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. |
| 1 |  | Mortiis
Født til å Herske
CLASSIC OLD-SCHOOL // The basics.
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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. |
| 2 |  | Burzum
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 |
| 3 |  | Depressive 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. |
| 4 |  | Lamentation
As Shadow Kingdom Comes To My Sight
NEOCLASSICAL
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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. |
| 5 |  | Vaa
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 |
| 6 |  | Splendorius
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. |
| 7 |  | Fief
III
MEDIEVAL AMBIENT
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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 |
| 8 |  | DIM (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. |
| 9 |  | Borg
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. |
| 10 |  | Jim Kirkwood
Where Shadows Lie
BERLIN-SCHOOL ELECTRONICS
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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.) |
| 11 |  | Mycologia
Assorted Mushrooms of New England
2.)
An entire album dedicated to mushrooms? Yes. The atmosphere of this release feels unreal... magical! |
| 12 |  | Fen 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. |
| 13 |  | Malfet
Alban Arthan
MODERN DUNGEON SYNTH
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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. |
| 14 |  | Umbria
The Sleeping Wizard
2.)
The very same as Malfet. |
| 15 |  | Old 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. |
| 16 |  | Emyn Muil
Afar Angathfark
SUMMONING WORSHIP
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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. |
| 17 |  | Ancient Boreal Forest
Where Dragons Dream
2.)
Percussions are most importante. |
| 18 |  | Dwalin
Sorcery & Might
3.)
...and Tolkien references are mandatory. |
| 19 |  | Basic Dungeon
Perils in the slums scenario 1: the orcs commune
8-BIT, CHIPTUNE
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1.)
If you want to go... really retro, loving the old arcade videogames and such, these are tempting options! |
| 20 |  | Quest Master
The Twelve Castles
2.)
A more "ethereal" style, but still delivers the "glitchy" sounds accompanied by fine reverb and more complex sound. |
| 21 |  | Ice Golem
Quest To The Ice Castle
3.)
Do you still love your old dusty Game Boy Color? |
| 22 |  | Diplodocus
Slow And Heavy
Bonus: DINO SYNTH
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1.)
Just because... |
| 23 |  | Synthosaurus
Gigantic Throne
2.)
...who doesn't like dinos?! |
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