ALBUM REVIEW: Durthang – From The Gundabad

Ancient Entity Records sent me two tapes for review, this is the first of them. From Croatia, DURTHANG play Epic Black Metal / Dungeon Synth, so let’s get into some medieval music.

Haunting ambience starts things off to really get the battle-ready soundscapes set in. The gloriously Dungeon Synth style orchestration is excellently done to definitely soak the listener with the gorgeous sounds and transport them back in time. Classic Black Metal riffs and pounding drums join the synths to deliver the more extreme side of the release though it is still rather mellow. Folky melodies and entrancing atmospherics ensue for an extraordinarily simple yet incredibly effective listen that really does grip you with its medieval sounds. There is a tranquility to be found in these instrumental tomes of a time long gone, one that I really enjoyed. While this may not be the most original or unique release, who doesn’t love some Summoning worship here or there? I think that the album was definitely tastefully done and to make it instrumental was a bold choice that actually worked rather well. Intoxicatingly rich keyboard work is really the main focus here and those are played beautifully. The guitars and drums definitely work well though they are more of a backing rhythmic force than an assault of their own. All the same this is definitely an album more ambient Black Metal fans will love and definitely one the Dungeon Synth scene will appreciate! -7/10