‘Hymns of the Winterlight’ by Foglord

‘Hymns of the Winterlight’ by Foglord

Prominent dungeon synth artist Foglord’s latest album, Hymns of the Winterlight, wants to focus on “harkening a time of contemplation and renewal” according to the artist’s Bandcamp page. Released on New Year’s Eve of 2023 and mid-winter, the album creates an excellent environment to engage in relaxed, meditative thought. 

Foglord uses piercing yet mellow synth tones to create the sensation of ice and snow. It sonically feels like a snow-blanketed forest at night. Many songs use backing chorales to lean into the sensation of these being “hymns”. Each song has an overall choral structure. The difference is that, instead of a choir of voices, you have a choir of synths. The first song titled “Hymn I (Echoes of the Winterlight)” showcases all these strengths. 

“Hymn II (Enchanted Icehalls)” focuses on an ethereal chime sound repeating into a calming atmosphere. “Hymn III (Snowbound Contemplation)” takes the album in a slightly different direction and focuses more on a dark ambient atmosphere with the wind whipping around you. It’s the longest song on Hymns of the Winterlight, and through its soft string-like synth tones weaving around you, it feels more somber than other songs on the album. 

It does lead into the standout song on the album: “Hymn IV (The Crystalline Chapel)”. This song uses a soothing organ synth mixed with twinkling melodies, creating a calming atmosphere similar to the first song but feeling grander and more peaceful. Hymns of the Winterlight guides the listener through moments of meditation and contemplation to end on a full-circle experience. 

Foglord simulates the essence of wandering the woods in meditation on a personal journey, which is exactly the atmosphere of Hymns of the Winterlight. I recommend giving this album a few listens as we move into the warmer months, as Foglord’s latest work best fits a contemplative, cold landscape. 

You can follow Foglord on Bandcamp and Facebook.