The Warhammer 40K universe and dungeon synth mix every now and again, so it’s a welcomed surprise when I come across an artist trying to capture the strangeness of the franchise. Psychic Hood embodies the 40K universe on their latest release, ‘Warp Ritual.’ 

Not only is Stoneflower’s ‘Invasion of the Thunderbirds’ focused on using the specific TB-303 bassline synthesizer from the 1980s. It also featured a complex revenge narrative centered on clans in a dangerous, unforgiving mountainous landscape.

Based out of Athens, Georgia, Rowland crafts an ongoing narrative for the Hobbit Jamwine, who decided to leave his home in Frogmorton with only a walking stick and a long pipe. 2024’s ‘Flies the Coop III’ continues Jamwine’s sonic story, although in a new manner. 

‘The Collector’ evokes a sense of wonder and enhancement through the mundane with simple, droning synths veiled beneath the sound of ethereal tides churring over and over. Through these calming songs, Witch Bolt creates a hopeful, reflective, and renewing album.

‘Brogvar and Wyrgan's Quest for the Basilisk Horn’ is not just a collection of tracks, but a cohesive narrative that immerses the listener in a fantastical, reptilian world. Pauldron’s ability to guide the listener through a classic RPG story without using lyrics is truly remarkable.

Weress pulls on a fantastical aesthetic to weave fantasy and dungeon synth flawlessly inspired by the medieval-rich landscape of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in their latest release ‘Rêvasseries Chevaleresques’, a title that translates to “Knightly Daydreams” in English. 

Foglord simulates the essence of wandering the woods in meditation on a personal journey, which is exactly the atmosphere of ‘Hymns of the Winterlight’. The album creates an excellent environment to engage in relaxed, meditative thought. 

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. Where the music takes you is as much a mystery.