which I have reviewed on this site). However, his ultimate collection of Dark Ambient anthems just may be his current Cyclic Law release, ‘Labyrintia’. Deep, spacious drones and pronounced soundscapes make up the arsenal of this gigantic creation. With the backing of a major Dark Ambient label and a killer production, this is one of my favorite recordings of the year. It’s obvious that the passion that went in to the making of this album was spot on, as the distressed cadence and tense settings are sure to render a lasting effect.

4. Tineidae – Mothership

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/mothership

‘Mothership’ has been one of my most played Dark Ambient albums of the year so far. With a bludgeoning sound that reminds me of one of my all-time favorite movies (Blade Runner 2049), this is the empyrean dystopian-themed release of the year. The synth sound is so huge, portraying a trance-filled atmosphere with chronic tones and soundscapes. If this is what the distant future sounds like, please hurl me there now so that I can partake in post-apocalyptic battle for humanity, while playing this soundtrack for all to here. Such a stunning release that should be heard by all.

3. Colonial Skyway – Evening On Earth

https://colonialskyway.bandcamp.com/album/evening-on-earth

When I’m looking for a specific type of music that provides a meditative soundtrack of wonder and openness, I look no further than Colonial Skyway. My go-to artist for all things drone, Colonial Skyway has a niche for turning monotonous noise into asomatous art that is not only relatable but introspective to say the least. Each track has a disparate style but delivers in complete solidarity when played as a whole. Not only does this album provide a level of entertainment value, but is excels at cleansing the mind of reprehensible thoughts in exchange for a positive focus.

2. Mombi Yuleman – Hours Lost

https://mombiyuleman.bandcamp.com/album/hours-lost

It’s extremely hard to pick a Mombi Yuleman album for a Top 10 list, especially with everything he produces is FIRE! That being said, one thing that draws you in to his music is the conceptual themes that coincide with the audio. For 2022, the album that resonated with me the most was ‘Hours Lost’. Based on the true story of an alien abduction case from 1961, ‘Hours Lost’ has a particularly nostalgic value that takes the listener back to that era for an experience like no other. Deep drones, sinister soundscapes and an alien-like vibe are some of the key factors that ensure this album is the real deal. If you’ve not heard this one yet, you’re missing out on quite the Dark Ambient experience.

1. Metatron Omega – ISIH

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/isih

Metatron Omega is my favorite Dark Ambient artist and the intonations created by this project are something that must be experienced. Heavily themed in the Warhammer 40k universe, Metatron Omega uses Gregorian Chants along with malevolent ambient tones to create the most powerful electronic music around. Call me biased, but this is not only my favorite Metatron Omega album (so far), but my Dark Ambient album of the year. To top that, “Megalosthronos” just may be the best MO track of all-time. With the use of looping percussion, this song has an unusual groove and form that stands out amongst the rest. Don’t sleep on this exemplary album.

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Not Dungeon Synth Nor Dark Ambient But…Fifteen Albums From 2021 That (for me) Transcended Greatness!!

Although The Dungeon In Deep Space is primarily focused on Dark Ambient and Dungeon Synth, I take great pride in the fact that my love for music has no borders. I’m a life-long metal fanatic but there are so many more genres that I love and respect. Here are some of my favorite albums of 2021 and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

1. Spiritbox – Eternal Blue

A lot of hype surrounded the release of Spiritbox’s debut album ‘Eternal Blue’. Prior to its release, quite a few video singles were released that catapulted the band into a much bigger realm. Was the album worth the wait? Absolutely!! With an impeccable blend of djent metal and commercial anthems with a slight pop vibe, the album lived up to the hype and much more. Soaring vocals, masterful instrumentation and top notch songwriting make this one of my favorite albums of 2021. Best of all, there was a cassette release as well!

2. Atomic Skunk – Wisdom Of The Sun

https://atomicskunk.bandcamp.com/album/wisdom-of-the-sun

I’ve been a huge fan of Atomic Skunk since 2009 and it’s the blend of light ambient, World music influences and a plethora of soundscapes & field recordings that make this style so unique. After an 8 year hiatus, Atomic Skunk started releasing consistently great albums in 2019 and has been on a relentless escapade since then. This years ‘Wisdom Of The Sun’ has been one of my favorite electronic album of the year and I hope this pace continues for the foreseeable future.

3. Cannibal Corpse – Violence Unimagined

https://cannibalcorpse.bandcamp.com/album/violence-unimagined

Hands down, ‘Violence Unimagined’ is Cannibal Corpse’s best album since 2006’s ‘Kill’. I’m not sure if it’s the addition of Erik Rutan (who recently replaced Pat O’Brien) or the fact that their songwriting is getting better with age. Either way, this is a banger of an album from start to finish and it reiterates the fact that Old School Death Metal is alive and well…and here to stay.

4. Kowloon Walled City – Piecework

https://kowloonwalledcity.bandcamp.com/album/piecework

Kowloon Walled City excel at creating a lethargic brand of Post Punk. The songs are complacent, not overly aggressive and no other band does it quite like they do. As adroit songwriters, they are able to blend heavy music with scaled back distortion while maintaining a massive sound. ‘Piecework’ is one of their best albums and I still listen to it on a regular basis.

5. Cosmic Abyss – Midnight

https://cosmicabyss.bandcamp.com/album/midnight

Cosmic Abyss is one of the best DIY artists in existence right now. Producing an offshoot brand of Doom Metal with an alluring ambient vibe, this is obscure experimentation at its best. ‘Midnight’ is one of his best offerings thus far and sets a high bar for other artists that dabble in this style of music.

6. Dinosaur Jr – Sweep It Into Space

https://dinosaurjr.bandcamp.com/album/sweep-it-into-space

80’s alt-rock masters, Dinosaur Jr., continue to release their brand of pre (and post) grunge rock. Expect plenty of fuzzy guitar tones, laid back vocals and well executed songs that continue to impress from an aging band that doesn’t see an end in sight.

7. Human Figures – After An Ordeal

https://popnihil.bandcamp.com/album/after-an-ordeal

If you grew up in the 80’s and were exposed to the surge of dark wave and post pop and liked it, then look no further than Human Figures. Creating a resurgence of the aforementioned genres, Human Figures excels at recreating that retrospective vibe and the production value alone is the icing on the cake. ‘After An Ordeal’ is an EP’s worth of incredible tracks that are sure to impress the listener with its emotional output and captivating sound. Don’t sleep on this one!

8. Breather 1 – The Noodle Bar

https://breather1.bandcamp.com/album/the-noodle-bar

Breather 1 has the whole cyberpunk and synthwave vibe down pat. ‘The Noodle Bar’ is a massive conceptual album that takes the listener on a retrospective journey in a futuristic setting. Sit back, grab your favorite headphones and enjoy this staggering ride to an enchanted world that you won’t soon forget.

9. Friendly Donut Shop – Childish Footsteps

https://friendlydonutshop.bandcamp.com/album/childish-footprints

There is a reason that Comfy Synth is a thing. It was meant to be a peaceful approach to the easy listening of obscure music. Friendly Donut Shop takes that concept seriously and is one of the best in the business. Latest release, ‘Childish Footsteps’ has a soothing and warm feeling that will take the listener away from their worries and replace it with positive energy. Another amazing effort by Friendly Donut Shop and I hope more albums of this variety are on the way in the near future.

10. Primordial Serpent – The Winter Warrior

https://primordialserpent.bandcamp.com/album/the-winter-warrior

Upon initial listen I was blown away by ‘The Winter Warrior’. Primordial Serpent has a serious knack for writing aggressive tunes that conjure that primitive sound of early 90’s black metal. With a lo-fi production and contentious style, this is exactly what I want to hear when listening to barbaric black metal.

11. Phurpa – Hymns And Rituals Of Gyer

https://modernbon.bandcamp.com/album/hymns-and-rituals-of-gyer

Phurpa takes ceremonial chanting and Tibetan ritualistic vocalizations to the next level. For some, an acquired taste must be obtained before soaking in the deep value of a Phurpa recording or you may not be able to handle it. However, for others that like it, the output is extremely rewarding. ‘Hymns And Rituals Of Gyer’ is nearly three hours of extreme mediation through deep chants and throat singing. Ancient instrumentation are used to give this bleak occasion a setting of ritualistic darkness.

12. Mastodon – Hushed And Grim

https://www.mastodonrocks.com/?frontpage=true

Although Mastodon is not as heavy as they were when they first started out, for what they lack in the “heavy” department, they more than make up with superior songwriting. This mammoth two-album set of songs is some of their best – and most accessible – work to date. There are some heavy tracks on here as well as dark ballads and they are all amazing. What’s more impressive is the three-vocal attack that just keeps getting better.

13. Flotsam And Jetsam – Blood In The Water

https://www.flotstildeath.com/news/flotsam-and-jetsam-releases-title-track-brand-new-video-of-upcoming-album-blood-in-the-water/

80’s Thrash Metal pioneers Flotsam And Jetsam may not have a storied career like that of Metallica, Megadeth or Slayer, but you have to be impressed with their sticktoitiveness approach to releasing music. ‘Blood In The Water’ is their fourteenth full-length album and quite possibly their best to date. Every track is a banger and the vocals, music and production are the best they’ve ever been. Definitely check this one out if you’re into that classic Thrash Metal sound with a slight modern influence.

14. Converge & Chelsea Wolfe – Bloodmoon: I

https://convergecult.bandcamp.com/album/bloodmoon-i

I love collaboration albums and when I heard that Converge and Chelsea Wolfe were releasing an album together, I almost lost my mind. At first, I had no idea what to expect, especially since the styles of both artists are on the opposite end of the spectrum. However, the results is a clean mix of both artist with even distribution of styles and pristine song writing. I wish more artists would follow the lead of Converge and Chelsea Wolfe and push the envelope of fusing styles. This is amazing stuff.

15. Novemthree – Storms Of Memory

https://glassthroatrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/storms-of-memory

I’ve never been disappointed with any release from Glass Throat Recordings. With artists such as Blood Of The Black Owl, Moon Mourning Earth, and Cedar Dreamer, Glass Throat Recordings releases Nature-inspired Folk music with elements of acoustic passages, ambient, and impressive vocalizations. The addition of Novemthree is just a natural progression of the label and ‘Storms Of Memory’ is one of the finest albums to be released this year. Light vocals, dreamy instrumentation and the occasional percussion input are stand-out factors for this highly impressive album.

Top 10 Dungeon Synth / Synth Releases Of 2021

The great thing about the Dungeon Synth community is that it’s growing at a staggering rate and it seems like multiple albums by an array of artists are getting released on a daily basis. The downside of that is picking just 10 releases to be featured on my Top 10 Dungeon Synth / Synth albums list of 2021. If I had the time to create and talk about my Top 50 releases, I’d certainly do so. However, since it would take me too long to get that done, you’re stuck with a list of my Top 10 favorites of this year. Please enjoy and show your support for these artists if you don’t already do so.

10. Lamp & Dagger (Various Artists) – This Tape Is Haunted

https://lampanddagger.bandcamp.com/album/this-tape-is-haunted

Although this may be considered by some “a seasonal album”, it’s much more than that. It’s like a soundtrack of dread and horror that provides a terrifying backdrop to your ghoulish nightmares. Lamp & Dagger assimilated an all-star cast of Dungeon Synth artists to step beyond their traditional undertakings for creating a spectacle of anguish and fear. The results are breathtakingly evil and definitely deserves more than a seasonal listen. I’ve not stopped listening to this since it’s release and it’s more than worthy of kicking off my Top 10 Dungeon Synth/Synth albums of 2021 list.

9. Baerdcyn – We Are But Somber Beings

https://baerdcyn.bandcamp.com/album/we-are-but-somber-beings

Baerdcyn is a multi-talented artists that finds his stride with a myriad of acoustic instruments and organic tones. Just off the beaten path of traditional Dungeon Synth, ‘We Are But Somber Beings’ is a masterclass in instrumental compositions with raw emotions as the driving force. These mournful tracks contain some of the most serene arrangements that I’ve heard in a while and it’s been one of my go-to albums when I relinquish myself to a period of relaxation and relief from day-to-day endeavors. Tune in to this peaceful, Medieval offering and enjoy its blissful mystery.

8. Elminster – Mountain Specters

https://elminster.bandcamp.com/album/mountain-specters

Elminster is one of my favorite Dungeon Synth artists that has turn it up a notch or two this year with releasing multiple stellar albums and expanding his arsenal amongst multiple project titles. Although just about everything has been amazing, it’s the ‘Mountain Specters’ album that has consumed the most plays from the ever-growing Elminster catalog. The tunes are very dreamy with an alluring charm that depicts a brief time of light during a rather dark period. If someone were to ask me a good starting point for discovering Elminster, I’d look no further than ‘Mountain Specters’.

7. Vandalorum – Maewyn

https://vandalorum.bandcamp.com/album/maewyn

‘Maewyn’ came out earlier in the year but I still listen to it quite often. The conceptual album based on the legend of Saint Patrick maximizes the sound spectrum with massive layers of synth effects, odd noises and percussive patterns & drum fills that are out of this world. With a fusion of upbeat and gloomy arrangements, this is not only an interesting album to listen to, it’s also one of my favorites of 2021 and it rightfully deserves the space on this list.

6. Jenn Taiga – Lunar Nocturnes & Esoteric Incantations

https://jenntaiga.bandcamp.com/album/lunar-nocturnes-and-esoteric-incantations

Jenn Taiga has hit another home run with ‘Lunar Nocturnes & Esoteric Incantations’. Auspiciously fusing Berlin School, retro synthwave and the underlying elements of Dungeon Synth, Jenn Taiga has created a type of energy that is impressive, addictive to listen to, and at times leaves an anxious feeling of the unknowing with regards to song structure and limitless capability. For me, it’s hard to top 2020’s ‘Plight’, but ‘Lunar Nocturnes & Esoteric Incantations’ expands the horizons of the aforementioned with its awe-inspiring resilience and is just as impressive.

5. Uilos – I: Dark Night Of The Soul

https://socalledhell.bandcamp.com/album/i-dark-night-of-the-soul

Out of all the albums in my Top 10 list, this is the only one that caught me by surprise. This is a pensive recording that exposes a meditative value with each and every listen. The production effort is a predominant factor that maximizes the tranquility of this recording and it’s the wall of sound vibe that makes this such a grand offering. The music ranges from Medieval styled anthems to modern synth harmonies and everything just fits…perfectly! Uilos is an artist that I’ll be following really closely from now on.

4. Wampyric Solitude – The Splendor Of Loneliness

https://wampyricsolitude.bandcamp.com/album/the-splendor-of-loneliness

Wampyric Solitude is the only artist (at least for me), that has an album in both of my Top 10 year end lists (one here and another in my Dark Ambient list). In what I consider to be his defining moment in Dungeon Synth, we are graced with ‘The Splendor Of Loneliness’. This album emits almost ninety minutes worth of abrasive Dungeon Synth that is dark, ominous and portrays the hardship of Medieval confrontations. Every track is a near masterpiece but there are several that stand out. “Enthroned Amongst The Eldritch Shadows” and “A Putrid Stench From The Grave Of Hope” are without a doubt some of the best tracks I’ve heard this year. If caustic Dungeon Synth is your thing, then don’t go another minute without checking out this gem.

3. Landsraad – The Golden Path

https://landsraad.bandcamp.com/album/the-golden-path

Dungeon Synth constructed around the Dune Universe? Yes, absolutely and not only is the concept enthralling but the music is some of the best that was produced all year. Although comfortably seeded in the Dungeon Synth genre, it’s the synthwave aesthetics that propel this album to great heights. Providing a futuristic atmosphere with retrospective effects, this is a true audial translation of the Dune story. This spectacle is sure to stand the test of time and will remain one of my favorites for many years to come.

2. Erythrite Throne – Eternal Frost Of The Dark Ages

https://serpentsswordrecords.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-frost-of-the-dark-ages

Whether you’re new to the Dungeon Synth genre or not, Erythrite Throne is most likely one of those artists that will get referred to the most as the “go to” for consistent musical releases. After all, in this modest community of artists and fans, Erythrite Throne would be considered a household name. That being said, there are several amazing facets to his music including Vampyric Blackened Synth and Symphonic intonations. Although every bit is amazing, it’s the symphonic side that I tend to gravitate to the most. ‘Eternal Frost Of The Dark Ages’ is one of those albums and – in my opinion – may be the best album in the discography. Made up of four epic long players, these cinematic anthems deliver a gloomy but melodic style that is supremely written and produced. Every song stands out in this masterclass effort and this has been one of my most played albums of the year.

1. Leander – Sorrow Dwellings

https://leander33.bandcamp.com/album/sorrow-dwellings

There is something extremely special about Leander’s sophomore effort, ‘Sorrow Dwellings’. Not only is the music absolutely incredible, but as a whole, it just feels personal, as if it were exclusively written for me and/or my emotional state. This album was released in January and here in December, it has remained my favorite Synth album of the year. At times it has a traditional Dungeon Synth vibe, other times it has a 70’s prog rock feel to it and above all, these compositions were exquisitely written and are some of the best tunes I’ve ever heard – of any genre. Although only consisting of five tracks, they all stand out in their own way during this thirty seven minute journey. I can’t wait to hear what the future holds for this exciting artist.

Top 10 Dark Ambient Releases Of 2021

I almost don’t like putting together these year-end Top 10 lists because it’s so hard to pick 10 albums out of the hundreds or thousands of Dark Ambient releases in a given year. However, at the same time, I do want to show my respects to the albums that held the highest entertainment value for me, thus equating to my FAVORITE Dark Ambient albums of 2021. I really hope you enjoy this list as much as I had putting it together and if there is anything that strikes your attention on here, please check them out and show your support for these amazing artists. Without further a due, I present to you my favorite 10 Dark Ambient albums of 2021.

10. Blackweald – 666 Minutes In Hell

https://blackweald.bandcamp.com/album/666-minutes-in-hell

What better way to get this list started than an album consisting of nearly eleven and a half hours of diabolical Dark Ambient. ‘666 Minutes In Hell’ is that album and just the length alone is downright captivating. As for the music itself, this is some of the most sinister Dark Ambient I’ve heard in a long time and the endless supply of field recordings and soundscapes are enough to make an actual trip to hell seem like an endless endeavor. This is a very creative album that sets a gloomy atmosphere and only Blackweald could pull this off with such a grim attraction.

9. Xerxes The Dark – Soundtrack To The Blind Owl

https://xerxesthedark.bandcamp.com/album/soundtrack-to-the-blind-owl-24bit

Xerxes The Dark continues his string of impressive releases with the Industrial-styled, ‘Soundtrack To The Blind Owl’. One of his most chaotic and abrasive releases yet, this album is not to be taken lightly, as the amount of discord and pandemonium contained within can be alarmingly harsh if not expected. However, for me, I love this type of audial chaos and for nearly fifty three minutes, XTD thrashes the listener through a gauntlet of maniacal sounds and glitches by way of synth and guitar manipulation. Definitely check this one out if you’re into the more extreme side of Dark Ambient music.

8. Dead Melodies – Fabled Machines Of Old

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/fabled-machines-of-old

For the past couple of years, Dead Melodies has been one of the busiest and most consistent Dark Ambient artists around. From amazing solo efforts to haunting collaborations with the likes of Zenjungle and Beyond The Ghost, he has amassed quite the discography of varied material. ‘Fabled Machines Of Old’ is another prodigious notch in his belt with a ferocious blend of Dark Ambient tones, haunting acoustic guitar passages and the warm embrace of dark noir styled jazzy impulses. The result is an album full of assorted & gloomy characteristics that are extremely fulfilling and a breath of fresh air for the Cryo Chamber label.

7. Mora-Tau – Wellcome Back, Nuclear Summer

https://thechurchofnoisygoat.bandcamp.com/album/wellcome-back-nuclear-summer

Mora-Tau has quickly become one of my favorite Dark Ambient artists with his brand of exhilarating improvisations. Releasing a magnitude of albums on his own Bandcamp page, as well as several other labels, it’s hard to pick a favorite album – especially since they are all so amazing. However, one that I keep returning to the most is the dispiriting ‘Wellcome Back, Nuclear Summer’. These four tracks describe a dismal scene of a bleak, post-nuclear atmosphere of nothingness and regrowth. Using an assortment of synth effects and drones, Mora-Tau is like a voiceless narrator for a scene filled with disaster and radiance. I’m so glad that Mora-Tau exists at this point in time and I highly recommend checking out his whole discography, but starting with one of my year end favorites, ‘Wellcome Back, Nuclear Summer’.

6. Wampyric Solitude – Echoes Of Undying Darkness And Bloodshed

https://wampyricsolitude.bandcamp.com/album/echoes-of-undying-darkness-and-bloodshed

Dungeon Synth maestro, Wampyric Solitude has not only created one of my favorite Dungeon Synth albums of the year, but he’s also produced one of my favorite Dark Ambient album, ‘Echoes Of Undying Darkness And Bloodshed’. Expecting another Dungeon Synth masterpiece, I was both shocked and blown away by the sounds of menacing drones, ominous atmospherics and apocalyptic styled soundscapes that decays from within. This is bleak adventure that I can’t stop listening to and I would to love to hear more of this type of dynamic caliber from Wampyric Solitude in the very near future.

5. Dahlia’s Tear – Adrift On The Edge Of Infinity

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/adrift-on-the-edge-of-infinity

Anyone that is familiar with the works of Dahlia’s Tear can agree that there is a recognizable sound throughout the impressive discography. However, it’s the Cryo Chamber releases that finds the artist at his best and the post-apocalyptic presentation is as doleful as it is hypnotizing. Just when you think you’ve heard the magnum opus effort by Dahlia’s Tear, along comes another album of equal or better quality. ‘Adrift On The Edge Of Infinity’ is a driving force of intensity that exudes melancholic proportions with a haunting soundscape. I eagerly await new albums by Dahlia’s Tear and this one was no exception and it surely doesn’t disappoint.

4. Sydalesis – Living Machine

https://sydalesis.bandcamp.com/album/living-machine

‘Living Machine’ is a masterclass in Berlin School styled Dark Ambient music. This mammoth recording hosts 14 tracks of lenitive, atmospheric anthems that expands beyond two and a half hours of playing time. Mixing ambient music with Berlin School sequences has become one of my favorite styles of electronic music and I tend to get completely mesmerized by its output. ‘Living Machine’ elicited that exact result from the initial listen back in April until now. This album remains a fascinating experience and it – unfortunately – didn’t get the attention that it deserved. I highly recommend checking this one out immediately.

3. Hilyard – Division Cycle

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/division-cycle

The albums that Hilyard produces for Cryo Chamber are just different – in a great way. He seems to pull out all the stops when making music for the giant label and ‘Division Cycle’ is my favorite Cryo Chamber label release for this year. An excellent blend of Space Ambient and minimalistic droning, this album was an immediate hit and greatly surpassed all of my expectations. Subtle soundscapes and industrial undertones generate an atmosphere of endless tranquility, darkened by blissful aggression. This is one of the most meditative albums of the year and I still can’t get enough of its bleak embrace.

2. Delmak-O – The Colony

https://delmak-o.bandcamp.com/album/the-colony

I must say that ‘The Colony’ was quite a surprise upon initial listen. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. However, what I got was one of the most impressive Ambient albums that I’ve ever heard. Fusing Berlin School sequences with Space Ambient drones, otherworldly soundscapes and a Sci-Fi conceptual story, this album is a masterpiece from start to finish. This is one of those albums that you can blast in a pair of good headphones and be taken away on an astral adventure without any care in the world. A very enjoyable album that brings a much needed variety to the Dark Ambient community.

1. Sumatran Black – A Taxonomy Of Grief

https://sumatranblack.bandcamp.com/album/a-taxonomy-of-grief

I’ve been a Sumatran Black fan for a few years now and equally love the other projects by the same artist, Black Box Memories and Atasehir. Even though the output of dystopian style Dark Ambience has been quite impressive, ‘A Taxonomy Of Grief’ is light years ahead of previous efforts. For nearly two hours and twenty minutes, the listener is treated with a melancholic blend of mesmerizing synths and mournful soundscapes that depicts a gloomy reality of dealing with personal bereavement and loss. Each track completes a cycle of majestic aplomb through soothing arrangements that are insanely breathtaking. Because of these alluring intricacies, ‘A Taxonomy Of Grief’ is easily my favorite Dark Album of 2021.

Not Dungeon Synth Nor Dark Ambient But…Fifteen Albums From 2020 That (for me) Transcended Greatness!!

The year 2020 hasn’t been great for much of anything except for, well…music! I listen to (and appreciate) just about every genre under the sun and I’m never bored when it comes to finding something to listen to at any given moment. In a single sitting, I can listen to Dark Ambient, grindcore, soft jazz and progressive rock without blinking an eye! Because of that versatile appreciation, I’d like to share with you a list of fifteen albums (in no particular order) that were released in 2020 (that are not Dark Ambient or Dungeon Synth) that I found to be full of grandeur and sheer brilliance. I hope you enjoy these releases and please support these artists/labels.

https://myrkur.bandcamp.com/album/folkesange

I am a big fan of Myrkur and after 3 albums of blackened folk metal, she drops the black metal sound and delivers a folk album that is nothing short of stunning beauty. ‘Folkesange’ is like Enya on steroids but is still alluring and undeniably Myrkur. Without a doubt, this is my favorite album by her and I honestly wouldn’t mind if she delivered more albums of this nature.

https://popnihil.bandcamp.com/album/footsteps

DIY musician and multi-genre specialist, Daniel Holt, produced one of my favorite albums of 2020 under the Human Figures moniker. ‘Footsteps’ is a deep dive into darkwave, lush production and dreamy vocals and I can’t count how many times this album has been played in my house or on my ride to/from work. Every track is spectacular and I don’t think I have ever skipped over any of them while listening.

https://reposerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-occult

Reign and Rulum, two Black Metal bands from the UK, team up in this eclectic split album to deliver nearly forty six minutes of supremely written metal. Although displaying two different styles, the combined alliance of these two bands present one of the most blistering metal albums of the year.

If you’re into Synthwave and B-movie horror soundtracks from the 80’s, then you have to love Zombi. They epitomize that 80’s retro-synth sound, and the duo just gets better and better. On this years ‘2020’ release, they’ve included electric guitars in their instrument arsenal and went for a heavier sound. However, there is no denying this is Zombi and ‘2020’ is the perfect nighttime driving album.

https://enslaved.bandcamp.com/album/utgard

If you didn’t know, I’m also a staff writer over at MaximumMetal.com and when asked to put together our Metal AOTY lists, Enslaved’s ‘Utgard’ was my top choice! Although no longer the cult viking black metal band they use to be, their current sound is absolutely incredible and they do everything with sheer brilliance. ‘Utgard’ is probably one of my Top 3 favorite Enslaved albums and they actually age better than fine wine!

https://sunaddictedfamily.bandcamp.com/album/solar-dreams

Another beautiful example of perfect genre collision when left in the hands of the right artist. Varkâna main man fronts this amazing new band that fuses post black metal, electronica, shoegaze and just about everything in between. Combine that with harsh screams, dreamy vocals and powerful lyrics and you have ‘Solar Dreams’. Such an amazing album that combines intensity and atmosphere in the best way possible.

https://gatemaster.bandcamp.com/album/gate-master

Gate Master brings the worlds of Dungeon Synth and Black Metal together on this unyielding self-titled album. Between the Dungeon Synth sections is some of the best trance-inducing black metal that has probably been produced this year. The inhuman vocals are frightening and the overall songwriting is magnificent. The track “Inverse Transcendent Hypostasis” is worth the price of the album alone!

https://nebulonambient.bandcamp.com/album/across-the-solar-tides

Flawlessly executed dark synth music with a heavy Berlin School influence, Nebulon continues to climb the ladder of excellence. ‘Across The Solar Tides’ contains three epic tracks to get lost in and it demands repeated listens. From the creator of Metatron Omega and Stronghold Guardian, Scorpio V continues his path of electronic music excellence.

https://hammerhedd.bandcamp.com/album/grand-currents

How can 3 kids (1 barely a teenager) from Missouri produce some of the most pummeling thrash metal of our generation? I would chalk it up to good parenting! Hammerhedd takes the sound of classic Sepultura and combines it with the technical ferocity of Gojira to make their own sound and it’s down right sick. I can just imagine how threatening (to other metal bands) they will sound in about ten years time.

https://thesunsjourneythroughthenight.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-black-transmissions

This album is my introduction to the band The Suns Journey Through The Night. It embodies the early 90’s spirit of LoFi Black Metal and with supreme atmospherics, shrilling vokills, precision drumming and discordant riffs, this has to be the sleeper Black Metal album of the year. It’s as grim as it is menacing and I was hooked from the very beginning and enthralled until the very end.

https://ouroceansband.bandcamp.com/album/while-time-disappears-2

Our Oceans takes it brand of melancholic progressive rock a few steps further on ‘While Time Disappears’. Adding metal guitar tones, screams and mesmerizing electronics, Our Oceans defies categorization this time around and simply generates the best music possible. “Your Night, My Dawn” is one of my favorite songs (any genre) this year!

https://unexplainedsoundsgroup.bandcamp.com/album/anthology-of-experimental-music-from-mexico

I was introduced to this album by Raffaele Pezzella (owner of Unexplained Sound Group) a few months back and it immediately blew me away! Containing nearly one hundred minutes of ambient, noise, industrial and experimental music from some of Mexico’s best underground artists, this album is a whirlwind of chaos and harmony. An absolutely stunning release!

Abhasa takes us on an enthralling journey with their sophomore album. It’s less ritualistic ambience and features more of a doom and post-metal sound. Every song is hypnotizing and plays to the emotional state of the listener. For me, this album combines the best of bands like If These Trees Could Talk and Isis (the band), in the most staggering of ways.

https://kscopemusic.bandcamp.com/album/space-for-the-earth

Ozric Tentacles have been around for thirty seven years and have stuck with the same aggressive, psychedelic space rock formula for almost the whole time. Led by the great Ed Wynne, ‘Space For The Earth’ finds The Ozrics laser focused on producing the best music possible. I’m always a first-day-buyer when a new album is released and this one continues their trek of spectacular releases.

https://witnesses-nyc.bandcamp.com/album/doom-ii

My introduction to Witnesses was the 2019 album ‘III’, which was a cinematic ambient album of the tallest order. However, 2020 brings about their latest effort, ‘Doom II’ and it’s an atmospheric doom metal masterpiece. Containing plenty of harsh riffs and grooves, it’s also complemented by spots of blast beat drumming, classical guitar moments, and stunning vocals. Expect nothing but greatness when listening to this gem!

Top 10 Dark Ambient Releases Of 2020

We’ve all felt the impact of the irregularities of 2020, but if there is one thing that’s certain, it’s that the Dark Ambient genre has consistently produced some of the most prolific albums that I’ve heard in a while. Artists have persistently reached beyond the scope of normal atmospherics to bring us listeners the entertainment value that we’ve come to love in this genre of music. From uninhabited drones to stellar collaborations, this has been one of my favorite years for Dark Ambient music. Although I could easily come up with a Top 50 list, I’ve decided to keep this list to my 10 favorite releases of this year. These are the albums that I’ve listened to them most and have embellished in the marvels of their audial beauty. I hope you enjoy!

10. Neraterræ – Scenes From The Sublime

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/scenes-from-the-sublime

Neraterræ epitomizes quality and perfection and ‘Scenes From The Sublime’ is a completely enthralling experience. Continuing the tendency to collaborate with the best-of-the-best Dark Ambient artist, Neraterræ writes dismal tracks that demand not only the listeners attention, but a definite spot on my Top 10 list.

9. Alphaxone – Dystopian Gate

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/dystopian-gate

I’ve been a big fan of Alphaxone for a while now and his minimalistic space ambience always puts me in a zone like no other. However, on Dystopian Gate, there is a much darker tone than on previous releases and from start to finish, this is like the soundtrack to the apocalypse.

8. Colonial Skyway – Landline

https://colonialskyway.bandcamp.com/album/landline

‘Landline’ is a masterclass is extreme minimalistic droning sounds. However, pieced with the elements of the great mid-west, and a supreme album cover, I find myself getting lost in this superb recording very often!

7. Dead Melodies & Zenjungle – Anthropocene

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/anthropocene

Of all the outstanding collaboration albums that have been produced this year, ‘Anthropocene’ is my absolute favorite. The drones and soundscapes are eerily disturbing but with the brass instrument addition, it’s equally soothing. The combination of these qualities, makes this one of the surprise releases of the year (for me).

6. Beyond The Ghost – Eternal Drift

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-drift

‘Eternal Drift’ contains some of the best cinematic Dark Ambient recorded this year. Although Beyond The Ghost has a relatively short career in the genre so far, this is an artist that is a force to be reckoned with and I can’t wait to hear what’s in store next. Until then, ‘Eternal Drift’ will remain a permanent fixture in my mobile music collection.

5. House Of The Maker – The Autumnal End

https://noctilucant.bandcamp.com/album/the-autumnal-end-2

House Of The Maker produces some of the most intangible drone and soundscape recordings I’ve heard. The heavy use of field recordings and natural setting gives this almost a ritualistic vibe and I couldn’t be more pleased. I often turn to this recording when I need help relaxing and winding down and I’m looking forward to many more releases by this revolutionary artist.

4. Scott Lawlor – But Everybody’s Gone, So I Will Never Know

https://scottlawlor.bandcamp.com/album/but-everybodys-gone-so-i-will-never-know

Scott Lawlor NEVER stops producing music and can easily go from haunting piano ballads to deep space drone masterpieces. If I were to have made a Top 50 list, Scott Lawlor would have at least 5 or 6 albums to grace it – this one being my favorite. The ebb and flow of music on this album is masterful and it centers around a realistic theme that makes this album a must listen.

3. Apocryphos – Against Civilization

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/against-civilization

Of all the albums in my Top 10 list, this one surprised me the most, mainly because of how impeccably good it is. Droning guitar tones never sounded so empyreal, and the whole album is just mesmerizing. In addition, the amazing field recordings create an ambience beyond catastrophe and emptiness. This has been one of my most played albums (of any genre) this year.

2. Mombi Yuleman – A Shaman’s Warning: Further Tales Of The Wi’Tiko

https://mombiyuleman.bandcamp.com/album/a-shamans-warning-further-tales-of-witiko

Over the past few years, Mombi Yuleman has been on a remarkable path toward Dark Ambient greatness. His keen attention to detail, coupled with his willingness to venture outside the realm of the Dark Ambient genre for creating the perfect aesthetic, has enabled him to consistently create albums of a perfectionists touch. Of the many projects that he worked on this year, this album has been my most played. I’m so excited to see what the year 2021 has in store for this marvelous musician.

1. Xerxes The Dark – Final Crisis

https://xerxesthedark.bandcamp.com/album/final-crisis-24bit

Xerxes The Dark creates a sonic sound like no other, and perhaps it comes from his wide array of side projects that cross many musical boundaries. Otherworldly drones are complimented by industrial soundscapes and impressive field recording to give the listener an uneasy feeling. ‘Final Crisis’ is a chilling display of no-holds-bared ambience and listening to this album is not for the faint of heart. This release is so captivating and explosive, that I can’t think of anything else that matches its intensity. ‘Final Crisis’ by Xerxes The Dark is my Dark Ambient album of the year!

Top 10 Dungeon Synth / Synth Releases Of 2020

What an amazing year for Dungeon Synth (and other underground synth-based genres). This year has exploded with some of the most absorbing musical ventures my ears have been privileged to hearing. Whether it’s the grimness of Vampyric Dungeon Synth, the obscurity of Comfy Synth or the enlightenment of Berlin School dark synthwave, I embrace all of these sub-genres with the hopes of finding the most amazing music possible. Although there were hundred (possibly thousands) of Synth-based releases over the past twelve months, this is a list of my 10 favorite albums of the aforementioned sub-genres. I hope you enjoy…what I’ve been enjoying!

10. Moss Golem – Of Witches Blood And Angel Tears

https://serpentsswordrecords.bandcamp.com/album/of-witches-blood-and-angel-tears

What better way to get things started than with a dose of Uncomfy Synth! Moss Golem may be categorized by some as Comfy Synth but this is light years from it. It’s more like a menagerie of darkened dungeon synth arrangements with colossal black metal screams and I absolutely love it. Of the small handful of releases by Moss Golem this year, ‘Of Witches Blood And Angel Tears’ is my favorite.

9. Wooded Memory – My Secret Horror

https://woodedmemory.bandcamp.com/album/my-secret-horror

‘My Secret Horror’ caught me by surprise this year, as I wasn’t expecting it to be so amazing. Don’t get me wrong, 2019’s ‘The Lost Stories’ was great, but this one is so much better. From the illustrious arrangements to the phenomenal production, I’ve really enjoyed this album and it, accordingly, deserves a spot on my Top 10 list.

8. Erang – Imagination Never Fails

https://erang.bandcamp.com/album/imagination-never-fails

Erang takes us on a mythical journey like no other! From brooding musical-like tracks and symphonic marvels, to traditional dungeon synth and synthwave, Erang leaves no stone unturned and is one of the most ingenious synth artists out today. ‘Imagination Never Fails’ is an addictive listen and I revisit this one quite often.

7. Borg – Woodland

https://borg.bandcamp.com/album/woodland

Borg is as quirky as they are talented and this modern day Medieval-style music with analog instruments (and numerous unconventional undertones) is to be taken seriously. ‘Woodland’ is a fantastic album and showcases their capability for idiosyncratic arrangements, as well as more serious sounding tunes that may have well fit in on some cult spaghetti western films. Absolutely amazing!

6. Guild Of Lore – Autumn Bohollow

https://guildoflore.bandcamp.com/album/autumn-bohollow

Guild Of Lore is the real deal! The hybrid combination of cinematic elements and dungeon synth makes this one of the most unique albums of the year. The production and arrangements are perfect and the writing will leave listeners (and possibly other artists) in awe of the amazing talents that spew from within. If you’ve not heard this album, you’re definitely missing out!

5. Abholos – Whispers From The Dark Sea

https://serpentsswordrecords.bandcamp.com/album/whispers-from-the-dark-sea

Abholos is one of my favorite Dungeon Synth projects and I look forward to these release than perhaps most other artists. The fusion of retro-style synth arrangements and maritime soundscapes is exactly what I love to listen to and not many others excel at it more than Abholos. ‘Whispers From The Dark Sea” is my most listened to Abholos album and one of my favorite releases of 2020.

4. Lurk – From The Depths Of Y’ha-nthlei

https://lurkmusick.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-depths-of-yha-nthlei

I knew after being just two minutes in to this album that it was going to end up on my Dungeon Synth AOTY Top 10. The crystal clear production makes it possible to enjoy the outstanding music, soundscapes and samples that grace this behemoth of an album. From start to finish, this album rips and I cannot wait for the next dose of Lurk to come about!

3. Jenn Taiga – Plight

https://jenntaiga.bandcamp.com/album/plight

I listen to this album at least once a week. I mean it’s that good and just puts me in a zone that almost no other album can do. Consisting of two tracks that are nearly forty three minutes long, there is definitely enough time to drift off into another world that depicts a scene of sonic beauty. Heavily influenced by Berlin School and progressive space rock, this enchantment of a recording should be on everyone’s playlist by now!

2. Mystica Visio – Mystica Visio

https://mysticavisio.bandcamp.com/album/mystica-visio

‘Mystica Visio’ is probably one of the best albums (of any genre) that I’ve heard this year. Gustavo Jobim is an award-winning musician that decided to try his hand at Dungeon Synth this year and I couldn’t be happier about that decision. Not only is this an amazing album, but the track “Spell Of Entrapment” is probably my song of the year for this genre. This album is an absolute must for your collection!

1. Varkâna – Cosmic Terror

https://varkana.bandcamp.com/album/cosmic-terror

Varkâna’s ‘Cosmic Terror’ was released in May of this year and its still one of my most played albums. This Lovecraftian-themed endeavor features some of the most meaningful tracks I’ve ever heard, and the emotional output is only topped by the amazing musicianship, pristine song arrangements and writing. All of these elements combined have made this my Dungeon Synth / Synth album of the year for 2020.

Not Dungeon Synth Nor Dark Ambient But…Five Albums From 2019 That (for me) Transcended Greatness!!

Although The Dungeon In Deep Space is dedicated to the fantastic Dungeon Synth & Dark Ambient genre’s, I am a huge fan of music in general and have been a lifelong admirer of just about everything ranging from extreme metal, fusion jazz to singer/songwriter material. This year has been an amazing year for music and I thought that I would share a few of my favorite albums that are not related to the DS/DA communities. I hope you enjoy these incredible albums and if you’ve never heard them before, give them a listen.

1. None – Damp Chill Of Life (Black Metal)

https://hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/damp-chill-of-life

The mysterious one-man depressive black metal project known as None has an impressive resumé of consistently great releases and ‘Damp Chill Of Life’ is no exception! Atmospheric, somber, and versatile, None shows no mercy with a full emotional expression while delivering some of the best depressive black metal of the year!

2. Chelsea Wolfe – Birth Of Violence (Alternative)

https://chelseawolfe.bandcamp.com/album/birth-of-violence

Coming off of the release of her heaviest album to date, ‘Hiss Spun’, Chelsea Wolfe takes us on a more melancholic adventure with the semi-acoustic, ‘Birth Of Violence’. The songwriting is amazing and Chelsea’s voice is the best it’s ever been. Just when I think I’m a fan of her heavier material, ‘Birth Of Violence’ is here to change my mind.

3. Car Bomb – Mordial (Discordant Metal)

https://carbomb.bandcamp.com/album/mordial

Move over Meshuggah, there is a new king of discordant riffs and jacked-up time signatures! Even though Car Bomb has been around a while, they become more impressive with each release. Mordial is – simply put – a monster! This album has everything I love about heavy music and if I lose my hearing soon, it will probably be because of this album.

4. Peter Bjärgö – Structures And Downfall (Atmospheric Singer/Songwriter)

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/structures-and-downfall

‘Structures And Downfall’ is one of my favorite releases on the Cyclic Law label this year. The former mastermind behind ARCANA blazes through eight tracks of atmospheric, guitar-based tunes that have an exceptional wall-of-sound level of production. Above all, every song is supremely written, catchy and memorable.

5. Waste Of Space Orchestra – Syntheosis (Psychedelic Extreme Metal)

https://wasteofspaceorchestra.bandcamp.com

When I first heard that Oranssi Pazuzu and Dark Buddha Rising were collaborating on an album, I had no idea what to expect but I was sure that it was going to be something amazing. Amazing it is, ‘Syntheosis’ is a proggy, psychedelic metal masterpiece that showcases the strengths of both bands. Heavy, mellow, strange, doomy and psychotic are just a few adjectives that describe this extreme work of art!

Top 10 Dark Ambient Releases Of 2019

I’ve been a huge fan of dark ambient for quite some time now but this is the first time that I’ve had to put together a Top 10 list of my favorite albums of the year. If the truth were to be told, this could have easily been a Top 50 list as there were so many exceptional releases this year. Instead, I want to give props to the following 10 amazing albums that have impacted me in multiple ways. Although there were many more astonishing dark ambient albums that were released in 2019, these are the ones that (in my opinion) have set the standard for modern dark ambient.

10. God Body Disconnect – The Mist Between The Mirrors

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/the-mist-between-mirrors

What a way to start this top 10 list. Right from the opening field recordings and narrative remarks, I knew instantly this was going to be one of my go-to dark ambient albums! Themed around emotional subjects such as disappointment & isolation, this recording is as therapeutic as it is relaxing.

9. Xerxes The Dark – Tower Of Silence

https://xerxesthedark.bandcamp.com/album/tower-of-silence

Xerxes The Dark is in my top 5 favorite dark ambient recording artists of all time, but XTD didn’t make my list based on a biased decision. ‘Tower Of Silence’ is simply XTD’s best release to date and one of my most listened to albums this year. Every track is haunting and addictive and will give you the feeling of being trapped in a post-apocalyptic industrial wasteland.

8. Melanohelios – VII: Warmth Within Endless Emptiness

https://melanohelios.bandcamp.com/album/vii-warmth-within-endless-emptiness

When it comes to space ambient, Melanohelios is one of the best in the business. On ‘VII: Warmth Within Endless Emptiness’, the drones are longer, chilling, and gives the sensation of relentless confinement on a doomed space mission. Seventy two minutes of vacuum filled incarceration will leave your senses void of all intelligible emotions.

7. Ruptured World – Archeoplanetary

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/archeoplanetary

I’m such a huge Ruptured World fan and the second album of the Planetary series, ‘Archeoplanetary’ is as good as they come. Whereas most Dark ambient recordings leave room for the listener to provide an imaginative scenario to match the music, Ruptured World prepare a captivating narration throughout the whole recording.

6. øjeRum – Without Blood The Sun Darkens

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/without-blood-the-sun-darkens

‘Without Blood The Sun Darkens’ is one of the most haunting and mesmerizing dark ambient albums I’ve ever heard. Consisting of a single, fifty nine minute track of repetitive and impassioned synths and pads, this song is about reflection and memory. This is still one of my favorite meditative albums to listen to.

5. Winterblood – Finsternis

https://winterblood78.bandcamp.com/album/finsternis

‘Finsternis’ is a very enthralling and hypnotic work of art that will leave you in a trance-like state throughout the hour long recording. Winterblood is like a dark ambient accomplice to the black metal band Paysage D’hiver, as I receive the same type of ardent pleasure from both artists. This album is a MUST HAVE for any true fan of dark ambient.

4. Neraterræ – The Substance Of Perception

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/the-substance-of-perception

Alessio Antoni has summoned an all-star line up for his debut project Neraterræ and the result is the impeccable recording, ‘The Substance Of Perception’. Each track is sonically different, yet they are produced as a seamless dark entity that is fathoms above most others. I cannot wait to hear more from this amazing project!

3. Ager Sonus – Mithra

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/mithra

‘Mithra’ is probably the most musically diverse album in my top 10. Taking us back to Ancient Rome, Ager Sonus uses subtle stringed instruments and grandiose drones to create a vision of enchantment and fascination. I still listen to this album on a weekly basis and although it was released in March, it continues to grab my attention with each and every listen.

2. Monocube – Substratum

https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/album/substratum

Monocube has to be the dark ambient sleeper artist of the year. With almost no attention drawn to this album prior to its release, I downloaded it solely based on the reputation of the Cyclic Law label lineup. One of the best decisions I made all year, as ‘Substratum’ is a mammoth of an album. The hollow – but frightening – drones will make you feel claustrophobic and uneasy and will leave you with a sense of uncontrollable anxiety. Although very minimal and austere, I tend to find new ambitious elements every time I listen to it.

1. Metatron Omega – Evangelikon

https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/album/evangelikon

Metatron Omega is another one of my favorite dark ambient artists and anytime there is a new release available, it’s an instant purchase from me. ‘Evangelikon’ is a mastercraft in ritualistic dark ambient music with beautiful Gregorian-style chanting and unnerving drones. I listen to this album continually and it’s without a doubt my favorite dark ambient album of the year.