While for some this release can be more of an acquired taste, hands down its one of the most refreshing and experimental sonic showdowns that this year has to offer. We can catch a bite of Hot Dog Cart's signature steamy synthesizers, relished with lo-fi ambience and woozy arrangements that are predominant throughout this album. However, I really enjoyed that slight nod at the vibrant sporting soundscapes of the 1980s, adding raw adrenaline with every blow and Seregost's touch of epic ambience!!

There are no forest creatures, misty twilights or frolicking here! This is a chaotic, raw listen, characteristic of Naïve DS. The synths lean to a more distorted sound, making them a trademark of the release. I would even say this same distortion made me find this album nostalgic at its core. This takes me back to simpler times when my dad would look for a song on his car radio, and those fuzzy, blurry sequences going in and out between stations filled that liminal sonic space. Solid!

Although this album presents a more modern DS approach, it remains true to capturing the battle memoir soundscapes characteristic of the 1st wave of Dungeon Synth. The sound of instruments like the flute and dulcimer add to that nostalgia of victories past. The final and longest track “Rebirth” hits the nail in the head using a more minimalistic and atmospheric ambience. It ties up the album nicely, giving it a fitting royal ending!

With my eyes set on the firmament and the waning moon as my companion, this album really hit the spot. Being true to the project´s name, this release combines the darker theatrics of Dungeon Synth with the almost angelical feel of Fantasy Ambient. I would even go as far to say its sprinkled with tinges of Cosmic/Space Ambient if you will, giving this album a contemplative, dreamy aura.

The Cleric's Curse is the perfect example of how Dungeon Synth evokes yearning for what could have been, or what never was. Eerie and ethereal, glorious yet melancholic, these melodies will echo in the back of the listener's mind for quite some time.
..the old Cleric's ghost now roams these halls, wailing and crying.."God, why have you abandoned me?"

Often times, less is more, and this delivery of minimalistic yet dense atmosphere on this album is no exception. This release is cloaked in a sad majesty, like a monarch making his way to the guillotine. Rags of Light is a must if you enjoy the more ambient and unostentatious Dungeon Synth approach. highly recommended!

I have been following the Ambient genre for quite some time now. In consequence, I've had my fair share of Fantasy Ambient/Synth throughout the years. However, this gem of an album did an amazing job evoking the feeling of warmth and tranquil bliss. The sounds of the forest and Folk/Pagan Ambient elements create a dreamlike atmosphere. The listener is lured into a fantasy realm where all worries are left behind. It is now time to rest by the fire and succumb to the spell of the Wild.