Author: Kaptain Carbon

Morgued – Demo [US, Death] (2020)

Standard

Self Released | 11-2-20

This demo is really only a little over 7 minutes though I feel it is just long enough to make its point. Morgued is dedicated to the splatter sounds of old death metal and while that isn’t new territory for a lot of bands, this Boston based two piece comes with the trajectory of a right cross and what the band lacks in length, they make up for in ferocity. This debut demo is dedicated to the scrawled sketches of violent sci fi which aside from being adorned with clips from Starship Troopers, oozes a reverence to gritty futurism that is most likely filled with aliens.

Nameless King – Downfall Of Drangleic [US, Dungeon Synth] (2020)

Standard

Gondolin Records | 10-27-20

Downfall of Drangleic comes in a group of four new releases from Gondolin Records. I have talked before and even expressed my undying loyalty to a label that not only showcases quality artists but frames each releases with visual cohesion. I know what a Gondolin Record release looks like as I know what a Realm of Sleep record looks like. A visual aesthetic is something I adore as I feel these releases are apart of a family and Nameless King steps out to not only be a strong release from Gondolin records but one of the better releases this year. Mournful yet airy, Downfall of Drangleic carries the burden of a thousand years of grief in a haunting record that is polarized in its emotions. I want to feel relaxed butthere is this lingering sandess which greys out the world around me.

Various Artists – The Reliquary of Terror [International, Dungeon Synth] (2020 )

Standard

Wrought Records | 10-24-20

This is fun. I feel it necessary to highlight the fantastic design for the Reliquary of Terror as I am a fan and practitioner of mimicking distressed media covers. This release boasts a pulp book cover and the flair which surrounds this releases is truly outstanding. the design is the first thing which greats the listener which is immediately followed by an ushering into a world of neon horror. The roster for this compilation is a cadre of electronic luminaries mainly from the dungeon synth scene with a wider scope. Cimitir, ElixiR, Erythrite Throne, Vaelastrasz
Casket of Dreams & Xasthur and the The IXth Key all dawn costumes, and sometimes come as themselves, for a compilation of frightful merriment. Dark ambient, synthwave, and things which sound like 70’s horror movie soundtracks all decorate the halls of this castle turning a once grim atmosphere into something more fun and engaging. Halloween is the celebration of all things dark but with a playful atmosphere and the passion of these artists and record label to do a one off compilation with an ensemble befitting of the fanfare.

Malfet – Alban Arthan [US, Dungeon Synth] (2020)

Standard

Dungeon Deep Records | 10-2-20

At this point, I do not have to introduce Dungeon Deep Records as this US(?) label has been one of the more consistent and professional tape labels for dungeon synth in recent memory with a catalog of stellar releases that not only build upon the style’s pas but lay the groundwork for its future. Malfet is another entry into that chapter with their fourth record into what they call “pastoral dungeon synth.” I feel this is a perfect name for a style of dungeon synth that is warm but sweeping in its scope. Rather than relegated to a cottage of cozy fire, Malfet’s music rolls over hills in both sunshine and rain questing towards adventures far away from here. Malfet’s vision and ambition is large leading to theatric music videos which could seen ostentatious if not backed up by some outstanding music which is perhaps one of the better releases this year.

Hammer Crime – MMXX [Canada, Black / Thrash / Punk] (2020)

Standard

Self Released | 10-16-20

Hammer Crime is strange and wonderful all at once. Resting at a confluence of black, thrash, punk, and groove metal, this Canadian band makes a demo that really just is an ugly brick thrown into your window. Now will I say all of this is refined and perfect? Absolutely not. Is it effective in its window smashing and ability to command attention? Yes. Look at all of this glass. From name, to sound, to just general vibe, Hammer Crime is delinquent in its behavior and probably shouldn’t be trusted around sharp objects or flammable materials.

Amok Weg – Amok Weg [Spain, Dungeon Synth] (2020)

Standard

Self Released | 10-8-20

Amok Weg was something I found just paging through the new pages of dungeon synth releases. It was not on the new and notable page and was somewhat buried under albums with physical releases. Maybe it this had a tape release people would be excited. I know I would. Amok Weg is from Spain which usually isn’t the first 5 places one thinks about when thinking of dungeon synth but it is nowhere near the last. What struck me about Amok Weg was the grey path the artist walked through bleak darkness and illuminated majesty. Cast in shadows yet with definition, the self titled from Amok Weg offers its listeners a range of emotions and atmospheres that does look to depress or sooth rather something else entirely.

Dust Drinker – Sky Burial [US, Ritual Ambient / Noise] (2020)

Standard

Self Released | 10-7-20

This fits in both camps for this blog and possibly neither. I do not know if this album is correctly tagged as ritual ambient but the Bandcamp used the tag “ritual” and I am going to run with it. Ritual ambient has been an interest for me partially due to its nebulous nature. Caught between drone, noise, and dark ambient, the style has been noted for its spiritual undercroft combed with a pageantry for the bizarre and supernatural. I have no way of knowing if Dust Drinker’s Sky Burial possesses these qualities but its songs regarding death and passage is certainly in the correct unsettling ballpark. With a churning drones and a rattling cacophony, Sky Burial is less an album and more of a call from the ether. I do not know if this possesses the spiritual natural akin to most ritual ambient but it certainly is possessed.

DIM – Compendium III [Canada, Dungeon Synth / Medieval] (2020)

Standard

Self Released | 10-5-20

I can remember in 2017 when the first Compendium was released and I was flabbergasted at the quality of the work. DIM was truly monumental in its craft for medieval folk and fantasy ambient. I almost feel silly forgetting about this artist until someone told me about the third compendium and the addition of tapes for all three volumes. What I expected was another romp in the meadows of dungeon synth that was no more challenging than a light breeze carrying the smell of lilacs. What I got instead was a journey under the mountains with a release that is akin to quests in the underdark encountering strange nd mystical sounds of genres which lay dormant. If one would like to experience the journey in its full scope, the passage between the three compendiums is astounding with the third volume the most grand in its scope. Folk beats, new age tendencies, and electronic fetishes roil from dark caverns allows Compendium III to be a declarative statement on the future of medieval synth. I have no idea where this sound is going and I am keeping close to the composer as they lead me through the passages under the mountain.

Taurwen – A Wind Blows from the Mountain of Death [Turkey, Dungeon Synth] (2020)

Standard

Self Released | 7-5-20

I usually do not like to include geographical location when discussing dungeon synth at least in the fact of it being novel. Dungeon Synth, I feel transcends regional locations to a place far away from wherever one would be born. Taurwen’s distinction of being from Turkey is a fact but is heighted by their claim of being the only composer of dungeon synth in the country. Upon looking into it, it seems the other composer, Tir, was originally from Turkey but since moved to Australia. In fact, it would be fitting to know the two know each other and Tir mastered this record. Dungeon synth’s strength among the community is egalitarian access to not only the music but music to fans and the fat the music is making its way to places not originally known for bedroom synth is impressive.

It would be odd for me to praise the composers background and say little about the music. In fact it would be strange for this album’s only strength being the composers country of origin. A Wind Blows from the Mountain of Death is not only a strong debut, it is one of the better releases in recent memory with both an air of sadness which creeps along rolling hills in fog ridden mornings. The Mountain of Death feels distance and its wind which blows is not oppressive rather it hangs in the air as a constant reminder of its melancholy. Country of origin aside, this is a stellar debut for fans of classic dungeon synth in the vein of Wongraven, Mortiis, and Depressive Silence. Fantastic work from an artist that can honestly claim “the best dungeon synth artists from Turkey” by odd circumstance.

Gorephilia – In the Eye of Nothing [Finland, Death] (2020)

Standard

Me Saco un Ojo Records | 10-2-20

It is difficult not to get excited about this sort of thing. Death metal has been through its trails and tribulations for years with subtle niches and styles for any discerning listener. In fact, if one would like to hear a spectrum of death from the very bloody to the more abstract, they need not look far. Gorephilia, despite its name sake, resides in the middle of this spectrum with traditional death metal that is here for the sole purpose of playing riffs into the void. In the Eye of Nothing is the bands third release and despite some minor recognition at on end of year lists by internet users, the band has yet to break into the the larger public sphere. Perhaps this record, which is full of looming horror will do the trick. I am certain it has for me.

Continue reading