Style: dungeon synth
Primary Emotions/Themes: the mighty lords of the keep of storms
Thoughts: Ever since I learned of Stormkeep I have been fascinated with the band. From their debut EP and the mixture of metal and dungeon synth to the epic first album, the band has consistently released high quality music. With every release there has been a heavy reliance on keyboards and dungeon synth interludes. It's only natural that their second EP would be a full on dungeon synth release.
Lost Relics is a short five song EP that is purely keyboard driven dungeon synth. It reflects the style that was most prominent on their debut EP's keyboard driven sections rather than the more black metal integrated style that was more prominent on Tales of Othertime. These are grandiose, classic dungeon synth tracks that are proud of what they are and do not shy away from their influences.
Those influences come from the classic Norwegian scene.... the founders of the genre. These are a tribute to the dark dungeon music of Mortiis, Summoning, Satyricon, and Wongraven. These are sweeping epics stitched together in such a way that they are individual compositions but fit the larger narrative of the album.
Unlike the older artists in the genre these songs are individually titled and are split up into individual tracks rather than one long one - a small but notable change. The songs also harness that slow epic meandering spirit that so many of the early (and even modern) dungeon synth artists have. Be it the frozen wintertops of a mountain, or the fog drenched valley below, the album vividly portrays vast landscapes where man is no where to be seen.
Lost Relics is likely going to be a one off album for the band. I don't see them going full on dugeon synth again, but who knows? I do know that this foray in to the genre has been quite enjoyable and while they likely won't release a full album dedicated to the style again I do hope that it is well integrated into the next album and continues the bands mighty tradition of paying tribute to the roots of their respective genres.
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