Arcanist "Avero​í​gne" (2024)

 

An unshakable grin emerged upon arrival of this record. Sadly, a single listen shattered that excitement and its not returned since. Avero​í​gne is a drastic departure from Poseidonis and Hyperborea. Gone is the Berlin School 70s electronic mystique. That esoteric tension has been dissipated, replace by Fantasy melodies and Folk instrumentation evoking ancient cultural charms. In brief stints it find charisma and conjures vivid visions. With other strides, an absence. The occasional clumsy folly of odd ideas spew in bursts, breaking up what spells it briefly builds anticipation for.

The first four songs feels separate. The acoustic guitars, akin to the Diablo soundtrack at its conclusion, define its new direction yet rarely does the music stirs much emotion. Its a meandering mess of ideas that lacks the grip on me to express its own purpose.

With the arpeggio rumble of old school synth, the two part Colossus Of Ylourgne feels like a bridge between the new direction and old. Its dramatic opening upends a monster of tension as fiery choral voices cry with demonic intent. Sadly, this dissipates swiftly, never to return as the music again meanders in many directions, even into a blast beat led Black Metal stint, reminiscent of Blut Aus Nord's Saturnian Poetry.

I've struggled to enjoy this one. Its has its moments but they are disconnected by a slew of ideas that to my memory feel less fleshed out and layered that what came before. You could tell me Avero​í​gne was made by a different artist and id believe it!

Rating: 4/10

Moutain Realm "Frostfall" (2024)

 

A soft, recent fondness for Greyshadow Ruins had initial excitements lulled by the subdued nature of this tempered beast. Mountain Realm caught my ear for a shapely craft of Dungeon Synth venturing into the darker leanings of Fantasy themes with a meditative quality. Frostfall aptly achieves this again, yet to less fanfare with familiarity taking hold. This similarly structured set of short synth pieces is the quieter of the pair. Routinely drifting into glacial strides devoid of any urgency, a glum dankness steadies as its main thematic feeling, fit for the damp dark dungeon realms it clearly aspires to.

Stripped out are the moments of reprieve from a gloomy yet meditative nature. On the prior record, sparkly melodies would flux from ambiguities into focus, creating a sense of spectacle among these sullen tones. Here they are suppressed, present but drawn further into retreat. We trudge through fuzzy murmuring of ambling bass. Organ like synths drone with sombreness, even choral chants seems burdensome and lonely.

The whole record dials into its own shadow. Seemingly a negative, yet only when trying to focus on its present merits. Leave this on in the background and calmly, without notice, will it delicately transcend your surroundings, ascending to somewhere sequestered, cloudy and dead yet spiritually soothing and serine. Its an odd record to enjoy, brilliant in its own peculiar way, yet tired on these old ears for now.

Rating: 4/10

Paths Of The Eternal "Quest For The Sacred Blade" (2022)

 

Following up on Search Of True Ascendance, this next installment amends prior folly as a cohesive set of songs maintains an enchanting, spellbinding atmosphere throughout its stay. Steeped in mystique, a graceful venture through nostalgic realms teeters on spirituality as many melodies find moments of playful warmth intersecting with an Ethereal breeze. At its core, journey and adventure emote strongest, befitting of toned down VGM music, yet the Dungeon aesthetic and instrumental swells of curios composition lead these innocent tunes to grandiose themes.

Opening with A Light From A World Far From Ours opens, swiftly grabs ones attention. Its bold upright baseline takes a commanding presence among a brilliant thud and clatter of percussion. Mixed in sudden reverb, it illuminates the peculiar design. Icy cold drums that offer a familiar yet distinctive crumbling castle timbre. It sets a fine tone for the music to come. Songs explore with the same instrumentation, often venturing into swells of melodies guided by this charmed percussive force.

Only a touch of eeriness presides in this magical place. The Final Trial Of Will takes a strident plunge into the shadows as for one track the albums spirit is flipped to the dark side. Starting out on foreboding plains, the song pivots at the middle into a funeral gloom, turning occult as ritualistic chants elevate its darkness. Its a fantastic counterpoint to root its ancient sorcery in classic Dungeon Synth motifs.

Rating: 7/10

Paths Of The Eternal "Search Of True Ascendance" (2019)

 

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

Mountain Realm "Greyshadow Ruins" (2023)

Imbued by the powers of thematic suggestion, Greyshadow Ruins' sleeve artwork and track titling aptly fits the dusky, seldom mood that awaits within. An array of Casio and Korg akin keyboard synths greets us, whispering cautious tales of what once lurked in this now abandoned place. Dressed in glum, dusty aesthetics, each of these brief stints ventures upon forgotten tales and mythic settings to fulfill its titles promise.

Mountain Realm takes an even handed approach, an acute balance of mystic synth tones, edging towards a minimalist design at times. I most adored this eerie, curious magical glistening sound that emerged from blurry shadows on tracks like Crystal Pool, Goblin Cave, Pyre & Mana Flask. Its other half, a more traditional castly vibe, conjures familiar nostalgia's with a smidge of Wizzards and Orcs battle fever.

Dungeon Synth has been thoroughly explored by this traveler, not much surprises me now. Competent executions of familiar inspirations like this are enjoyable but leaves me stumped when it comes to finding words. I end up repeating myself, as does a fair bit of this record in terms of retreading territory. There is potential here, yet currently it fits well within the confines of expectation from a genre I adore but lacks progression.

Rating: 5/10

Ziggurath "True North" (2024)

 
With a swift and sudden departure from their prior Jungle Synth effort, Ziggurath pivots again. Now venturing on a chilly expedition, True North tentatively explores desolate atmosphere from a sullen, lone perspective. Glacial pace sets tone as broody bass synths, howling winds and distant gulls guide lonesome melodies on its journey. Pace is sparse, its ninety minutes frequently linger, drawing out its main sound design. The album sleeve feels fitting, a ghostly ship on a lost voyage, the lingering presence of icy death incarnate through a menacing skulls gaze.

Aptly named Hearthfire Inn, fire-crackles and lutes warm the bones, a refuge from the relentless frost that awaits. From here on, only glimmers of cultural instrumentation echo in the distant fog. Howling dogs, swirling winds and rehashes of its brooding atmosphere drag on. Through Halls Of Ruined Splendour offers shimmering sounds of wonder over the backdrop of crashing waves and the creaks of aged floor boards.

From here, iterations on the established sound design intensify, shying away from anything vivid, only offering glimpses of music to latch onto. Then Someone Dies offers a passing funeral dirge, a glum, drained march of sadness. The final track, True North, goes all in, attempting to offer a gratifying conclusion but coming up short. A surge of melodies underpinned by choral synths and soft organ hum doesn't quite land as intended, given the lack of build up to this final concluding moment.

Its obvious to see the intention here, to really lean into this chilling abandon. When giving True North little attention, its somewhat achieves this. Its sparse moments of melody and scenic sounds perk the ears but its sluggish pace and lack of animation doesn't carry much gravitas in the forefront of ones attention. Curation and more musicality could of elevated its presence. Otherwise, this is a soft miss to my ears.

Rating: 4/10

Old Tower "Draconic Synthesis" (2023)

Esoteric, arcane and obscure, Draconic Synthesis engulfs us on a mystic venture the marvels of sound design. Tinkering and experimentation has led to fruitful explorations of ambiguous wonder, found in gaps between occult voicings, astral synths and ghostly reverberations. This new terrain still stems from foundations of old castly Dungeon Synth, Old Tower continues an intriguing evolution into dark ambience and soundscapes, while fluctuating to familiar footings on this entrancing forty minutes.

Heard through a candles flickering flame, wildlife sounds of night accompany a subtle tropical flavor on its lingering melody. A dusky opener signaling new sounds, Draconis Arcanum has beautiful balance. One could imagine it as the backdrop to a Diablo theme alike game. Ruins and Horned Glossolia ressurects this direction with its lonely steel acoustic guitar, followed then by Sacred Carvings. This song leans fully into this cultural resonance superbly, akin to Dead Can Dance's transformative magic.

Spirit Vessel has a similar incarnation, evoking forbidden spirits from the graves with classic dungeon dweller magics. Its a more "traditional" piece for this artists however the closing Crafting The Symmetry Of Aeons feels like their most ambitious work to date. With many distant clanks, rattles, drips and drops, ghostly voices breeze by forgotten corridors as the music strides into foreboding chambers of sequestered darkness. The emerging synths and percussion give one a sense of tainted triumph over what lingered before its arrival. The strike of a gong bringing it to a sudden close.

Rating: 8/10

Örnatorpet "Evigt Fr​ä​mmande, Evigt Fj​ä​rran" (2023)

  

A passing listen sparked limited curiosity. Another ruinous bout of mystic woes? Örnatorpet caught my ear in the past but this latest release doesn't quite distinguish itself. Wedged between an ensemble of broody eerie synths, mysterious murmurings, cryptic voices and rustling ambiguities toy, as soft touches of Berlin School emerge infrequently... a strong whiff of Old Sorcery influence is in the air perhaps.

Its a competent execution of ideals, atmospheres built through steadily layering simple melodies, instruments treated to carefully crafted sound design, imbuing scale and distance between more intimate imaginations. The chemistry slants from creepy shadows to fantastical weirdness as brighter compositions create curious settings.

Sadly, among its nine tracks, none were able to leap of the page. For all its interesting sound design and zany Dungeon Synth vibes, the whole project remained in the background, unable to command ones attention. Although mostly appealing and capable of conjuring the mystic moods I love, this latest effort was either too reminiscent of a genre I've explored extensively, or just rather average.

Rating: 5/10

Crag Forge "Hoardlegend" (2021)

One to slip straight into my "Dungeon Synth Focus" playlist, Hoardlegend revels in a deep rumbling mystery of epic stoic ambiguity. Lofty ambiences flood the foundations, a fog of unshakable presence murmuring from the depths below. From it arises distant smatterings of percussion, the thuds of doom drums echo upwards with a temporal sluggishness to rid it of any groove or tempo. Aligned with occasional strikes of cymbals and gongs, it outfits a rather simplistic set of ideas into a grandiose tension.

These eight chapters simmer in stature. Resting on a slow yet unmovable iceberg-like drift. Its as if one watches the space between heaven and hell from a empowered distance. Angels and demons at endless war among eternal clouds of the afterlife. Equally, ones imagination could venture on similar scales to a vast underground setting. Barbarian Mines clearly suggests a cavernous might of Dwarven proportions, its increased tempo and droning thuds certainly have a work-like rhythm about them.

The following Crystalline Flame ditches its low foreboding rumble for an airy shimmering excursion, a mysterious ascension devoid of destination, guided by an elongated flute melody and swelling synths. Its a rare moment of variety among steady temperament, fixated on a visualized settings, explored thoroughly in lengthy stays. Wonderful for conjuring a focused frame of mind with a Dungeon Synth tint.

On closer analysis, Hoardlegend is rather simplistic, lacking complexity with slow drawn out melodies, housed in chords that shift in a disconnected movement. Its brilliant at achieving an aesthetic experience, reveling in a Wagner-like militant tension, but one wont be taking away melodies from the experience. For all its mighty stature, no theater, event or progression is to be found. This is simply a collection of well built scenery sets for one to indulge in, if it happens to spark your imagination in the same way.

Rating: 6/10

Rune Realms "In The Wild North" (2016)

So far this journey has been propelled by sequential surprises, as scene setting triumphs in constructing naturalist and fantasy ambiences. In The Wild North is the first instance where much of the music drifts from its scenic powers into drab spells of soft instrumentation lacking a thematic potency its album title suggests. Its opening two tracks weave strong melodies into its web of chilled, shimmering instruments. Between lulls upon snow blanketed fields do surges of valiant adventure arise. Dancing melodies move with gusto among the castly brooding synths below.

An excitement short lived, the following songs meander into a string of uneventful quiets, resting on its icy tone. The pace is sullen and lingering, not quite luminous to paint the vividness felt among these soft temperaments before. Individually the aesthetic chemistries are pleasing to the ear. Collectively they amount not much as direction feels lost among these frosty enchantments. Around the mid point, one song, Discovery Of The Ice Chasms, does turn the ear. A shivery mortal danger lurks in the shape of its unforgiving terrain, suggested only briefly in its one minute duration.

Another short piece, Emerging From The Caverns gains a similar distinction with the sudden shimmer of animated melodies. The song names suggest directions I didn't quite follow. However these pivoting moments made intentions obvious. Perhaps I've been spoiled by other works, or maybe this one could grow on me with time. Either way, its pleasant stay didn't hit me quite the same as the other incarnations.

Rating: 5/10

Rune Realms "The Stormcoast" (2016)

 

I find myself in awe again. Next on our Rune Realms journey I picked The Stormcoast. Adorned with a teal stone runic border and painted landscape of mountainous crevasse shorelines, my curiosity for a sea fairing adventure was both peaked and eventually satisfied. Led mostly by long aches of unmovable stoic string sections, accompanied by the soft, distant commands of horns, a mystic sense for exploration of the unknown is birthed. Unsurprisingly its themes echoed The Fate Of Atlantis, produced later but perhaps the soundtrack itself served as an inspiration.

With its theme suggested, the music herein fit the bill. Ones imagination will wonder through natural beauties, unscathed by man. Fantastical terrain, treacherous to traverse, yet gazed upon at a distance, from rivers, streams and coastal regions. Here lies no sea sickness, no sense of endless waters and torrential storms but a curious exploration of foreign lands inhabited by illusive natives who watch unseen.

Much of the record traverses the quiet and cautious. Meager in stature yet gratifying upon inspection, its miniature excursions are delightful, however can pass one by if distracted. Between its many soothing, calmer spells erupts the main theme of exploration and glory! These crescendos of strings, with the sounds of waves crashing and harp or flute melodies, converge to create grandiose magnetic spectacles. They command ones attention with their intense brooding and rock steady pace.

The Stormcoast is another remarkable chapter, found early on. It seems the what I would of hoped to be an evolution of the later records is actually here early on, the ability to lead the music into more nuanced spectacles. The melodies and progressions here work wonderfully with the aesthetics for some nostalgic sea baring that doesn't lean heavily on any tropes. Its really tasteful and so well crafted. Bravo!

Rating: 8/10

Rune Realms "Seeking The Lost Castle" (2015)

As master of environmental ambience and subtle suggestion, I next ventured to Rune Realms' early works, to see how insinuations of castle era adventures would manifest. The distinction remains pervasive, a craft imbuing the resonant charm of aesthetics. Ancient plucked instruments, gleaming strings of awe and the foggy lurch of Dungeon Synth keys, all coalesce on spirits of lost majesty among mother natures beauty.

Its opener, Seeking The Lost Castle, dials up intensity and tempo as aching strings and mighty empirical synths cast light on the dawn of kings, queens and castles. Cinematic yet soft, a reoccurring brilliance of multi focal range for ambience and theater guides it well. Ancient Walls Of Stone plunges into foggy ambience at the other end of the spectrum. Between these, a range of varity keeps the music moving.

Its focus's shift too, the pleasantries of fairy-tale adventuring emerge through woodwind and plucked instruments. It arrives with a warm playfulness, protected by the innocence of youth, oblivious to the horrors of warfare that often accompany such places. Equally, distant calls of military and might can be heard when horns and fanfare arrive. Calling through soft murmuring reverberations, they seem like echos.

Occasionally, like on Forgotten Grandeur, tension and foreboding can take hold. Its a rarer occurrence that never veers into darkness and horror. Essentially, casting a rich spell of the era and adventures within from a safe and wondrous space. With its main thematic melody serving as both entrance and departure, the record has a keen phantasmagorical presence, as if conjuring a portal back to a lost moment of time.

Rating: 8/10

Ziggurath "Tales From Southern Realms" (2022)

 

As Dungeon Synth ages, the potential for its maturity and new avenues of evolution is exciting. Despite the possibilities, many branches Ive heard seem a step in front of themselves. The notion and presentation exotic yet execution lacks musical vision. Ziggurath, and the notion of Desert Synth, initially seemed doomed to the latter.

Minimal use of rich tonal virtual instruments, sleepy tambourine and bongo led percussion, the unshakable humanistic choral synths. All too simplistic. My first impressions were as dull and lifeless, as the windswept dunes it was trying to sell.

There are still tracks who's spell seems absent on me. The incessant bird tweet on Assassins In The Courtyard an annoyance. It pulls me from the nightly Ethereal magic, brooding around the saw wave melody, which blossoms into an exotic mystery.

As familiarity settled in, the ancient dusky dune civilizations came to life. Steeped in cultural mystery, lost to the ages, the world building flourished with spurs of foreign instrumental chemistry akin to the delights offered by legends Dead Can Dance.

With ebb and flow, temperaments lull, then pick up pace. A sense of cycle emerges, the lively activity of daytime markets and trade, descending into night as the dangers of moonlit dunes sit softly in the backdrop, awaiting risky adventurous who tempt fate.

The brighter instruments highlight its potent melodies, forging a focal point for the records apt chemistry on this Desert Synth notion. In its calmer spells the minimalism feels lenient on the suggestion but its best sell are the bold, throaty, voicey synths.

They weave in a sense of ritual and spiritual tradition that illuminates a fantasy Egyptian alike culture with esoteric mythology at its core. This is where the record excels, a most gratifying component among a set of songs that work mostly for mood setting. The immersion doesn't quite grab you by the throat but the sell is strong.

Rating: 6/10

Rune Realms "The Snowforest" (2015)

 

Noticing a purposeful theming in both presentation and naming, I decided to pick out this frosty, earlier incarnation by Rune Realms. The Snowforest suffers the shadows of its successors on first impression. Virtual instruments run stiff and seemingly lacking subtleties that eventually blossom as its theme sets in. The embrace is surprisingly calm, summery with a soft stillness. A stoic beauty of awe, a snapshot in time. Setting aside commonly encountered tropes of mother natures harsh cruelties, one observes the timeless majesty of snow blanketed landscapes, dense woods and white fields, forever unchanged in their shiver. Deathly cold, yet here we observe its genuine charm, free from the chains of mortal perils in such severe conditions.

On occasion, the albums steers itself into extended lulls. Deliberate and minimalist it again focuses on noninvasive melodies and chords deliberate in world painting and atmosphere, the strength that Rune Realms offers beyond its counterparts. On this occasion the frosty stillness can be particularly dreary in pace, despite a touch of jollity in its charming aesthetics. This changes with Snow Waltz, a lively piece conjuring gusto to sweep one up into its natural dance. More of this type of tangent on the theme would of been welcome as it explores more possibilities. Despite lacking a curious variety, the record serves its purpose in transforming the minds eye of this listener to vast and awe inspiring landscapes gleaming in the sun, despite the cold.

Rating: 6/10

Rune Realms "Caverns Of Gemfire" (2020)

 

Unlike the aching curiosity and gleams of majestic beauty Secrets Of The Deepwood possesses, Caverns Of Gemfire passes one by with a gently brooding and indifferent unease. Brought about by tensions in softly groaning bass synths, It too lacks a sense of being, intent or presence. The record plays, once again, like scenic explorations. Sites of calm and stillness visited, yet their wonders remain sequestered from contact.

My frame of mind could influence perspectives but I suspect it is not so. Unable to escape the disquiet bass murmurings of Caverns Of A Hidden World, Spire Of Crystal Spirits and Hidden Builders Of Gemstone & Crystal, their is a definite tension reflecting the empty solitude of lonely caves and caverns. Devoid of life and sheltering perilous conditions for such, these atmospheres carry a quiet impersonal hostility.

This darkness fluctuates back and forth with the presence of its plucked instruments. Gleaming harps, crystalized bells and subtle strings of warmth add shimmering spells of mystique to an otherwise cold and inhospitable terrain. One would not wish to be trapped within these spaces, yet through the expression of this crafty musician, another distinct sense of place is arrived upon. Seemingly simple in construct, the emotional magic mother nature provokes is achieved again in auditory form.

Rating: 6/10

Rune Realms "Secrets Of The Deepwood" (2018)

 

Plucked from an abundance of Dungeon Synth, Spotify's algorithm thrust forth an unobtrusive spell of lurking forest magic. Although less than a minute, Call Of The Glow Wisp caught my ear. With marching Harp melodies, complimented by the dance of softly glowing bells, its composition showed a different charm to the typical.

Delving into this brief thirty minute record, one finds a sleepy reminiscence for Fantasy synth interludes, the ones found between swells of more intense music, those moments where respite and reprieve blossom with a gentle counterpart to soothe one.

It seemingly stems from focusing on chemistries that lack a dominant perception. So often does the music drift by in a foggy haze of luscious instruments, ascending and descending the keyboard without a voice or focal melody. Thus the record peers into ambiences where notations seem environmental, as opposed to expressive.

Secrets Of The Deepwood has a subdued magical mood. Wondering through enchanted woodlands, its temperament suspends the beauty of each moment. Songs occasionally peer into a little uneasy curiosity, a hint of mischief afoot. Mostly, it sizzles on a glimmering beauty as a welcoming cast of instruments cast environmental magic.

At times adjacent to atmospheric drones, these short songs conjure a desire for more, as inconsequential Harp, Bell and Flute melodies embellish the foggy rumble of bass and airy synths that provide a firm footing for its design. Im impressed, a niche find for a genre swamped by low effort clones, this one found a way to stand apart.

Rating: 7/10

Old Sorcery "Dragon Citadel Elegies" (2022)

 

In concluding the "castle trilogy", Finnish composer Old Sorcery masters their mysterious craft. Perhaps one to be labeled a modern Dungeon Synth classic, Dragon Citadel Elegies culminates its finest aesthetics for an epic adventure. Woven with elements of Fantasy, Dark Ambience and soft touches of Berlin School electronics, a diverse arsenal of instruments converge on glowing visions. Both its lurches into foreboding darkness and deliriously majestic daydreams find cohesion. Across five mighty songs we explore the peculiar crevasse of an imagination so rich and lucid.

In spellbinding fashion, the grandeur of its themes smother the listener, a fine craft of composition and execution where very minute detail of design seems articulated with brilliance. The balance of intensities, reverberations and tonality of its instruments illuminate otherworldly tunes. This elevation of components seems steeped in unbounded inspirations. The quirkier, playful melodies seem almost Harry Potter akin, as magical bells jostle and chime in nightly gusts of wizardly winds.

Either lurching in cold shadows or bustling through night skies, a zest is always in the air. These paths are well walked as the music bestows a clear vision of fantastical realms home to magics that don't lean into the atypical moods this genre has become accustom with. This has always been a part of what sets Old Sorcery aside. Still growing as a musician, these stunning forty minutes gets at the essence of its identity.

The final song, A Haven, does linger somewhat on its lengthy exit. An intriguing start drifts into its most subdued passageway, however a transition to a final majestic curiosity seems intentional in design. Perhaps leaving us with an appetite for more? Its clear we have been treated to the best offering yet. Who knows what could follow?

Rating: 9/10

Mortiis "Ånden Som Gjorde Opprør" (1995)

 

Enjoying a spontaneous plunge into Dungeon Synth origins, we conclude for now with Mortiis' sophomore record. Released earlier in the same year as Keiser Av En Dimensjon Ukjent, it seems substantially maturer of the two. Mortiis, now professing himself as a Tolkein troll on the albums cover, takes a darker route with the music. Stoic, castly vibes permeate its mellow enchantment, as the former fantasy flutes give way to dusky winds and morose organ tones that lurch with a lingering gloom.

On this outing, the instrument selection is ripe, often dense with brooding strings that overlap, its tones have a crowded space to hide the blemishes of its electronic origins under its fidelity lacking production. The low end is thickened out dramatically and when Orkish militant parades pound their unruly drums, a grand mystique is unearthed, a wondrous mix where the performance's inadequacies embellish its spirit.

This is at least true of En Mørk Horisont, Its five chapters traverse vivid soundscapes of darkly fantasy realms, ushered on by the weighty gravitas of deep gong strikes. Visjoner Av En Eldgammel Fremtid experiments initially. More spoken dialog and breaks in tone has its direction muddied before settling into a predictable pace. It gradually builds grandiosity to a victorious trumpet fanfare in its final three parts.

Of all the Dungeon Synth precursors Ive encountered, this felt the most emblematic of what was to come. Mortiis, clearly inspired by Fantasy and Tolkein, lay down rich foundations for others to build from, that would eventually transform into a scene fifteen years later. I had not studied his works attentively before. Now the link is all to obvious but best of all, his music strides boldly into the imagination with stunning vividness. This is no embryonic endeavor but a fully expressed vision.

Rating: 8/10

Mortiis "Keiser Av En Dimensjon Ukjent" (1995)

Reviving his past aspirations with the recent Spirit Of Rebelion, I sought out a piece of the origin story that inspired so many within the Dungeon Synth scene. As one of the Norwegian musicians earliest incarnations, Keiser Av En Dimensjon Ukjent has strong similarities. Comprised of two twenty minute lengthy halves, split into lesser parts, the pairing adventures journey through naturalist, nostalgic imaginations. A breezy spirit for magical adventure and gentle mystique guide the listener along is pleasantries.

The glimmer of yearning strings and playful flute melodies glides over broodish bass warmth. Occasionally bumbling into gustos of castled might and sampled bellowing voices, the title track sails sweetly in the uplift of its welcoming tone. Mischief is beyond sight, however Reisene Til Grotter Og Odemarker finds a devilish grandeur as mysterious choir tones and rumbling percussive strikes chance a little unease.

Eventually circling back around to its brighter persona, part three embarks on a classic, triumphant deceleration of Orkish nature. Freshly unveiled trumpets roar for battle, as deep drums thump the pacey march to war. Its darkness is one of theatrics, the imagination run wild with a strong whiff of Tolkein steering its sequestered charms.

Its a wondrous piece of music for the time. No doubts I once gave it a listen but never made the connection in my youth. Now its gift to Dungeon Synth seems simply undeniable. A lot of its charm emanates from a flawed human performance. The creeks and groans of imperfection, its natural, organic fidelity, aid the immersion. It masks repetitive structures and highlights the gulf a digital MIDI and VST driven project like Spirit Of Rebelion suffers as a result of lacking these perfect imperfections.

Rating: 7/10

Mortiis "Spirit Of Rebellion" (2020)

Somewhat stiff, direct in execution, Mortiis' so called embrace of Dungeon Synth feels a step behind the ruinous, mystic wonders he helped inspired. Often sighted as a precursor to the movement, the Norwegian musician often remarked indifference to his obvious influences. This castley affair of medieval fantasy pumps might, magic and vitriolic spirit from its bold and cheesy synths. Alongside fractures of foggy, murky key tones, an aesthetic veneer glimmers in its own reflection. The unshaken instep march of looped melodies, perfectly aligned in MIDI notation, evaporates the humanity.

Its first half, A Dark Horizon, toys with the moody abandon. Gentle tempered spirits of estranged worbling VSTs venture on lonely meandering journeys, intermittently struck by thuds and drum strikes. Its lonely, occasionally frightful but mostly shy of striking a nerve. With a barer construct, its repetitions become a blemish of its pristine presentation. Simplistic looping melodies swiftly a gnawing gripe, sucking charm and magic other low fidelity production aesthetics of the genre would offer.

Visions Of An Ancient Future embarks on ambitious conquests. Deep gongs, perpetual echos of militant percussion and a stoic stature march forth with the might of glorious battle horns guiding its way. The shift from esoteric curiosity to kings and castles would make for an interesting record if both halves did not endure the lifelessness of such stiffly executed virtual instrument performances. In a nutshell, appealing ideas but a lack of immersion.

Rating: 4/10