Artist: Faydark
Title: Lost Empires
Type: Album
Label: Digital / Dungeons Deep Records (tape)
This was originally released in I think April but it has just got a new physical release which is why I finally, belatedly caught up with this Forgotten Realms based album because to miss out would have been a crime.
Four lengthy passages, four kingdoms to discover in a realm I know little of.
‘Myth Drannar’ opens in grandeur and splendour with the gentle trickle of magic yet a strange crackling in the background as though the flames of ruin are ever present. It is a stately procession that stretches out a hand of grace and confidence that it shall prevail. The sound, though portentous, is bright with the melody of a fine kingdom prosperous in monetary wealthy perhaps but a history and a might in the strong and slow rhythm. Yet those flames seem to grow stronger, surging to the forefront for a moment and sounding ever closer. There are contemplative moments, small personal idylls amongst the pomp and power, delicate harps and soft woodwind and perhaps in the end that is all that matters.
‘Cormanthyr’ has a sombre sound, the drums bringing a tide of conflict but there is a strange hint behind the serious deep tone that is never far from nature. A pipe calls a sweet melody but the sound of flames quickens, the drums beat faster and a sense of epic conflict rises in the rich synth sounds. I feel as though I am watching history unfold within these swathes of synths. There is a curious sense of pride somehow here too, of a gaze cast long over the years as the sound settles into a softer passage. Even as the sound of battle is joined there is a sense of being a part of something greater, maybe. Of fighting for more than simply their lives. They go down fighting, the drums ruimbling, the swords clashing, but perhaps the memory with live on…
‘Shadowdale’ is the third stop, cold winds greet us. The music, the call of horns, alongside the chill suggests a stern place. A land where nature is harsh and the people hardy. Once withing the music is quieter, the sound of everyday even with the swell of cymbals reminding us of the importance of the place. Of all the places, this is the one that feels safest as though it is somehow removed from the world just a handsbreadth. It is a gorgeous and rich track, layered with a sense of grace and even light. What holds this place so secure I do not know and perhaps it too falls. In the meantime though it exerts a quiet pride, a medieval lilt and nod to what has been built here. The descent into a darker tone is slow, as thoug, h something rises from . beneath and within rather than from the outside, but who knows? Not I. The change is subtle, gradual, a hand upon the familiar melody sliding down into shadows and the power that rises on the beat of the drum has a harder air, a sterner glance.
Final kingdom is ‘Silverymoon’. The introduction is curious. It is very still and quiet with a slow and wary step to the synths. It is strange but even as a sense of strength pushes through with the percussion swell, I am left feeling on edge. We seem to descend into tunnerls and caverns with the deeper music, the odd sounds and the melody upon the whistle seeming to echo itself. The world grows slower, almost as though slumbering. But there is also something in the lighter notes that is like the silver in its name; a light and a delicacy even as the dark seeks to crowd around. Finally the synths take that melody on, the tone full of a wistful regret to me, something has been lost but, still, Silverymoon stands.
This is a a wonderful travelogue through these forgotten realms; differing places woven in music. Not just the great founders and rulers, but a glimpse, a sense of the people. It is masterful storytelling, broad sweeps and intricate detail in moments. I can’t help feel as thouugh besides simply basking in its treasure, it is the perfect soundtrack for any city set scenario too.
Superb, thoughtful work indeed.
.
Gizmo
Walking The Liminal Space 