garas
Gary
Contributor

Reviews 63
Soundoffs 1,340
News Articles 64
Band Edits + Tags 835
Album Edits 1,036

Album Ratings 2721
Objectivity 80%

Last Active 01-01-70 12:00 am
Joined 01-01-70

Review Comments 7,649

 Lists
12.30.22 Bests of 2022 with garas 09.29.22 garas's 5th sputversary: things I've le
05.04.22 I need more "disco beat black metal"01.09.22 1000 soundoffs milestone
12.17.21 Grump's 2021 11.26.21 Best non-LPs of 2021
07.24.21 Non-2021 discoveries05.21.21 Black Metal and Dungeon Synth 2021
03.03.21 King Gizzard 🆚 Lizard Wizard01.21.21 Grump + the 2k ratings and double 666 p
01.07.21 PENTAGRAM - in depth12.16.20 Grump's cassette / vinyl additions to c
12.08.20 Grump's 2020 part II12.04.20 Grump's 2020
11.18.20 Getting into dungeon synth? 10.20.20 Judas 🆚 Judas
01.21.20 My 100 most favourite songs 01.09.20 DUNGEON SYNTH 2020
More »

Getting into dungeon synth?

I put a few albums together to represent different styles within the genre. Hopefully this could be a good start for those who might be interested but still unsure where to start.
1Mortiis
Født til å Herske


CLASSIC OLD-SCHOOL // The basics.
---------------------------------------------------
1.)
Of course there is no start without Mortiis. Kicked out from Emperor, the hag-nosed creep created enchanting melodies on a synth. One of the greatest inpsiration for artists later.
2Burzum
Hlidskjalf


2.)
Other than the other essential ambient tracks on the famous black metal albums, the prison-era albums were also a huge influence for the genre. The album behind the unspeakable title is an interesting one, but it represents *that* certain atmosphere very well.
"Don't be turned off by this album because of his previous ambient effort, Hlidskalf is a relaxing, awe inspiring piece of ambient art, and is perfect for sleeping or just chilling out." - Angmar
3Depressive Silence
Depressive Silence II


3.)
Also known as "Mourning", the German duo's material is probably the most well-respected and admired discography within the genre. If there is an album I want to give a 6/5 rating, then this is the one.
4Lamentation
As Shadow Kingdom Comes To My Sight


NEOCLASSICAL
----------------------
1.)
The very source of it: Lamentation. Church organ and piano - the Greek duo's very simplistic yet effective approach is still unmatched, and there is no other music which could create such a grim and mysterious aura like theirs. A Halloween essential.
5Vaa
Ur sägen och hävd


2.)
If Howard Shore would write dungeon synth...
"It's gorgeous, triumphant DS. It's like the soundtrack of an old epic tale." - dedex
"Yeah this is clearly some of the best DS-type music I've heard. Wonderfully cinematic, and knows to keep things short." - Bedex
6Splendorius
From the Ashes


3.)
When neoclassical dungeon synth reaches a certain point where it is barely distinguishable from "real" classical music... If you like epic cinematic soundtracks, you'll like this.
7Fief
III


MEDIEVAL AMBIENT
-----------------------------
1.)
Lively, mellow melodies to lift your spirit. Fief is a personal favourite of mine, embodies the escapism I adore. If you liked the Witcher's soundtrack, you'd very probably love this too.
"...a very dreamy atmosphere which makes it a perfect companion while looking outside your window." - manosg
8DIM (CA)
Compendium I


2.)
Basically the same as Fief, but a bit more "serious". DIM expresses more feelings and different moods still operating whilst re-imaging old medieval melodies. Oh: sometimes with enchanting vocals.
9Borg
The Sacred Mound


3.)
100% medieval / renaissance music. You don't hear such thing very often: the Swede bard re-creates the medieval feeling with the most "real" way. In like 90% of the time you hear real instruments in this project, where the synths stand only as the "spine" of the music.
10Jim Kirkwood
Where Shadows Lie


BERLIN-SCHOOL ELECTRONICS
-----------------------------------------------
1.)
The very retro vibes and the ever-flowing music of Jim Kirkwood is legendary. This might be a good start for those who favor electronic music over ambient. (Lame use of words, I know, but it is the best way to present it.)
11Mycologia
Assorted Mushrooms of New England


2.)
An entire album dedicated to mushrooms? Yes. The atmosphere of this release feels unreal... magical!
12Fen Walker
Sojourns in the Realm of the Undermoon


3.)
A bit more mixed in style (folk, droney soundscapes and metal here and there, for example), but it represents very well the fact that Berlin-school electronic music can be mixed with almost anything.
13Malfet
Alban Arthan


MODERN DUNGEON SYNTH
----------------------------------------
1.)
Back to the roots, but with a modern edge: basically combining the old-school synth sounds with some neoclassical in an uplifting and relaxing way. Malfet might be sput's most favourite dungeon synth artist, and there is a good reason behind it.
14Umbria
The Sleeping Wizard


2.)
The very same as Malfet.
15Old Sorcery
Realms of Magickal Sorrow


3.)
A more mixed style, with hints of Berlin-school and other electronic genres, meanwhile staying respectful towards the old-school ways. Old Sorcery is one of a kind artist, but definitely an artist I can highly recommend to anyone.
16Emyn Muil
Afar Angathfark


SUMMONING WORSHIP
------------------------------------
1.)
The tag says it all: if you want something epic and close to atmoblack, this might be the style you may want to check.
17Ancient Boreal Forest
Where Dragons Dream


2.)
Percussions are most importante.
18Dwalin
Sorcery & Might


3.)
...and Tolkien references are mandatory.
19Basic Dungeon
Perils in the slums scenario 1: the orcs commune


8-BIT, CHIPTUNE
-------------------------
1.)
If you want to go... really retro, loving the old arcade videogames and such, these are tempting options!
20Quest Master
The Twelve Castles


2.)
A more "ethereal" style, but still delivers the "glitchy" sounds accompanied by fine reverb and more complex sound.
21Ice Golem
Quest To The Ice Castle


3.)
Do you still love your old dusty Game Boy Color?
22Diplodocus
Slow And Heavy


Bonus: DINO SYNTH
----------------------------
1.)
Just because...
23Synthosaurus
Gigantic Throne


2.)
...who doesn't like dinos?!
Show/Add Comments (41)

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS // CONTACT US

Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Site Copyright 2005-2022 Sputnikmusic.com
All Album Reviews Displayed With Permission of Authors | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy