Old Sorcery's 'The Outsider': A Dungeon Synth Adventure with a Black Metal Twist (2026)

Prepare to be whisked away to a realm of icy synths, raw black metal, and enchanting storytelling, because Old Sorcery’s The Outsider is not just an album—it’s a portal to another world. But here’s where it gets controversial: while dungeon synth purists might raise an eyebrow at its black metal infusion, this daring blend might just be the genre’s most captivating evolution yet. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the music; it’s about the journey it takes you on.

Old Sorcery, the brainchild of Finnish multi-instrumentalist Vechi Vrăjitor, has long been a staple in dungeon synth circles. Known for their atmospheric and nostalgic soundscapes, The Outsider marks a bold departure from their usual fare. Picking up where 2025’s The Escapist left off, this album expands the “Masks of the Magi” trilogy with a 71-minute odyssey that’s as ambitious as it is immersive. Vrăjitor doesn’t just dabble in new territory—he dives headfirst into it, blending sweeping cinematic textures, classical instrumentation, and raw black metal elements reminiscent of early Emperor. The result? A sound that’s both atmospheric and visceral, with tremolo walls, blast beats, and haunting rasps serving as the foundation for icy synths, folk-inspired woodwinds, and reverent melodies.

But don’t let the runtime intimidate you. While The Outsider could arguably trim a few minutes here and there, its true magic lies in its ability to grow on you like moss on ancient trees. Each listen reveals new layers, from the subtle lockstep of synths and guitars in “Magick Triumph” to the explosive triple attack of gritty guitar, ethereal synth, and breathy woodwind in “Where Sorrow Reigns.” This isn’t an album to dissect—it’s an experience to bask in, ideally on a cold, snowy day with a warm drink in hand.

What sets The Outsider apart is its narrative musicality. Though Vrăjitor’s vocals are filtered and pushed back, the album feels like a wordless story, its bones hidden within the music. Whether you’re standing on the moonlit snowfields of “Magick Triumph” or wandering through the crystalline caverns of “Where Sorrow Reigns,” it’s impossible not to imagine the adventures of the titular outsider. It’s a spellbinding fusion of wintery synths and blackened atmospherics, adorned with grand structures and diverse instrumentation that make overt narration unnecessary.

But here’s the question: Is The Outsider a dungeon synth album with black metal elements, or a black metal album with dungeon synth influences? This blurred line is what makes it so compelling—and divisive. While some might argue it strays too far from its dungeon synth roots, others will applaud its fearless innovation. Either way, it’s a testament to Old Sorcery’s artistry that they can pull off such a hybrid so seamlessly.