DANIIEL
Another magnificent soundscape. There is no casual listening to this: once you begin the album, you will want to stay for the entire journey. Guild of Lore blends real-world sounds with atmospheric instrumentals that coalesce into a fantastical world in your mind, windswept and cold, and yet familiar and cozy. Once you visit, you will not want to leave... ironic since that is what these songs ultimately lead toward.
Favorite track: Covenant & Conquest.
A last minute entry before leaving the fireside warmth of the long lodge. Both Midnight White and Covenant & Conquest were transcribed during the conception of the Winterstead volume. Which, after examination of the accounts. It was decided that these two should be withheld until my departure from the icy land, as they so fittingly captured the feelings of my reluctance and readiness for dispatch.
Upon the evening of a wintry Equinox snow storm. I received correspondence marked from the Southern regions, containing map and message from within the Guild. Which as I ascertained the news of unfamiliar tales to be found, I heard from outside my door, the wind whispering my name. And after a meager bed rest, I answered it's call to once again embrace the road unknown. For the Guild's charge must be upheld if new halls are to be established throughout the land.
With this, the final entry herein came to me as I transcribed my notes during a carriage ride down from the frozen mountains. As the snow faded into the distance, great gray and thunderous clouds emerged before us and here I found my driver would go no further. His fearful eyes reflecting the lightning above as he clung to a small talisman around his neck, muttering something of bandits and the drift. Duly, I tossed him his coin, gathered my effects and readied torch and sword. Where just as soon as I had set foot to path, the clouds were upon me and a tempest began to hail upon the land. Taking shelter beneath the canopy of the forest trees, I would not allow the torrent to slow my steps. For this journey is most import with a swiftly closing window.
My destination, the reclusive sanctuary of Storm Haven, is without doubt one of the most difficult to gain entry into. Hidden for good reason, this town is home to one of the largest factions of thieves and pirates thus far known throughout the realm. Yet spilling over with legends and lore of which we have only thus far yet, heard half whispers. Here, I venture to convene with fellow consorts in hopes to scrawl some such tales.
Per Contra... The Mapsmith Guild has yet to render an accurate assessment of the lands lay. For it is half surrounded by jagged rising rock formations in which the turbulent sea has given birth to. And yet, the other half obscured by quixotic mountains and forests reaching toward the ever rumbling skies. Which renders entry to be nearly impossible as no proper ports are known to exist. It is said however, that a means of access can be found by dinghy through the rocks of the Southern point of the island. Which to achieve this, for three days one must sail wayward from the coastal town of Rogues Port. Steering ship far and wide from the Haven's Eastern shores, less your vessel purchase premature land upon the rocks. Or worse.. find way into the Mermaids Strait, where few have ever returned.
This adventure is sure to bring as much perplexity as it could peril. Onward into the thundering storm, by torchlight and half drawn maps. I journey with a hope against hope... By the Guilds flame, a path shall emerge to step forth upon. -GM Ingsmith
credits
released March 22, 2019
"Guild of Lore popped up on my radar earlier this year with Winterstead, far and away one of my favorite dungeon synth albums of 2019. I’m a massive sucker for any DS artist that dabbles in world building, and that seems to be what Guild of Lore does best, as evidenced by the lengthy first person travelogues that accompany each release. Now, we’ve been gifted with Leaving Winterstead, an EP that serves as a companion piece to Winterstead before the composer ventures off to more dangerous pastures, and what a gift it is. This EP deals more heavily in wintry soundscapes, and frankly the upping of the atmosphere factor works extremely well. Somber neoclassical passages juxtaposed against the sounds of snow falling and wind howling is a fairly untouchable combination, after all. “Midnight White” does an excellent job of this, with slow, deep, and heavy strings, and later some percussive bells laying down what feels a viking funeral taking place on an icy mountaintop. “Southbound Carriage / The Road to Storm Haven” serves as the transitional piece to what I’m assuming will be the next utterance from Guild of Lore, weaving its way in and out of the sounds of fires, trotting horses, and some more good ‘ol wind, intermixed with what very well could be real acoustic guitars, and more synth string goodness. I can’t wait to hear what comes next." (Kilgore) www.clandestinesounds.com/dungeon-crawl-vol-iv-clandestine-meetings/
These accounts originally found on the limited edition Winterstead cassette release.
Dedicated to the preservation of lore long forgotten. Master Ingsmith has opened the Guild doors to all seeking transport to and knowledge of realms both magical and mysterious. May your journey be grand and scenic, where ever it may take you...
supported by 146 fans who also own “Leaving Winterstead”
I met Fogweaver through Vedurnan and, later, Magelight. This more energetic take on their music is wonderful and exciting, a compelling twist bearing their unique signature. emanuele127
