https://youtu.be/9aUO2dXDkfQ
Band info
Band: Secret Sorcery
Album: ‘The Nine Kingdoms of the Undying‘
Released: February 13th, 2026
Genre: Dark dungeon synth, dark ambient, black metal
Location: New Zealand
Review
Many consider Dungeon Synth music as something supplementary or derivative of Metal. The truth is that Dungeon Synth not only is conjoined with Metal, but it is also a rather flexible, ductile and formative subgenre within it, full of expressionistic potentiality.
The ‘Nine Kingdoms of the Undying’, the second offering from Secret Sorcery, the openly antifascist solo project of Ziri (also of Feijoa Tree and Zireael) is a pioneering example of this.
It explores the conjucture where chippy old school midi synth meets the somber expansiveness of dark ambient. The album explores a murky but also celestial spirit and delivers a masterful, multifaceted synthesis, droning and subliminal at times, and at others, uplifting and astral. Using the expressive harshness of Black Metal mixed with a constant but explorative granulated aura reminiscent of projects like Six Organs of Admittance, the album forms an enthralling ecosystem of existential horror, so harrowing it becomes inspirational.
This artwork will linger long after you are done listening to it, terraforming within, taking root.
An absolute jewel. We are thrilled to feature Secret Sorcery with ‘Nine Kingdoms of the Undying’ !
Other links and platforms:
BC: https://arcanechapel.bandcamp.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/arcanechapelnz/
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/pretendeer.bsky.social
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/zirimusic