One of the greatest artists to emerge from the bloated Dungeon Synth scene, Old Sorcery blazes a trail of excellence, transforming decrepit dusty nostalgia and esoteric ethereal fantasy beyond the bare bones bedroom composer of contemporaries alike. From the impressive Berlin School tinged origins of Realms Of Magickal Sorrow to a visionary Dragon Citadel Elegies, Old Sorcery has been a delight to venture with.
Highly anticipated yet a curiously slow burn, The Escapist arrives as another exploration of familiar realms whilst not trying to repeat oneself. Its a quality I admire, each new record feels like a transformative step to new territory, without shedding ones admittedly amorphous identity. Old Sorcery has a distinction learned through repetitious indulgence rather than overt aesthetics or musical particulars.
This "slow burn" comes fueled by its atmospheric beginnings. Dethrone Reason, Crown My Heart opens, setting lofty goals. A grand yet sluggish snare kick groove ushers in epic, alongside salient guitar leads and quirky esoteric synths. Proceeding, the next few tracks delve into various sculptures of immersive aura. Ambience reigns supreme, as sound design and aesthetic craft mesmerize with ambiguous intent.
Gem Hoarder Goblin shifts gears. Its toying melodies conjure mischief and mystique, befitting of its title. From Dungeon Synth to Orchestra, its second act switches up the instrumental pallet for a scenic painting of animated events. A dazzling set of classical instruments transmit the intentions of this cave dwelling beast. One can almost see a stage inhabited with actors performing a play. Its a wonderfully vivid moment.
At The Wayfarer's Lantern shows off an impressive step into nostalgic rural Folk, eventually melding its pastoral antiques with otherworldly synths, orchestrating enchanted magics into the past. Starlit Belfry Tower comes with a touch of dreaminess through its bells and lullaby nature. Again the progressive touch never settles for repetition as the song broods through a quirky synth phase so distinctly Old Sorcery.
The we close with Immortal Passion. A gentle build to distant yet mighty adorning synths casts a spell. Like a timeless sunset, the last inches of light reach before an enteral night. The composition is wonderful, venturing us into dusk, building through familiar motifs. Then the sudden pivot, we are lunged into a soft Black Metal conjuring of dual tremolo guitar distortion tension that never finds the shift it suggests is coming.
Instead we fade out to a few audible moans and groans, suggestive of a characters perspective. Its a strange ending, not quite gratifying yet immense in its build up. It suggests a missing piece where Dragon Citadel Elegies hit every beat perfectly. Another brilliant record however, I will enjoy this for many moons to come.
Rating: 8/10