What is keller synth?

[lolth]

I've seen the tag everywhere after diving pretty deep into Bandcamp's DS scene but I cant find a good definition of keller synth anywhere. All I've heard is that it's more aggressive than traditional DS, but is there anything more to it than that?

[Texas Dungeon Synth]

Something to do with heroin

[windgeist]

This was also asked ob reddit a while back.

Here is what I wrote there:

Kellersynth is a genre that branched off from DS in the recent years. It seems to originate from parts of the local Black Metal scene in Saarland(Germany). The main difference to DS is the heavy usage of drumkit sounds in the compositions. Furthermore Kellersynth is most times really raw as far as production goes and has a tendency to be much more aggressive then DS.
As far as subjects go, does KS often have an ironic take on DS/BM clichees. It also often incooperates the glorification of drug abuse. (B.S.o.D -a German BM artist who is for KS what Mortiis is for DS, is widely known for commiting several drug related crimes in the past.)
There is also something about the visuals of KS(usage of some symbols for example) that makes me think the genre might have a Nazi problem. But it is hard to judge for me in how far the people behind KS are serious about that stuff. Maybe they just try to be edgy?
Modern KS was pioneered by a guy called Sigfrid(artist name) who has a ton of projects and came up with the name Kellersynth afaik.
To be honest, the way he presents himself and how much he is glorified in the scene remembers me a bit of Euronymous in the eraly days of BM.
Another important figure seem to be Grufti(artist name). He is behind Totengruft and runs the label Eisenfell. Also the German BM labels Narbentage and Domain of Darkness seem to be somehow involved with Kellersynth.

I hope this long rumbly post was at least a little helpful for you (or anybody else). Personaly I have a bit of a difficult relation toward KS. I like the sound but the drug and nazi stuff turns me away. I hope the genre will grow out of this stuff some day.

[crystallogic13]

Damn I was also wondering the same since I saw the tag pop up among releases which used also dungeon synth tag on bandcamp.. So thanx to windgeist for the good written summary, I was actually thinking Texas Dungeon Synth was sarcastic, but for real, I don't wanna listen to #$%@ that glorifies drug abuse-or other ill/sick stuff mentioned (coming from a 420head here - weed is not drug of course, thankfully in recent years law change worldwide slowly but steadily).. So I'll stay clear since the music style from more than a couple of stuff I've already listened isn't my cup of tea, the information on the "aesthetics" sealed the no-deal!

I'd think judging from the name, when pronounced it's also a pun like instead of keller synth it could be pronounced (dunno if it is) as "killer-synth".. Just a thought, but either way I'm off and thanx for the information Windgeist, appreciated

[Balin]

To give some modern projects, that perfectly fit the mood of Keller Synth:
Their are modern waves/grouops of this genre and even underground labels (one of which "Abart Records" I worked with in the past) that dedicate themself to this style. Perfect Example would be the "Beunelkult" with Projects like Kellerkreischer, Hexenring or Glockenschlag (the last of the three is a dear friend of mine)
They changed the topics of the genre from drugs, anti-religion and a more right winged ideology to a depression-themed, end-time sound, which is really unique in it's own way...

I appreciate their work, since I also can't stand the nazi stuff around B.S.O.D. 

glockenschlag.bandcamp.com/album/endzeit-lusttanz-in-den-untergang


abart-records.bandcamp.com/album/kellerkreischer-kryptisches-krachchaos


hexenring.bandcamp.com/album/der-fall-hinein-in-den-hexenring