Crag Forge "Forbidden Crags" (2019)

 
Blessed be, either in absence of, or excellence in, the solemn epics of these Forbidden Crags has scratched that itch again. Understanding both purpose and composure, Crag Forge previously felt like a settled matter. Alas, here I venture again, engulfed by these seven enchanting meditations. Deep foggy synths brooding on their unmoving might, the music of mountains still and unconquerable. Earths upheaval of stone, a violent movement of mass on timescales beyond our mortal comprehension.

The music elicits that calm and tranquil nature mountainous terrain evokes. A humbling magic from its dwarfing scale and seemingly eternal presence. Hidden brass melodies lurch in the dense atmospheric bass, like a rumble of clouds clashing into the unshakable landscape. It stands ancient, unending, suggestions of sequestered secrets lining the caverns hidden within. The occasional percussive strikes reinforce this sentiment, the sounds of miners seeking fortune echo through the distance.

Whatever sentiments the music evokes, it plays a wonderous treat for focus and meditative moods. Turn on and dial in. This record has been a wonderful tone setting. Mystic, evocative, natural but most off, safe and comforting, fondly reminding me of adventures on the slopes of rocky beasts. This is certainly one for the focus playlist.

Rating: 6/10

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