Black Metal

When the first volumes of Steven Erikson’s “Malazan Book of the Fallen” were published it became clear that the term “Epic Fantasy” had just been redefined. Even the works of J.R.R. Tolkien or G.R.R. Martin did not share the sheer size and complexity of the world Erikson had created. “Echoes of Battle” is the debut album of this newcomer band from Utah/USA, and their songs are the Epic Black Metal interpretation of Erikson’s Malazan books, not unlike what a certain band from Austria created for Tolkien’s Middle Earth. In fact, when you listen to “Echoes of Battle” for the first time you might think you’re listening to the new album of that certain band from Austria, simply because Summoning defined this very style, let’s keep calling it Epic Black Metal, 17 years ago on their “Minas Morgul” album and since then no other band has managed to reach the pinnacle of perfection Summoning held ever since. Until now. What distinguishes Caladan Brood from a mere copycat is their ability to take what worked for Summoning and then add their own trademarks to it, such as clean male vocals and choirs or actual guitar solos, and forging all of this into something truly majestic, thus redefining the term Epic Black Metal in their own unique way, just like Erikson redefined Epic Fantasy with his books. And while it’s obvious that Summoning have been a tremendous influence for Caladan Brood, for those of you who, like myself, were waiting in vain for a new Summoning album and by now are ready to welcome an heir to the throne, for you “Echoes of Battle” may well turn into a 71 (!) min eargasm because it simply can’t get any better than this. Everything on this release, the fantastic music, the great vocals, the massive sound, the attention to detail, the beautiful artwork by Albert Bierstadt, the poetic lyrics, everything works in tandem to create an album that will be enjoyed by fans of this style for years to come, and may even end up in many all-time faves lists. It really is that good! Now, if your head is spinning from all the superlatives I’m throwing at you, consider the fact that we’re talking about a band’s debut album here, two youngsters that appeared out of nowhere, without a demo or any previous sign of life. Realize the level of perfection.

Black Metal / Dungeon Synth

Depressive Silence was founded by RAL & B.S. from Mightiest in 1994. The band is one of the cult acts and forerunners of the Dungeon Synth genre alongside Mortiis and Jim Kirkwood.

Back then, the genre wasn’t even called Dungeon Synth yet, and only later got that monicker, probably named after Mortiis’ label Dark Dungeon Music. At first it was just Dark Ambient. Nonetheless it was already something special in that it combined elements from Black Metal (more visually and thematically rather than musically) and fantasy into a new style that appealed to some Black Metal fans as well as those who preferred keyboard music and role playing games. Once the name Dungeon Synth had been established the appeal to (Black) Metal fans became much greater and the genre really took off, with Depressive Silence as one of the most beloved and well known bands of this rapidly growing genre.

Black Metal / Dungeon Synth

Depressive Silence was founded by RAL & B.S. from Mightiest in 1994. The band is one of the cult acts and forerunners of the Dungeon Synth genre alongside Mortiis and Jim Kirkwood.

Back then, the genre wasn’t even called Dungeon Synth yet, and only later got that monicker, probably named after Mortiis’ label Dark Dungeon Music. At first it was just Dark Ambient. Nonetheless it was already something special in that it combined elements from Black Metal (more visually and thematically rather than musically) and fantasy into a new style that appealed to some Black Metal fans as well as those who preferred keyboard music and role playing games. Once the name Dungeon Synth had been established the appeal to (Black) Metal fans became much greater and the genre really took off, with Depressive Silence as one of the most beloved and well known bands of this rapidly growing genre.

Black Metal / Dungeon Synth

Depressive Silence was founded by RAL & B.S. from Mightiest in 1994. The band is one of the cult acts and forerunners of the Dungeon Synth genre alongside Mortiis and Jim Kirkwood.

Back then, the genre wasn’t even called Dungeon Synth yet, and only later got that monicker, probably named after Mortiis’ label Dark Dungeon Music. At first it was just Dark Ambient. Nonetheless it was already something special in that it combined elements from Black Metal (more visually and thematically rather than musically) and fantasy into a new style that appealed to some Black Metal fans as well as those who preferred keyboard music and role playing games. Once the name Dungeon Synth had been established the appeal to (Black) Metal fans became much greater and the genre really took off, with Depressive Silence as one of the most beloved and well known bands of this rapidly growing genre.

Dungeon Synth

When Depressive Silence split up and RAL & B.S. created their individual Dungeon Synth projects, B.S. founded Solanum and RAL founded Gothmog. So these were the follow-up projects of Depressive Silence back in the 90s, and their releases are also being reissued by Northern Silence in remastered form and with new, exclusive artwork by master artist David Thiérée.

Gothmog only ever released one demo, entitled “Medieval Journeys”, back in 1998. It featured 7 songs of old school Dungeon Synth that will no doubt appeal to fans of Depressive Silence as well. This re-release also includes an intro that was not part of the original release.