Dungeon Synth: A Journey Through Medieval Darkness and Fantasy

What is Dungeon Synth?

Dungeon Synth is an atmospheric genre of electronic music inspired by medieval themes, dark fantasy, and occult aesthetics. It blends elements of dark ambient, neoclassical compositions, and minimalist synth melodies to evoke the feeling of ancient castles, forgotten dungeons, and mythical landscapes.

The genre originated in the early 1990s when musicians from the black metal scene started experimenting with synthesizer-based compositions. One of the pioneers of the genre was Mortiis, a former bassist of Emperor, whose solo works laid the foundation for the Dungeon Synth sound. While initially linked to black metal, Dungeon Synth evolved into an independent genre covering a broad spectrum of themes—from epic fantasy to somber, almost industrial soundscapes.

However, some artists have pushed the genre forward by reinterpreting its core elements. A striking example is TopfHelm, who moved away from the electronic sound typically associated with Dungeon Synth. Instead, he creates music using emulated medieval acoustic instruments—such as violin, lyre, flute, accordion, and hurdy-gurdy—while preserving the raw, lo-fi cassette-like aesthetic in his mix. This redefinition of the genre’s sonic palette can be seen as a manifestation of Dungeon Folk , a subgenre that shifts the emphasis from synthesizers to a more authentic medieval sound.

How to Make Dungeon Synth?

Creating Dungeon Synth does not require expensive equipment, but it does demand attention to atmosphere and immersion. Here’s how you can craft your own track:

Choosing Instruments:

• Traditional Dungeon Synth relies on synthesizers, orchestral samples, and ambient textures.
• Popular virtual instruments include Korg M1, OB-Xd, and Kontakt libraries with orchestral and choir patches.
• You can use organ, harpsichord, choir pads, flutes, lutes, and percussion for an authentic sound.
• Alternatively, you can follow TopfHelm's approach and use realistic emulations of medieval acoustic instruments while maintaining a raw, analog-sounding mix.

Composition & Structure:

• The music is often built on minimalistic melodies, repetitive motifs, and dark harmonies.
• Modal scales (such as Dorian or Phrygian) help create a mysterious medieval feel.
• A simple but expressive structure works best for storytelling through sound.

Orchestration & Mixing

• Using too many layers can muddy the mix, as synths tend to be rich in harmonics.
• Deep bass and subtle percussion (e.g., timpani, war drums) add depth but should be used sparingly.
• If you're working in Dungeon Folk, consider balancing acoustic instrument simulations to create the illusion of live medieval performances.

Atmospheric Effects

• Reverb is essential for creating the cavernous and mystical feel of Dungeon Synth.
• Background sounds such as wind, rain, footsteps, or crackling fire enhance immersion.

Lo-Fi Aesthetics (Optional)

• Many early Dungeon Synth records had a raw, low-fidelity sound, which became a part of the genre’s identity.
• You can achieve a vintage feel using cassette tape emulation, slight distortion, and subtle frequency degradation.

Ultimately, Dungeon Synth is more about atmosphere and storytelling than technical perfection.

Is Dungeon Synth Black Metal?

Although Dungeon Synth originated within the black metal scene, it is not a direct subgenre. Instead, it shares aesthetic and thematic elements with black metal but follows a different musical path.

Some of the genre’s key connections to black metal include:

• Burzum – Instrumental tracks like "Tomhet" and "Daudi Baldrs" heavily influenced early Dungeon Synth.
• Mortiis – His solo albums "Født til å Herske" and "Ånden Som Gjorde Opprør" are defining works of the genre.
• Wongraven (Sigurd Wongraven of Satyricon) – His album "Fjelltronen" merges black metal atmospheres with medieval folk and ambient synths.

Today, Dungeon Synth has fully detached from black metal, branching into a variety of substyles, from epic fantasy soundtracks to dark, ambient experimentation.

Dungeon Synth Explained: Evolution & Popularity

While the genre started with low-fi cassette recordings in the 90s, it has since grown into a global movement. In recent years, platforms like Bandcamp and YouTube have fueled its revival, bringing both old and new artists into the spotlight.

Notable contemporary artists include:

• Old Tower – Blends eerie dark ambient textures with classic Dungeon Synth.
• Thangorodrim – A master of old-school Dungeon Synth, reminiscent of early Mortiis.
• Erang – Creates an entire fantasy world through his music.
• Old Sorcery – Incorporates Berlin School electronic influences into Dungeon Synth.
• TopfHelm – Innovates the genre by replacing electronic soundscapes with medieval instrument emulations, solidifying Dungeon Folk as a distinct artistic direction.

While classic Dungeon Synth remains synth-heavy, these artists prove that the genre is still evolving, embracing new sounds while staying true to its medieval roots.

Dungeon Synth Bands & Artists: The Legends of the Genre

If you're new to Dungeon Synth, start with these artists:

• Mortiis – The genre’s pioneer, whose early works defined the Dungeon Synth aesthetic.
• Depressive Silence – A cult 90s act known for ethereal, otherworldly compositions.
• Secret Stairways – Infuses a melancholic medieval atmosphere into the genre.
• Lord Wind – A fusion of Dungeon Synth and epic neofolk.
• Die Verbannten Kinder Evas – A mix of neoclassical, ambient, and synthesizer-driven soundscapes.
• TopfHelm – A bold innovator who proved that Dungeon Synth can exist without electronic sounds, using only realistic medieval instrument emulations.

Each of these artists has contributed something unique to the genre, expanding its sonic potential.

Conclusion

Dungeon Synth is more than just music—it’s an immersive experience, transporting listeners to ancient ruins, forgotten legends, and medieval landscapes.

From dark ambient synthscapes to authentic Dungeon Folk reinterpretations, the genre continues to evolve, proving that medieval fantasy music still holds a place in modern creativity.

Whether you prefer classic Dungeon Synth or its new acoustic-driven forms, one thing is certain—the journey through its mystical soundscapes is far from over.