- Home
- Welcome
- Community Blog
- JJ's Bizarre Blog #53 - Into the Dungeon of Dreams
Help Wizard
Step 1
Type in your question below and we'll check to see what answers we can find...
Loading article...
Submitting...
If you couldn't find any answers in the previous step then we need to post your question in the community and wait for someone to respond. You'll be notified when that happens.
Simply add some detail to your question and refine the title if needed, choose the relevant category, then post.
Just quickly...
Before we can post your question we need you to quickly make an account (or sign in if you already have one).
Don't worry - it's quick and painless! Just click below, and once you're logged in we'll bring you right back here and post your question. We'll remember what you've already typed in so you won't have to do it again.
FAQs
Please see below the most popular frequently asked questions.
Loading article...
Loading faqs...
Ongoing Issues
Please see below the current ongoing issues which are under investigation.
Loading issue...
Loading ongoing issues...
Help categories
Account & Payment
Using Spotify
Listen Everywhere
JJ's Bizarre Blog #53 - Into the Dungeon of Dreams
- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
Ho, travelers! Come, join me, I have a tale most exquisite to tell you. Across all of the entries of this Bizarre saga, one thing I always wanted to do is introduce you all to some more niche genres and artists you may not have heard about. The power of the internet especially has allowed many niche movements to form and while I'm a far cry from the most ambitious explorers of obscure music, I do know a thing or two. So, today will be the first of I hope many where I introduce you to some niche genres that flourish only thanks to the internet. Today, bouncing off of the previous blog, we will explore an obscure and esoteric tale of castle dwellers who used whatever cheap equipment they had to conjure fantastical tales and take us on journeys to mystical lands. Knowledge that was lost for decades, only to be unearthed and resurrected thanks to the web. Welcome to a tale of dungeons, dragons, castles, mountains, forests, Casios, Rolands, Korgs and Yamahas. Roll for initiative and let's dive into the underground adventures of dungeon synth!
Now, that name alone might give you pause, but the definition really is quite simple. Dungeon synth is an encompassing term for typically ambient music designed to evoke the atmosphere of a fantasy realm and is recorded exclusively with synthesizers, keyboards and computer software. The style is almost always instrumental and most often devoid of percussion as well. Composers use atmosphere, melody and samples to create this air of fantastical mysticism, adventure and wonder, designed to match the vibe of fantasy literature, film and games, especially tabletop roleplay games like Dungeons & Dragons. In more recent times, the genre also pulls heavy influence in terms of sound and presentation from old fantasy computer games as well. A common trait of the genre I have noticed is that a lot of songs also have very long and descriptive titles that help set the scene for the vibe the music is trying to evoke. This simple framework of synth-driven electronic ambient music with a fantasy sound has created a fertile ground for a vast array of ideas to be explored. So let's find out how this ancient grimoire was written!
spotify:track:7LScWEoRy0H7KmkSfBqTPt:small
Dungeon synth's history is quite unique across all music. The first inklings of what would one day be known by this terms started in the Norwegian black metal movement of the early 90s. Many bands such as Emperor, Dimmu Borgir and Satyricon started to incorporate synthesizers into their sound to create a more symphonic vibe. These dark, eerie and mystical tunes played on cheap keyboards are the foundation we're looking for. Today, you may still often hear dungeon synth described as "the intro/interlude track of a black metal album extrapolated to be the whole album" and this is where that comes from. It's odd to think, but in a way, someone like Ivar Bjørnson, who incorporated his skills and passion for synthesizers into his work with Enslaved and Borknagar, is an early pioneer of dungeon synth.
| spotify:track:4Urj9jvYHiUvw5r3Cf9RD2:small | spotify:track:3FWOMuuE913aecyxPGJDac:small | spotify:track:6hPYpAUN3WZ2cWOgbmx4oQ:small |
The other foundational element is the small electronic fantasy music movement right at the turn of the 90s. In particular the work of English composer Jim Kirkwood with its very heavy fantasy elements, especially from Lord of the Rings, and self-styled "Gothic electronica" sound contain many of the stylistic cues that would one day define dungeon synth, albeit with a more synthpop and electronic vibe, showcasing a stronger influence from the German electro/kosmische movement of the 80s.
The first artist to truly pioneer this sound would be Norwegian eccentric Mortiis. Former member of Emperor, he became disillusioned with the sound of black metal, but still liked the aesthetics and tone. So under his name, he released many solo albums that feature this fantastical instrumental style played on vintage synthesizers, where he sought to create this mysterious and expansive tone, while also keeping it dark and moody - very dungeony. Mind you, the term dungeon synth didn't exist yet! This type of music was mostly known as dark ambient and was oft rejected by hardline black metal fans who were waiting for the tremolo riffs and blast beats to start any minute now and were left disappointed when they never did. Nonetheless, with retrospect we can gain appreciation for the grandiose, epic and ambitious compositions Mortiis made during this era that still impress even among the genre of today. As goofy as the man is, he can truly turn a keyboard into a symphony orchestra. Also the fact that his personal label was called "Dark Dungeon Music" was serendipity at that point.
Another early pioneer was the controversial, but unquestionably talented Varg Vikernes and his solo black metal project Burzum. Without going into unnecessary details, Varg found himself in prison and thus without access to his metal instruments and recording equipment. All he got was a single synthesizer and a tape recorder. Nonetheless, the itch to create was too strong and he made do with what he had, creating entire albums with just this and aiming to create the same dense, dark atmosphere that his metal work did. A prison is the closest thing we have to a dungeon today, so you could say this is the most authentic dungeon synth ever made! He appeared to enjoy working in the style too as even after regaining his freedom, he made several more ambient/synth albums that are cornerstones of the genre today!
And that's about how the style was born in the 90s! Beyond the aforementioned, several other rare artists like Depressive Silence, Forgotten Pathways, Secret Stairway, Jääportit, etc. composed such albums, keeping the dark aesthetics and DIY approach of black metal but with an atmospheric synth sound. Extremely underground and only spread through tape trading, as the decade drew to a close, black metal evolved, the big names moved away from it and the less known artists simply faded into obscurity. For ages to come, this tiny gem was left forgotten under the sands of time.
This would change drastically decades later. Suddenly, new artists started to craft a similar sound and through the internet, began to unearth the old, obscure albums from the 90s and sought to immortalize them. Thus, in 2011 on an internet forum, the term dungeon synth was coined to name the new genre. No, seriously, that's how and when the name was born! You can read it yourselves here. Miraculously, the old style was revived and almost evolved itself back into existence!
One spearhead of this would be French enigma Erang. His first albums were the first to be labeled as dungeon synth right out of the gate and became the catalyst of the genre's growth. With the dark imagery of the old style retained, lots of symphonic elements, multilayered and varied songwriting and now a distinct influence from classic video games, Erang crafted an entire fictional universe of the Land of the Five Seasons to captivate his audience. Imagination never fails and he epitomizes that! The fire was lit and the dungeon had been illuminated for the first time in eons. Now, it's time to dive deeper!
From here on, there would be a couple of main directions to take down these catacombs. The first and oldest were the ones sticking to the ways of the oldschool and keeping the black metal legacy alive. Black and white mystical album covers, a dark and atmospheric sound and minimalist songwriting. Not to mention the rough DIY style. By far the most dungeony of dungeon synth, the disciples of the dark arts create soundscapes that are as macabre and brooding as they are beautiful and mesmerizing.
The other path is the epic fantasy path. Similar in approach to the previous, but with usually cleaner production and more uplifting and whimsical style. Retro synth sounds are often replaced with flutes, lutes, fiddles, bagpipes, harps and horns and dense soundscaping with samples of nature sounds like rain, rustling leaves, flowing rivers, birds, frogs, etc. or human sounds like clashing sorts, clunking armour, clattering carriages, galloping cavalry, crackling campfires and more. Sometimes, these atmospheric masterpieces feel like audiobooks without words, simply setting the scene and letting your imagination fill in the details! Sometimes, that's much more fantastical than any pre-written novel could ever be!
The newest path is the video game inspired one. These artists fully embrace the tone, vibe and distinct sound of 90s/2000s fantasy games and seek to replicate that, becoming soundtracks to games that (sadly) don't exist. Also utilizing the distinctly fantasy palette of instruments and sound effects, but taking the deliberate effort to make them sound retro, computerized. Very charming, deeply enthralling and intrinsically nostalgic, these albums are an absolute trip on many levels and can make any moment feel like a grand adventure.
From then on, countless artists came in and dove into this dungeon in search of treasure. The beauty of it is also that while the framework for the genre is simple and straightforward, it also allows for endless expression and creativity. While researching this blog, I truly felt like a scholarly wizard hauled up in my magic tower, pouring over ancient tomes to discover all this esoteric knowledge. I hope you feel compelled to take the plunge too, as it's very rewarding.
Let's look at some of the absolute gems I found on my quest! Starting with none other than the fantasy peak Castlesiege! I already spoke about it once, but I will again. This project's still only album The Council of Trees was my first exposure to dungeon synth and it's still my favourite even after all the discoveries I made. Whoever and wherever you are that made this, please come back, you're deeply missed! It's very retro and synth laden with catchy and poignant melodies on digitized medieval instruments. Probably the most video game-y of all, it's catchy, enveloping and super fun. The trees bring wisdom, solace and strength, so come sit in their shade!
Next is the medieval master Fief, who I also talked about before. His series of albums are the pinnacle of classic fantasy dungeon synth in the modern style, going for a more upbeat and empowering sound. Instead of a dark, damp dungeon, it more befits the warm fireplace of a tavern or the walls of a castle bathed in morning sun. Few inspire the thirst for adventure quite like Fief and to this day, he is unmatched.
I can't not mention one of the other big greats of the genre - Quest Master! With the above two, this to me is the holy trinity of fantasy dungeon synth. QM's work is epic and melancholic, driven by strong, soaring melodies on old synthesizers upon the backdrop of a gentle hiss like on old cassettes. Creating a rich and enveloping atmosphere, these songs can be relaxing, uplifting, adventurous, cozy or introspective.
To this day, his album The Twelve Temples is still one of the greatest of the entire dungeon synth genre and deserves a lot of praise. Every track is a grand adventure you'll never forget. Despite following the oldschool formula to a T, QM's sound is instantly recognizable and like nothing else out there.
Plus in recent times, he expanded into sci-fi territories as well, without compromising any of the qualities that make his music great to begin with!
But how about we go somewhere completely different? For something more oldschool (despite being new), try the whimsical tales of Hole Dweller! With very crunchy, lo-fi production but undeniable quality, all of his music is charming, adventurous and fun. Truly feels like a fairy tale you can partake in. I can definitely imagine that this is what hobbits are jamming to while they're enjoying their days in the Shire.
For something even weirder, how about the boggy, froggy adventures of Tales Under The Oak. More ambient and atmospheric in nature, these unique albums all focus on the stories of the swamp kingdom and the fantastical journeys of the frog people within. A very unique aesthetic indeed and, I don't know how to explain this, but the music just fits perfectly. If I try to imagine the music of "A mushroom kingdom in a swamp, inhabited by frog people", this is exactly what plays in my head. And that is the greatest strength of dungeon synth, the ability to take an aesthetic and give it the perfect soundtrack!
I mentioned earlier that sometimes dungeon synth feels like audiobooks without words. Well, sometimes it's literal, like with Chaucerian Myth's ambitious opus The Canterbury Tales, a massive concept mega-album based on the 14th century story collection of the same name. And it's three and a half hours long! If you really wanna dive into dungeon synth, this is probably the most ambitious and authentically medieval adventure you can quest through!
From here on, dungeon synth would evolve and simple dungeons, castles, forests and mountains couldn't contain it anymore and it journeyed forth into distant and mysterious lands. I already mentioned swamps being a theme and it has become quite recurring with dark and murky melodies proving the perfect fit for a damp, mysterious bog that can hold all kinds of secrets!
If that's too confined for you, you can quest upon the high seas and sail into the unknown in search of distant land. But beware, the sea is perilous and the arrogant ones who challenge it are often never seen again. Rest assured though that through grand journeys and perilous storms, you got the perfect soundtrack for the ride.
But maybe you don't like water, like at all? Well, then sit on your camel and journey through the deserts instead, trekking through the unending dunes and bearing scorching sun and merciless sandstorms to find hidden oases, lost temples and mysterious cities. The desert dungeon synth tunes with their distinct Arab/Middle Eastern vibe will definitely help you push through. Just hope the next watering hole isn't too far away.
If you're like me and you don't handle heat very well, then chill out and stomp through snow instead. Winter wonderlands and mysteries hidden beneath permafrost have always darlings of black metal, so naturally the same has flowed downstream to dungeon synth too, like a cold river in a frigid mountain. Brings some warm clothing and watch your step, for the journey is beautiful, but perilous!
After so much adventuring, you must be tired. Well fear not, for even at this stage dungeon synth has you covered with its charming offspring - comfy synth. Favouring major over minor scale melodies, there is no more adventure here. Just a cozy place to sit by the fireplace, enjoy some brew and reminisce of beloved memories in peace and calm. Relaxing is important and there really is no better backdrop to assist in that!
These are just some of the different aesthetics and tones you can find in dungeon synth. Being a niche internet genre also means that there's plenty of even more niche microgenres within it, created by people that wanted to capture their own very specific passions. Dinosaurs? Mushrooms? Turtles? Neanderthals? Whatever you say, go for it. It seems that with some synthesizers and boundless imagination, anything is possible! Just don't fall into the trap of some metal misinterpreters. Lyrical themes do not define genres and neither do song titles and album covers.
All of this is just some of the variety that you can expect from the realms of dungeon synth! While I tried to go as in-depth as I realistically could here, don't be mistaken, this dungeon goes much much deeper and has many more levels and labyrinthine corridors. This is without even mentioning the artists I couldn't include properly because they're just too obscure and hard to find - Depressive Silence, Secret Stairways, Wongraven, Casket of Dreams, Astra Telepathica, Tholgrimar, Peasant's Respite, Sequestered Keep, Windtower, the list goes on. I'm far from the most seasoned Dungeon Master, but I know my way around. Hopefully you do now to and, more importantly, you're compelled to delve deeper and explore even further!
So there you have it, I think we can wrap up this questline here and get some respite. Dungeon synth is such a fascinating tale. I can't think of any genre that existed as a super underground niche thing, without even a proper name, known by very few, disappeared for decades and then evolved itself back into existence and forged a sizable community thanks to the efforts of scholars of the interweb. Really goes to show the power the net has and what we can achieve when connected worldwide. Dungeon synth as a genre is so enjoyable as well and really nothing else feels like it. I and many others felt like we were looking for this exact style of music for so long, but didn't know what it was even called. These composers are like the modern day equivalents to the classic maestros of yore, but these guys don't have the resources to hire massive symphony orchestras to record their compositions, so they make do with dinky keyboards and old computers. Regardless, the magic and quality is there all the same! What I think really makes this genre special is how it captivates the imagination. You're given all you need to know and then your mind is free to take you on indescribable adventures. Dungeon synth is built on pure vibes and aesthetics, taking iconic imagery and giving it the exact soundtrack we all know it needed. The "synth" part relates not just to the synthesizers used to make it, but in the way it taps into fictional worlds and our innermost fantasies and brings them to life. And with modern tech like Spotify, we can enjoy these journeys anywhere, anytime. So use these songs and take your next D&D session to the next level, but also listen to them on the go and see how even something as simple as a stroll through the park or walking your dog can be a magical experience! Our lives could always use more whimsy and wonder!
spotify:track:0qGSBE1rBeOGr0FEWvF38y:small
Also, I've done something a little different with the playlist this time and I put entire albums of many artists in there for you. So now you can explore these gorgeous adventures in full without having to leave the playlist. Happy Questing! Excelsior!
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Mark as New
- Mark as Read
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Printer Friendly Page
- Report Inappropriate Content