I would sincerely like to thank the artists, their labels and all those who’ve supported the genre throughout our past journey around the sun. Here’s to another year, another dungeon, and the synth-driven relief of time and space!
Gondolin Records
There is a sadness in Miserere that really comes to life thanks to its beautiful, gritty production, hypnotizing repetitiveness, and the use of low, murmuring vocals. While comforting it simultaneously evokes the urge to comfort. A blessing, a curse; a magnificent piece of Dungeon Synth.
Self-released
I’ve already written about the new Earthencloack over here, but can’t stress its importance enough. This is the prototypical, heart-warming, gnome-dominant Dungeon Synth record. If you want to feel jolly and comfortable, but with just a pinch of melancholy, you need to inhale the Pipe Smoke and embrace the Faery Magick.
Out of Season
Dropping at the very end of this year is Fief's fifth endeavor. Harking back to the mildly energetic and uplifting atmospheres of II and III, V stands as another catchy grandstand from this ever-giving mammoth.
Gondolin Records
Following up on the monumental Sharpen Thy Knife, Curse The Sky is not an easy task but Moth Tower managed to pull it off. By losing some of its charmingly naive character, Clavitasian Threshold delivers a more focussed and mature narrative that grabs you from the beginning till the very end.
Heidens Hart
“Dungeon Synth for the true wanderer.” If there’s one thing we need more of, it’s a proper infusion of Berlin School trance-inducing tradition into our dungeons. Atmosfeer is not just a good record; it's a milestone. I would advise this record to both the newcomers and the old garde of the Dungeon Synth genre without even blinking an eye.
Tour de Garde / Out of Season
Being a big fan of both projects, I was delighted to find out they were doing a split this year. Both sides further develop their already established qualities but never feel like completely separate entities; keeping both their own character and the cohesive spirit of this split intact.
Garavluth Records
Strange and Eternal was my first big surprise of 2019. There’s no filler content on this album, whatsoever. Throughout its entirety, Old Sorcery conjures what might be one of my favorite Dungeon Synth experiences so far. A perfect combination of the old and the new; and a bright, bright promise for what's still to come.
So Called Hell
Gently Veiled is one of the most relaxing records I’ve come across this year. Its gentle and calming character makes it easy to drift away in, while it simultaneously provides the right amount of development to keep the listener involved. Combine this with a very fitting production and you've found yourself a gem that deserves to be heard for many years to come.
Gondolin Records
Combining Ulk’s first two EP’s was a stellar move by Gondolin Records. They perfectly complement each other, and the first one seemingly transitions into the second; effortlessly continuing Ulk’s original blend of Dungeon- and Forest Synth. Slow and intriguing, Ulk unleashes a powerful, ongoing energy that is laden with atmosphere and nostalgia.
Citadel Of Sound
Utred's best effort till this date became an incredibly dynamic record that, not unlike Gothic architecture, reaches for the skies. You can read our interview with Utred over here but even better would be to enter Gothic's magical and dynamic realms.
