‘Grayshadow Ruins’ by Mountain Realm

’Grayshadow Ruins’ by Mountain Realm

One of the most beautiful things about the human imagination is the ability to enter into another world of fantasy beyond what we see and touch in our daily lives. Fantasy tells a story that resonates with our souls that often cannot be put into words. There’s a reason The Lord of The Rings has remained a vital part of fictional literature for over 70 years now. We identify with the story, even though we’ve never actually lived in a land of orcs, elves, dwarves, and second breakfasts.

Mountain Realm, a dungeon synth project that I simply find fascinating, has bestowed upon listeners a gem of an album filled with fantasy, darkness, hope, and enigma. The intro track titled “Temple Halls” is a gentle and atmospheric entrance to the musical fantasyland. This is followed by “Beyond the Mist”, a song that seemingly fits a Castlevania video game more than a work of fantasy literature, yet it somehow works in-between the 1st and 3rd tracks.

When listening to Grayshadow Ruins, I find the transition of each song to be quite well thought out, with a smooth transition into “The King Lives”, the 5th song on the album. There is an unmistakable Medieval influence in this song, perfectly suited for the backdrop to a Renaissance Festival. “Dark Kiss”, a later track on the album, follows suit with the Medieval overtones and brush strokes. The happiness doesn’t last long, however, as you are sucked into the underworld once more with “Gravedigger”, one of my favorite tracks on the record. It’s dark, foreboding, and beautiful.

“A Lone Wizard” is likely my favorite track, as it embodies everything that I love about dungeon synth when it’s done right. The song is both beautiful and haunting, reminiscent of a dark, ghostly Vangelis. “Castle Halls” concludes the story, partly hope-filled, the other part somewhat ominous and cautious of what lies beyond the next mountain of fantasy. It leaves the listener hoping to resume the journey in a future release.

Mountain Realm has done an incredible job of harnessing and bottling the love of fantasy many of us cherish into a musical landscape that speaks to our souls without words. Where the music takes you, no one truly knows. Just enjoy the journey.

You can follow Mountain Realm on Bandcamp.