Beneath the fog: Exploring Texas’ hidden dungeon synth scene

By Abby McCabe  

Local Music Journalist 

Picture this—a black, putrid bog, shrouded by rolling clouds of foreboding mist. Crooked trees with tangled branches cast shadows that dance tauntingly across the bank, the wind whispering wishes of the macabre through its thin twisting branches. Creatures; nestling, burrowing. They chitter and chirp, into the thick air, singing songs of unknown origin. Beyond the bog lies a dense, dark forest, its haunting allure too strong to ignore. Faces of agony etched into the twisted bark tell you to turn back. Murmurs of ancient magic thrum passionately from beyond the trees, beckoning, calling. Swirling winds, growing ever stronger, whip your hair east and west as your veins fill with ice-cold fear, yet a strange warmth blooms. Determination. Coursing, moving, demanding to be felt. What awaits you on your journey, you know not. Goblins, ghouls, wraiths. Creatures that seek to thwart you, to meddle in your serenity lie in waiting with baited breaths. The world ahead of you is vast and daunting, but you can’t help but feel drawn to it, for within its depths lies a beauty too profound for the faint-hearted to see. 

 To those who seek mystery, for those drawn to the unknown, rejoice, for you have finally found a place to call home. 

 Forged from the essence of black metal, a new sound emerged, focusing heavily on the synthesizer. Droning chords, layers upon layers of them, with distinct, ancient tones, hum ominously alongside eerie soundscapes that immerse you deeper into the artist’s chosen world. Pioneered in the early ‘90s by legendary artists such as, Varg Vikernes of Burzum and Mortiis of Emperor, came the birth of the dark ambient sound that is dungeon-synth. Dungeon-synth is and always has been elusive, being shared physically among artists’ inner circles in the form of cassette tapes, capitalizing off the ambient intros played at the start of most black metal tracks. It was a way for artists to freely explore and create something outside of black metal, while still holding most of its core aesthetic values.    

 As years passed the sub-genre grew, finally gaining a recognizable title in the 2010s. It catapulted dungeon-synth into a period of growth thanks to passionate fans and archivists, earning it a serious cult following. Artists inspired by medieval themes, high fantasy, folklore, and video games began to take more of a shape in the sound, exploring new depths and pushing boundaries set previously by its original creators. Fogwever, Old Sorcery, Örnatorpet, Old Tower and Erang being some of my favorite discoveries. As many things changed in the way music was created and received, the sense of tight-knit community stayed ever-present in dungeon-synth culture, which in my opinion is the best part about it all. The intimacy between artists and listeners is so special, it’s hard to replicate.  

 I was very pleased to learn that dungeon-synth is alive and well right here in Texas, with venues offering spaces for dungeon synth creators to showcase their artistry, and tons of events happening monthly. Discovering the Texas Dungeon Synth website felt like being let in on a little secret, their motto being “Seek us out” made it feel all the more mysterious and exclusive. The website offers a deep dive/directory for any who are curious about the local scene, providing information on all special partners, labels, events, and links to many local artist’s Band Camps. It’s a great resource for those curious about the magic of Texas’ dungeon dwelling underground. Band Camp plays a huge role in the dungeon underground community as well. It’s a great way to directly support small artists who may or may not cater to large streaming services. Just as the artists of the ‘90s shared their cassettes with each other, dungeon-synth artists keep the spirit alive by sharing their music to Band Camp.  

You have to be in the know to know. You know?  

 On the topic of being in the know, Texas Dungeon Siege 2025, Texas’ biggest, and only dungeon synth music festival is happening this May in Austin, Texas. Three days of enchanting performances from over 20 different artists across the U.S. at the Tiny Minotaur, Austin’s local dungeon-synth hotspot. It’s a great opportunity to listen to some good dungeon music and check out the culture.  

 Oh, and an excuse to break out that cape I know you’ve been dying to wear.  

Dungeon-synth is more than just a subgenre—it’s a living, breathing community, where music and mystery collide. From its underground roots to the vibrant scene thriving in Texas today, it offers a space for both artists and listeners to connect on a deeply personal level. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient, atmospheric sounds or the tight-knit culture, there’s something special waiting for you. So, embrace the unknown, explore the depths of dungeon-synth, and let its magic guide you.