Gondolin Records

[Gondolin]

Been lurking this forum for some years now, but always wanted to get my own DS label up and running before becoming active. The label is actually a bit more than just up and running by now, but I will try and remain active on the forum from now on.

Questions, comments, promos welcome.

Since February this year, Gondolin Records has put out the following releases on digital and limited edition pro tape:



GON001 - Henbane - Vildfaren Og Jagtet
This first release on Gondolin Records is the debut album by Henbane. Nine pieces of vivid handplayed nostalgia bringing forth images of imagined pasts and dark folklore. The DIY approach to instrumentation also gives Vildfaren Og Jagtet a unique rhythmic style. Henbane is located out in the Danish countryside, avoids any spotlight, and works under a plethora of different names. Most recently also black metal as Seiðr out on Tour De Garde. Limited edition of 30 (sold out)
Bandcamp // Youtube (DSA)



GON002 - Torchlight - Realms Of Oblivion
The 2nd release is the debut album of the promising dungeon synth project Torchlight. Realms Of Oblivion is a well-crafted full-length true to the style, brimming with soothing medieval melodies and darker melancholic moods. Torchlight is located in the ancient city of Salerno in Italy. It is one of several solo-projects in a neoclassical / darkwave vein. Limited edition of 30 (sold out)
Bandcamp // Youtube (DSA)



GON003 - Old Glow - As We Raise Our Heads To The Light
Hypnotic dungeon synth from Denmark. Made by an anonymous entity, that has been active in several doom/black metal projects over the years. While the exact age of this material is unknown, it is an honour for Gondolin Records to present it to any kind of audience. Limited edition of 30 (sold out)
Bandcamp // Youtube (DSA)



GON004 - Gargoylium - De Cheminements et de Batailles
Inventive and intricate dungeon synth from France. While steeped in vivid medieval atmospheres, this debut full-length by Gargoylium also explores some exquisite neoclassical and glorious darker martial territories. Limited edition of 50 (sold out)
Bandcamp



GON005 - Druad - Vast Beneath The Skies
This first release of Croatian dungeon synth project Druad has been 5 years in the making. Together the songs on Vast Beneath The Skies create a serene coherence with soothing atmospheres and wistful melodies. Limited edition of 50 in preorder (sold out)
Bandcamp // Youtube (DSA)



GON006 - Voloth - Origins Of Swamp Magic
Dark monumental dungeon synth by S. Pakhomov from Moscow. Working on several industrial music related projects, he has also been making dungeon synth since the early 2000s. Origins Of Swamp Magic includes the one-track demo made public earlier this year and a new track in the same vein. Limited edition of 30 in preorder (sold out)
Bandcamp



GON007 - MAUSOLEI - Anonymität
Mesmerising dungeon synth by MAUSOLEI from Arizona. On ANONYMITÄT there are no unnecessary effects or rhythmic distractions. All attention is given to the refined analogue synth sounds creating beautiful yearning melodies. For some years Mausolei was one of the better kept secrets with numerous self-released digital albums since 2014. This is only the second physical release to come out of this impressive bulk of work after Moonworshipper Records released VORPOSTEN earlier this year. Limited edition of 50 in preorder (sold out)
Bandcamp

EDIT: Changed some images from digital cover art to actual tape photos.

[toodarkpark]

You going to repress that Voloth cassette?

[Tyrannus]

Love it <3

[secludedalchemist]

Happy to see you on the forum! Welcome! Love what you've been doing and very excited for what you have coming next.

[Gondolin]

Jul 18, 2018 17:46:59 GMT -5 toodarkpark said:

You going to repress that Voloth cassette?

Thanks for the interest. Not planning to do repressings in a foreseeable future. Right now my focus is solely on putting out good unreleased ds. Since I have not yet had a tape sell out faster than 4 days, I am assuming those following the label or the artist have a fair chance to order it.

Instead, I can tell you that Voloth is to be considered an active project, and it is likely there will be more material coming.

[Gondolin]

Jul 19, 2018 2:28:52 GMT -5 secludedalchemist said:

Happy to see you on the forum! Welcome! Love what you've been doing and very excited for what you have coming next.

Thanks and the same to you.

[charlesthebald]

ordered all available tapes including pre-orders last week
then bought digital of the rest

some great releases here

Charles the Bald

[Gondolin]

Jul 19, 2018 14:59:02 GMT -5 charlesthebald said:

ordered all available tapes including pre-orders last week
then bought digital of the rest

some great releases here

Charles the Bald

Ah yes, I noticed someone went all in. Thanks a lot.

[Niair de Nasqda]

Another all in for tapes here. Gargoylium ones are sold out now.

[Gondolin]

Jul 20, 2018 20:30:03 GMT -5 Niair de Nasqda said:

Another all in for tapes here. Gargoylium ones are sold out now.

Great, thanks for the support and message.

[Gondolin]

Unfortunately due to a surprisingly fast sell out, I missed the opportunity to post in the forum about the last four releases, that went into preorder on Sep 8th. So this post is only intended for future reference and easy access to listening and full info on Bandcamp. The tapes arrived earlier this week, and have all been shipped some days ago.

Please note; as of 2019 there will also be 2nd editions of some of the earlier releases. This will not be 1:1 repressings, but separate editions with consistent visual alterations, making them easily distinguishable from the 1st editions.


GON008 - Isegrimm - Der Herr Von Verona
German project with strong compositions accompanied by old school dungeon synth bravado and the occasional Berlin school influence. Limited edition of 50 (sold out)
Bandcamp // Youtube (DSA)



GON009 - Moth Tower - Sharpen Thy Knife, Curse The Sky
Inventive, melancholic and dark atmospheric dungeon synth from Denmark. Limited edition of 50 (sold out)
Bandcamp


GON010 - Kenosis - Book One
Lighthearted and darker medieval moods. Deeply ingrained with the musical conventions of dungeon synth, but instantly recognisable by consisting entirely of the artist performing his own melodic compositions on different flutes and other woodwind instruments. Limited edition of 30 (sold out)
Bandcamp


GON011 - Örnatorpet - Blodbad Och Efterspel
Epic and foreboding dungeon synth from Sweden. Limited edition of 50 (sold out)
Bandcamp

[stormcrow]

Hope to see a reissue of Kenosis! I completely missed the first run

[Gondolin]

Oct 28, 2018 12:10:10 GMT -5 stormcrow said:

Hope to see a reissue of Kenosis! I completely missed the first run

Yeah that one definitely needs a 2nd edition. Working on it.

[Gondolin]

OUT NOW


GON012 - Henbane - Indre Kamp

The Danish dungeon synth project Henbane returns for a 2nd release on Gondolin with the follow-up to 'Vildfaren Og Jagtet' from earlier this year.

Like it's predecessor, 'Indre Kamp' is a tour de force in melancholic sombre melodies shrouded in heavy nostalgic moods, and the gentle handplayed approach and conscientious choice of sounds conjures up atmospheres of a distant folkloric past. On this new offering, Henbane is arguably taking things in an even bleaker and deeper direction.

Henbane is the solo project of C. Haxholm, who also has the black metal project Seidr with releases on Tour De Garde. Henbane is a live act with a unique approach to performance as all sounds and rhythms are created on the spot on two keyboards played simultaneously. Indre Kamp was released at Mayhem in Copenhagen on Oct 26th at the first ever Danish dungeon synth show.

Limited edition of 70

Bandcamp

[Gondolin]

Four new releases out now by Gargoylium, Vaelastrasz, Phobos and Isegrimm - each with a limited edition pro tape preorder:


GON013: Gargoylium - Chroniques de la Citadelle
Deeply inspired by European medievalism, this French project offers exquisite and intricate dungeon synth with forceful empowering Dark Age moods. (70)
gondolinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/chroniques-de-la-citadelle


GON014: Vaelastrasz - The Plagueland Chronicles
Sombre hypnotic dungeon synth by a secretive US project from Virginia. Drenched in a nostalgic otherworldly atmosphere and striking a fine balance between grandiosity and lonely melancholia. (70)
gondolinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-plagueland-chronicles


GON015: Phobos - Bíborkert
Debut by a young Hungarian solo project, accompanied by the words: "Dedicated to my Father. I hope you found peace." Soothing and tender dungeon synth with sparse folky elements. (50)
gondolinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/b-borkert


GON016: Isegrimm - Über Den Sieben Bergen
Rooted in Germanic folklore and skilfully combining medieval and neoclassical approaches to create a majestic dungeon synth album with a cornucopia of orchestrated harmonies and rhythms. (100)
gondolinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ber-den-sieben-bergen

Note the reasonable international shipping cost for one or several tapes. Expected shipping in mid-December.