Fledgling Dungeon Synth Project Ghulin Mines Classic Tones On "Otherneath"
The vaults are opening again. Wrought Records is coming back with an artisan batch of freshly forged releases and I’ve had the pleasure of early access to one of these shining gems. Midwestern newcomer Ghulin will be releasing their debut release Otherneath on cassette and digital August 22nd. A newly awoken entity in the Dwarven Synth scene, Ghulin weaves a tale of high (or low, really) adventure and fantastic mystery, delving into shadowy caverns across six chapters, complete with accompanying poems (see some brief excerpts below, just a taste, mind you) and killer artwork from the smiths behind Wrought Records. Let’s crack this tome and see what waits for us in it’s dusty pages.
Chapter I: Echoes in the Abyss
"The air hangs heavy in the dankness of the cavern…”
Chapter one is a creeping, dripping affair of an opening piece full of pleasantly springy, flared synths and melody that follows you down into the cavernous abyss. The atmosphere here is immediate and pleasing to the ear for any fan of dungeon synth and fantasy ambient. I find some passages to be particularly nervous and mysterious, like peeking around corners by torchlight. This track is incredibly deft at setting our scene for the journey ahead.
Chapter II: The Sorcerer's Wager
"Fingers brushing against the cold wet walls…”
Chapter two is immediately alive with a kind of wonder and action. The pacing is really excellent as we traverse the “Sorcerer’s Wager”, unsure of what each bend in the maze will reveal. The effects beneath the music help this nostalgic, electronic, video game-inspired music keep one foot in the swampy, lofi miasma of the Dungeon Synth sound. Highlights on this track include the understated percussion and the courageous, emotionally driven piano flourishes.
Chapter III: Forsaken Oaths
"At the center of this Labyrinth, allegiance is made only to self…”
We come into our second act in chapter III as our isolation and danger become apparent. We are alone against the dark of this strange, subterranean world now. The resolve, the heroic determination of this track is enthralling as it builds upon itself. We start with a kinetic approach to the percussion and bass and build on that with layer after layer of fist-clenching keyboard riffs. The tones here are fun and, frankly, cool. There’s a distinctly retro vibe to what’s going on, holding fast to the atmosphere of old school RPGs.
Chapter IV: The Only Way Out Is Through
"Alone with fear, all senses of mind fall dull…”
Chapter IV takes the resolve and determination that we found on track three and juxtaposes it with a slower pacing and a more somber atmosphere. We haven’t given up here, but the way is dire and the dangers are real. A lesser dwarf might falter, but not Ghulin. There’s a ton of skill behind the keyboard on this album and a lot of control over the narrative flow. Moods are set in an almost effortless way and the tracks are really flowing into one another as we set our sights on the final act to come.
Chapter V: The Wizard's Secret
"Wall by wall, the labyrinth falls...”
Chapter V is immediately exciting and frenetic, approaching something like a traditional chiptune pacing. Notes cascade and dance out of the darkness as we reach unknown depths and ply secrets from the shadows. There’s a thrilling sense of awe and of goals reached, for better or worse, on this track. It’s an invigorating, personally triumphant piece, daring the listener to show Ghulin’s bravery.
Chapter VI: At the Bottom of Emptiness
"Regaining strength, broken, but not brought to ruin…”
The end is here. Chapter VI sees our quest won, perhaps, but is our campaign truly over? I think not. There’s a cautious kind of resolution here in the martial, stoic drums and the bittersweet ending theme. Notes fall like tears and some interesting musical ideas are explored here, especially in the last moments where a keyboard solo rounds off our journey and we pass into the light of the world above.
Ghulin’s Otherneath is an utterly pleasing dungeon synth experience. Immersive, yet minimal and tastefully downplayed, there is a lofi, childlike sensibility to some of the passages that I believe is a clever veil under the skill that assembled this release. I hope that Ghulin decides to pick up their sword and plunge into the depths again soon. I highly recommend this to fans of Hole Dweller, Redhorn Gate, and Coniferous Myst. Check out the digital album on Bandcamp and be ready to grab this limited tape release from Wrought Records on August 22nd.
This gets 8 out of 10 on the madness meter.
Ghulin: https://ghulin.bandcamp.com/
Wrought Records: https://wroughtrecords.bandcamp.com/
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