Prepare to embark on a magical musical journey with Old Sorcery's latest masterpiece, 'The Outsider'! This album is a captivating blend of swords and sorcery, a genre that has inspired countless artists and writers. As a fellow enthusiast, I can't help but feel a connection to this enchanting world.
'The Outsider' is the brainchild of Vechi Vrăjitor, a multi-instrumentalist from Finland, who has crafted a trilogy of albums under the Old Sorcery moniker. Building upon the exploratory nature of 'The Escapist', Vrăjitor takes us on a journey through uncharted territories, drawing inspiration from the early works of Emperor.
But here's where it gets controversial... Vrăjitor's unique approach to black metal on 'The Outsider' is a far cry from the typical soundscapes we've come to expect. With tremolo walls, blast beats, and echoing rasps, he creates an atmospheric and raw soundscape that serves as the foundation for his magical creations.
Imagine icy synths, folk-inspired woodwinds, and the reverent tones of Sojourner or Eldamar, all coming together to tell a story. 'The Outsider' is not just a collection of songs; it's a narrative journey, a spellbinding tale woven with wintery synths and blackened atmospherics.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite its daunting 71-minute runtime, 'The Outsider' is a captivating listen. Both black metal and dungeon synth excel at creating immersive atmospheres, and Vrăjitor masterfully harnesses this potential. From subtle shifts to explosive moments, this album is an emotional rollercoaster.
The compositional vistas and narrative musicality of 'The Outsider' are truly remarkable. While the lyrics are hidden in the mix, the music itself tells a story that will resonate with every listener.
Old Sorcery has established itself as a staple in the dungeon synth scene, and 'The Outsider' solidifies its reputation. While some may prefer the familiar, this album bravely ventures into uncharted territories, proving that Old Sorcery is a force to be reckoned with.
So, set aside an hour on a snowy day, grab a warm drink, and let 'The Outsider' transport you to a magical realm.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 9 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Avantgarde Music
Websites: Bandcamp, Facebook
Release Date: January 30th, 2026
Mystikus Hugebeard, a fellow practitioner of old sorcery, shares a similar sentiment. Old Sorcery has been a go-to for dungeon synth enthusiasts, but its recent release, 'The Outsider', takes a bold step into raw, wintry black metal territory.
As the album opens with 'Magick Triumph', the classic swords and sorcery experience is evident, but a grimy guitar chord adds a layer of frost to the proceedings. Old Sorcery has dabbled in blackened paths before, but 'The Outsider' excels in this realm, reminiscent of Paysage d'Hiver and Lunar Aurora.
The mix is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of 'authenticity' without sacrificing listenability. Headphones are a must for this album, as it truly comes alive with every detail.
Old Sorcery seamlessly blends dungeon synth and black metal, creating a symbiotic relationship where each genre enhances the other. The dungeon synth elements add warmth to the cold black metal, resulting in standout moments that will leave you breathless.
'The Outsider' is a lengthy album, but Old Sorcery manages the runtime effectively with a diverse range of songs. From malevolent melodies to softer dungeon synth passages, the album maintains a strong sense of engagement throughout.
While the staccato synth tones work beautifully in certain tracks, I found myself wishing for more exploration in the ambient sections. Nonetheless, 'The Outsider' is a solid addition to Old Sorcery's discography, offering a unique blend of genres that will satisfy both metalheads and dungeon synth enthusiasts alike.
Rating: Very Good!
Now, it's your turn to embark on this magical journey. Will you agree with our positive reviews? Let us know in the comments!
