‘Tome Zero’ by Erang
‘Tome Zero’ by Erang
Enter into a dimension of magic and mystery with Tome Zero, the latest album from dungeon synth legend, Erang. As is standard fare with the artist, the album is brilliantly composed and enrapturing throughout the journey. To say that Erang is one of the greatest acts in dungeon synth would be an understatement. Tome Zero lives up to the standard set by the preceding albums, reminding us of another world within our minds that is filled with wonder and enigma.
The album begins with “Feelings While the World Ends,” an ominous opening to the record, with haunting atmosphere and an almost-Classical cadence. The dark overtones lead the album’s outtake towards a much deeper and mystical body of work. Yet, it’s a song that does a great job of pulling the listener in, inspiring a thirst for more.
“Godless Behavior” and “The Sound of My Beating Heart” both embody the Castlevania soundtrack vibe that is often associated with the subgenre, with 80s-esque synth and melodies. “Frumenty” follows in the wake with a wave of sound reminiscent of Stranger Things. As a quality dungeon synth album should, the music takes the listener to numerous otherworldly lands of fantasy.
“Spoken Bones” embodies a Medieval melodic approach, including the retention of the sounds of echoing hallways and abandoned caverns. “Three Candles in the Castle” is one of the most bizarre and haunting tracks on the album, almost echoing to our past and forgotten years. If music can remind us of experiences and memories, then this song harkens the listener to memories never truly realized.
The album gets even darker with “Specter of the Iron Path.” Driven by electric guitar and keys, the song morphs from melodic to harsh, then back to melodic. Then we are taken to a dirge with “La mort d’un parent (Death of a Parent),” with vocals in French. It is strangely elegant and enjoyable.
Quite possibly the best track on the entire album is “When Your Life Is a Jail the Key Is Your Mind.” Emotional and contemplative, this track is both beautiful and nostalgic. In the vein of music one would expect to find in an abandoned mall, this song is magical and disturbing all in unison. There is something about it that reminds me of the music you listen to when you want to sit back, imagine the memories of childhood, and add some haunting elements to those same memories. That’s the best way I can explain it.
The album comes to a close with “The Last Child on Earth,” a somewhat-hopeful melody that lifts the eyes of the listener to the hills far away, anticipating a new dawn and a new adventure to be embraced. Yes, the album ends with a hopeful twist, at least from the sound of it.
Tome Zero is truly beautiful work from a brilliant artist. C’est fantastique!
