The line between dark ambient and dungeon synth has always been blurry. Since Mortiis’ departure from Emperor and his stellar, first-era works in Født til å Herske and Ånden som Gjorde Opprør, many have traveled the same path. Amongst the newest additions to this merry group is Old Tower, the obscure project from the Netherlands. Since the mid-10s, Old Tower have explored the same realms, starting off through a magical, albeit dark, dungeon synth approach. Yet, their fantastical beginnings soon took a shadowy turn, naturally falling into the guise of dark ambient. This resulted in exquisite works of horrific magnificence, at times forceful and disruptive as with Plague Harvest, or drawn from the very nightmares of existence with The Old King of Witches.
Yet, with Draconic Synthesis Old Tower aim to further unify the dungeon synth and the dark ambient worlds. The slow pace and obscure progression of the opener “Draconic Arcanum” dives into this amalgamation, on one end the defined dungeon synth-inspired scenery, on the other the specter that looms over this imaginative world. The percussive elements are loosely applied, diverging from the tribal sense that many dark ambient artists take. This loose backbone further morphs into moments of pure triumph, in the likes of “Spirit Vessel.” The expressive and over-the-top approach stands in contrast to the otherwise minimal representation. Similarly, the folk dimension of “Ruins and Horned Glossolalia” further drives this dark, medieval spirit. It is an interesting ethereal moment, a light that shines within the grasp of darkness.
On the other end, the obtuse atmospheric approach defines the dark ambient world. The ritual chants in “Draugr Armada” awaken this otherworldly sense, an inverted projection of reality. Messages arrive from seemingly other dimensions, while the cold, blizzard-like touch of “Gateway To The Serpent’s Dimension” creates an immersive experience, and “Crafting The Symmetry of Aeons” divulges into an industrial and quasi-electronic recital.
But still, for all its dedication to both sides of this coin, Old Tower find pivotal moments in which these two streams connect. The percussive elements of “Sacred Carvings” resemble more closely the dark ambient lineage, while the melodic inclination of the synthesizers adds this strange, magical element. These in-between moments are the lifeblood of Draconic Synthesis, which naturally results in distorted altered images. The record’s closer “Crafting The Symmetry of Aeons” manages to reach this depth, seemingly finding the root of both genres. It is as if the dungeon synth dreams are projected through a dark kaleidoscope. In this fragmented stage, this is when the majesty of Old Tower truly shines, as they stretch these tales and dreams to mirror a world where the laws of reality are suspended.
