Dungeon Synth is a niche music genre that conjures an enchanting blend of ambient, fantasy, and medieval atmospheres. Emerging as an offshoot of black metal in the early 1990s, it has since grown into a standalone genre with a dedicated fanbase.
These original Dungeon Synth producers did not have access to or the budget for orchestras and ethnic instruments like Lutes and Violins so they grabbed their synthesisers and began to create.
Origins of Dungeon Synth
Born from the ambient interludes of black metal albums, Dungeon Synth retains the darker, mystical tone of Black Metal.
Early examples include Burzum’s ambient tracks and Mortiis' pioneering solo works (see below).
During the 90s Dungeon Synth began to crystallize as a distinct genre, moving away from its purely black metal origins to explore unique musical narratives.
Characteristics of Dungeon Synth
You can easily define Dungeon synth using these characteristics:
- Atmospheric and Lo-fi Sound: Often produced with intentionally low production quality to create nostalgia for those days of cassette tapes.
- Medieval and Fantasy Themes: Inspired by medieval folklore, fantasy literature, and RPG games.
- Synth-Based Instrumentation: Predominantly relies on synthesizers to emulate orchestral sounds, such as strings, flutes, and choirs.
- Minimalistic and Repetitive: Focuses on simple, loop-based compositions that build an immersive mood rather than complex structures.
- Melancholic and Dark Tones: Frequently conveys a sense of melancholy, mystery, or foreboding.
- Connection to Black Metal: Originated as an offshoot of black metal, often created by black metal musicians as a side project.
- Artwork and Imagery: Album covers often feature medieval landscapes, castles, or illustrations that evoke a fantasy setting. Like classic comic books of the 70s.
- Slow Tempo: Emphasizes a slow pace to create a contemplative or immersive experience.
- Nostalgia and Escapism: Designed to transport listeners to otherworldly, ancient, or mythical realms.
Essential Listening for Beginners
To get started, check out these pivotal artists and albums:
- Mortiis – Anden som Gjorde Opprør (One of the genre’s founders)
- Burzum – Daudi Baldrs (Influential black metal offshoot)
- Depressive Silence – Demo I (A classic example of early Dungeon Synth)
- Fief – III (A modern take on medieval-inspired soundscapes)
The Modern Dungeon Synth Scene
Dungeon Synth has experienced a revival in recent years, thanks to platforms like Bandcamp, Reddit, and niche music forums. The community on these platforms is thriving; new artists, subgenres like Forest Synth and Winter Synth, and a global audience captivated by its escapist charm.
I created my first Dungeon Synth artist, Dryad's Grove, out of a desire to create my own fantastical world and combine my love of cinematic, ambient, and fantasy music.
Why is Dungeon Synth so Awesome?
The DIY aesthetic of Dungeon Synth has meant that many artists self-produce their music, bringing independence and creative freedom to their work.
Dungeon Synth is more than music—it's a portal to another world. Whether you're a fan of fantasy literature, medieval history, or immersive soundscapes, this genre offers a unique listening experience that’s both nostalgic and transformative.
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