Fief "VI" (2024)

 

I've raved about prior installation's of Fief's exquisite Medieval Fantasy compositions. Often a niche relegated to background music in RPG games, this artist elevates the sound of antiquated royalty with class. Armed with Lutes, Harps, Bells, Strings and Woodwind instruments, a whirl of jovial melodies rapture the halls and courtyards of monastic reign. Earlier chapters ventured towards natures charm, with softer tones cultivating meditative atmosphere. Over time, a sovereign personality has emerged.

VI arrives unchanged, locked in by dancing merry melodies and an eloquence befitting these nostalgic times' royal grandeur. Sadly, it leaves me with little more to remark on, a fine set of eight arrangements conjuring a soothing mood of simplistic pleasures, dance, chatter, fruits and wines in the presence of kings. With little new to offer, it swiftly becomes a familiar shade of music operating in the backdrop.

Rating: 5/10

Fogweaver "Magelight" (2023)

Working with a typical set of Dungeon Synth keyboard tones, Its clear Fogweaver has mastery of the magic. With no surprises in wait, Magelight charms with its enchanting melodies. Located somewhere at the crossroads of soft esoteric murmurings, mystic natural beauty and joyous adventuring innocence, we arrive as a lonely wandering spirit, set to journey through these soothing sights of wonder, mystique and fantasy.

Amidst a meld of classic synths used by pioneers, familiarity paints itself within a luscious dreamlike production. Deep airy synths and apt reveb casts a mood inducing calmed atmosphere to melt into. Tranquil in spirit, yet cautiously animated, a layering of tuneful instruments and subtleties is delightful to indulge with. Arrangements feel inspired, meaningful, enriched by the visions guiding these artful compositions.

Venturing here after hearing Fogweaver on The Kingdom Is Ours, I found myself immediately persuaded and the magic persisted after numerous spins. Magelight has much to offer, from mystic melodies in scenic settings, to gloomy swells of bewitching fog. Its varying shades conclude with the ambitious Inien, pushing its keys towards noisy terror. A chilling reflection upon the same crashing waves it opened with.

Rating: 7/10

Dame Silú De Mordomoire "A World Of Shadows" (2020)

 

 Introduced via an operatic indulgence on Erang's gloomy levitation Despair, I had to seek out the French singers solo material. Dame Silú De Mordomoire is not just a powerful voice but an enthusiast of Dungeon Synth, composing vivid instrumentals, melding melodic Fantasy and weighty Neoclassical into a Medieval nostalgia. A World Of Shadows plays through diverse shades of imagination, venturing upon unique constructs shaped by deeply dramatic singing. Its a worldly experience tinged in a lightly Gothic veneer. unlike much I've heard before it. Perhaps the esoteric leaning Dead Can Dance arrangements with Lisa Gerrard may come close.

Its strengths are varied, Fantasy elements toy in the dance of bright, playful instruments exchanging melodies yet rarely a fresh delight. Its the brooding stretches of dark and empirical tunes that dazzle. Grim Banners a keen example of militant led percussion heard before yet her deep bellowing voice finds a fresh touch of magic. From heavenly and Ethereal, she descends into solemn emotions, epic, sorrowful and weighty. On occasion, even turning to ghostly apparitions and Orcish growls.

Given the albums diverse nature, moods do chop and change, pivoting between songs. Subsequently its special chemistry in voice and instrumental feel fractured upon the records flow. I'm left fascinated by the darkly compositions yet stumped with a sense that a higher grandiose lays in weight. A strange reaction to such a stroke of brilliance with a stale genre. Maybe it speaks volumes to my personal fatigue, or perhaps Erang plucked some of that yearning charm on their duo Despair.

Rating: 7/10

Dead Can Dance "Anastasis" (2012)

Returning from a lengthy sixteen year hiatus, no fresh spark of light, or flash of genius awaits us. Instead, Anastasis plays as an amalgamation of the duo's best cultural aesthetics and voicings. All eight songs bestow simple, gratifying song structures. Luscious clear instrumentation enables layers of satisfying melodies to link together on introspective meditations. Mellow tempos, broody baselines and aromatic synths let an array of worldly instruments peruse on flavorful, exotic paths.

From the offset, no distinct sense of historical or societal vision for these songs emerges. The vastness of Worldbeat influence converges on unique spaces, almost fantastical in their pleasing persuasion. A steady flow of tuneful notation, funneled through the sounds of distant instrumental heritage, lets their natural songwriting strengths become a dominate force, leaving space for imagination to fill the gaps.

The duo's voices still charm a delicate delight, another dimension of worldliness mysteriously woven in. Gerrard is exceptional, her performances on Anabasis & Agape help sway a deserty Middle-Eastern mystique. Perry on the other hand, a delight yet lacking cultural unity with the instrumentation. At times it as if the modern, spotless nature of its production holds back a clear vision. Perhaps a little lower-fidelity aesthetic could of enabled some healthy nostalgia. Either way, I love this for what it is. Fantastic songs finding new spaces out of old ideals.

Rating: 7/10

Erang "The Kingdom Is Ours" (2024)

 

 Now over twenty albums deep, one might suspect familiarity to dominate first impressions. What awaits within, is quite a humbling surprise. Wonderment and novelty return as Erang unites the Dungeon Synth scene on a gallant stride to glory. The Kingdom Is Ours plays as a love letter to the shared passions among his peers. Its title reflects a unity tied into the realms of imagination led kingdom lore.

Pulling in both legends Mortiis, Depressive Silence, Jim Kirkwood and contemporaries into the fold, nine of its thirteen songs play in collaboration with a fondness, steady paced and endearing. Together, the spooky realms meander by in a stiff nostalgic peculiarity, a whimsical stroll through ancient fantasy melodies of shadow and wonder.

Acting alone, Erang's solo efforts feel expectant. Yet Heroes takes a bold stride upon a scenic frenzy of bellowing percussive strikes and gong strikes delivering warring drama. A grabbing moment, bi-polar to the luscious aquatic lullaby of Isles. Its beachy sound design and exotic steely lead synth deliver a melancholic warmth over these endearing and serine plucked acoustic guitars. Its a firm highlight of mine.

The collaborative peak is undoubtedly with Dame Silú de Mordomoire, who flips one of Erang's classically eerily bleak and emotionally morose indulgences on a dime. With her arrival... transformation, a beautifully graven gushing of sorrow unloads. Her deep operatic voice replaces the viola halfway in unleashing a brilliance held within.

Other notable indulgences include moments of scratchy low-fidelity embrace. One with Hedge Wizard, an unraveling of ghostly groans and fiendish shivering guitar leads. The other with Fief, on the albums title track. Its baroque, royal fantasy vibes so expectant yet mutated into a fierce Summoning alike Black Metal stint, lined with drums from the deep, howling screams and Tolken inspired spoken word segments.

This has felt like a special moment in Dungeon Synth, a scene which for me has become tired. As a spark of light in the dark, this union of artists birthed some much needed freshness. Mostly, it played like a love letter to craft and community, a revel in shared creative obscurity. Its been an intriguing moment to celebrate, also introducing me to a handful of new names to investigate!

Rating: 8/10

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

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

Myrkur "Ragnarok" (2023)

 
Danish outfit Myrkur had a busy 2023. Not only Spine but this TV show soundtrack too. Surprisingly, Ragnarok is the more straightforward of the two. Rocking rural stints of Heathen Metal, guitars frequently drop in with overdriven power chords, chunky rhythms and a touch of Doom Metal lurches. Bruun's Scandinavian tongue roots its viking feeling when in spoken demeanor, her ascensions into charming sung passes feel like a softly symphonic charm to dress up the rather dirty, gritty guitar tones.

Each Metal song alternates with an orchestrated alternative, softer instrumentation, often keyboards, pianos and strings. Odins Sang offers a Nordic folk chant over primitive percussion. For the mesmerizing Modgunns Tema, a different direction. Deeply calming, mysterious and natural, the gentle lonely notes that glimmer in its lingering reverb feel like a tribute to first light over a pristine snow swept forest.

This shuffling variety is refreshing, creating quite a journey. Initially I was drawn to its softer side but the Metal tracks have a charm in their simplicity. The aesthetic is spot on for conjuring pagan visions and rural hardships worshiping ancient gods. Its subtly impressive and a firm reminder of why I'm still interested in what they might do next. Although completely fitting, Ragnarok is still candidly bewitching, even more so Spine.

Rating: 7/10

Bal-Sagoth "The Power Cosmic" (1999)

 

Scouring the web for more unturned stones within Symphonic Black Metal, I found my way to fellow Brits Bal-Sagoth. Although not akin to my favored Dimmu Borgir incarnation, The Power Cosmic has been a lively listen! It possibly representing the band in their best stride, with an aesthetic production scaling a welcoming clarity.

Far from the dark depths of Black Metal's reach, its extreme nature, felt through bombarding drums, bombastic orchestration and howling screams, would feel unfitting elsewhere. The musics core characteristics are Fantasy and Epic in nature, weaving big symphonic adventures akin to the likes of recent discovery Fairyland.

Bal-Sagoth's identity lacks a distinction beyond the merits of its various textures and intensities, sticking firmly inline with much of the Fantasy music I've heard before. Its array of synthesized instruments emulate triumphant trumpets and battle horns in aggressive strides. Harps and stringed sounds deliver the swashbuckling adventurous melodies. Behind it all, a soft, ever present glow of choral airy synths.

The rhythm section mostly acts as a sturdy foundation. Lead guitars erupt into the music frequently with squeals and creative arrangements to add an expression less rigid than its symphonic counterparts. Its all stitched together with touches of Progressive Rock influence as the band shake up their own blueprints on occasion.

Overall the experience rarely transcends a sense of expectancy dark fantasy styling offers. Great as an album to serve a mood but lacking stand out moments. Its mostly a pleasant dazzle of upbeat, gleaming instruments sounding off battle-cries. At forty minutes, The Power Cosmic is a lean and concise offering, shy of true glory.

Rating: 6/10

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

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

Rune Realms "The Fate Of Atlantis" (2016)

 

Seeking a record for the next step in our Rune Realms journey, The Fate Of Atlantis caught my eye with its soft pastel colors and suggestion of thematic departure from nature driven inspirations. The title too resonated, sharing name with a classic MS-Dos Indiana Jones game from my childhood. Had I payed closer attention to the attributions given bottom of its album art, I would of known the echos of that timeless, classic movie theme song, were not my own impositions on the music itself.

Upon learning this, the sparkle of adventure waned, as research revealed most, if not all, of the music here is built upon the MIDI soundtrack for the 1992 computer game. I was curious to see how this artist would handle myth and legend through the lens of a cultural, human setting. Instead, what was experienced was that of another. One I had technically enjoyed as a child, however, no dusty memories were unearthed.

The project, however conceived, has been a pleasant companion. Its shifts in temperament stir the spirits of adventure as moseying lulls and cautious tensions seem to hold over the mythical curiosity. Soft, luscious instruments gently guide one from mundane to mystical as its individual songs cut into moments of discovery and intrigue. The pacing is apt, a smooth, subtle journey conjuring great wonders.

Horns, strings, bells, harps and trumpets all have their moments, yet meld with a warm cohesion, giving the record an easy flow through its impressions both suited for ones attention and the background. The mystique isn't overt or over powering and perhaps suggestion has its power over where the imagination goes but overall its a fine experience for intended theme. A record worth returning to on occasion!

Rating: 7/10

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