The allure of Dungeon Synth has sunk in its claws again! Bestowed by the Spotify shuffle, Hidden Scriptures caught my ear. An esoteric passing spell, dream swept and hazy, its layering of mystic melodies keenly reminiscent of classic Trolldom had sucked me in for more. I'd actually passed on Paths Of The Eternal's first demo years back. I'm here now and adoring its meditative qualities, an ancient spooky synth with spiritual qualities that warmly arise from its nostalgic foundations. I have a particular fondness for its opening A Mystic Premonition that deploys virtual instruments distinctly similar to that used on my own Dungeon Synth project, Forgotten Conquest.
Bone Guardians toys with castly medieval magic. Horns shout triumphant, strong and proud, its clattering percussion hinting at the wheels of war yet retaining this cheerful warmth in its grasp. This animated, uplifting start gently gives way to esoteric magics and droning ambiences. The music mulls on its dulled mood, seeking solitary atmospheres over the flushes of melodies that defined its bright opening stint.
Its closing track, The Highest Chamber, seems to unite these ideas, returning elements of its colorful start to this secluded, lonesome stretch. Culminating with human voices, it lands its lengthy voyage with some finality. Search Of True Ascendance has been a riveting return to some classic Dungeon Synth vibes mixed with entrancing meditative qualities. That excitement wore off swiftly tho, the shift in tone and pace midway sadly not as enduring as its opening four songs were.
Rating: 6/10