Cernunnos

Another Dungeon Synth project courtesy of herr Cernunnos/Athalwolf, who is today primarily known as the founder and sole member of the Black Metal/NSBM act WOLFNACHT. CERNUNNOS remained active during the mid-to-late 1990s, releasing three intriguing demo tapes and one cassette EP before folding in the early-2000s. As with Athalwolf’s other D.S. outlets (BACCHIA NERAIDA and ELFEN), CERNUNNOS’ music bears obvious similarities to the Norse urvater of dungeon synth: MORTIIS. In particular, parallels can be drawn to the latter’s “Crypt of the Wizard” era, which eschewed large-scale compositions in favor of relatively concise statements made up of rudimentary yet highly evocative melodies. Add to this Athalwolf’s distinctive flute-playing, which – although something of a love/hate thing – certainly lends character to the music.

Being arguably the most easily-digested of Athalwolf’s early projects (and some would say the one of highest quality), CERNUNNOS is whole-heartedly recommended to purveyors of Dungeon Synth or just anyone with a predilection towards the obscure and otherworldly.

Compilation appearances:
* Shadows in Silence Compilation Tape Volume 1 - Dancing with the Shadows [Cass, Comp: Self-released, 1998]