April Recommendations

Welcome to the first installment of a bunch of rapid recommendations, stuff I’ve listened to, and other shenanigans.

I’m not sure how regularly I’ll be able to write those, so without further ado, here we go.

Mahr G’Didj – Subtyrannyan

Most of Mahr G’Didj’s discography sounds like a jrpg soundtrack, and honestly, it rules. Subtyrannyan was their third release back in 2020, is 11 minutes long with 7 tracks that feel like the whole exploration of a dungeon, or maybe catacombs (admittedly the best track of the album is named “Catacombs” so maybe I am onto something here).

It’s quick, brilliant, and full of whimsical tunes.

Favorite track: “Catacombs”

Cover by: no clue, so maybe Mahr G’Didj
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Lored Legend – An Invitation To Court

Lored Legend has been a real highlight of all my recent Bandcamps finds, and I cannot stress enough how I think the melodies contained within “An Invitation To Court” are some of the most beautiful I’ve heard in the genre. Everything just falls into place.

It’s a bit of a common theme with me, but there is a deep love for ps1 jrpg in there and I love it.

Favorite track: “The Queen Confides a Dark Secret”

Cover by: Mark Jarrell
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Ithildin – Arda’s Herbarium Vol. V

Arda’s Herbarium is a series of albums exploring the flora of Arda, which is a brilliant idea to be honest. Some are familiar to us earthlings, some are only known to the good folk of Arda.

There is a mystical atmosphere in every corner of this little 37-minute garden, and each of the 15 tracks is a little world in itself.

What a lovely release.

Favorite track: “Grape Vine” (certified banger)

Cover by: Ellis Green (Sunken Grove)
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Shrouded Gate - Deathlustre

“Deathlustre” not only has a great name, but it also delivers doom of the highest caliber. Do we call it dungeon doom or doom synth, I do not know, but I know that it’s gloomy and sorrowful, and oh boy do I love that.

This album made me want to record some doom myself (and I will). Also, I do not know why I love kick on first beat, snare on third with a huge reverb so much but know this features it a lot. My only regret is that I might not see this performed live ever on account of living across the Atlantic ocean.

Favorite track: Tied between “Omen” and “Hand of God in Dust”

Cover by: Zdzisław Beksiński
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Aura Merlin - Illuminations

“Illuminations” is my most played album out of everything I got on Bandcamp, and for good reason: it does not only rule, it fuckin rules. As you may have gathered, I am not the most versatile adjective-weaver in the world, but please do listen to this album. It sometimes verges on Dead Can Dancesque sounds, almost trip-hoppy neoclassical and medieval goodness.

It’s a 10/10 without any shadow of doubt.

P.S.: I hope we uncover the lore of the enigmatic Gael in the next one.

Cover by: Lizbeth Poirier ritualdust.com
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Those are only some of the highlights of these past couple of months, and I must say there are many more I would like to talk about. Enjoy, support the artists, support your local scene, and be kind.