Machina Coeli - Lure of the Forgotten Lake

The third release from an Italian dungeon-synth act (which started around 1997), and the first release from a new dungeon-synth label called Nigra Opera Productions (cassette being limited to 50 copies). This one was released on the 17th of June this year.

Machine Coeli means heaven machine, and heaven machine means...  I´m not sure. Something which makes the earth and the cosmos work? Maybe we are in some alchemist kind of lair, the experimental machine of an alchemist? Gnostic mystics was seeking esoteric secrets through science, in order to get closer to god. And the title for this cool release... Lure of the Forgotten Lake? Maybe we´re looking at water spirits, seducing good folk to their watery homes in order to drown them. According to the track titles, we are looking at a scenario in which (maybe) a water spirit has to be defeated in order to get gain access to the lost scrolls. The Bandcamp site holds more details about it, here it goes: 

"The howl was hooting, as the flowing river def the hunger of the forgotten lake. How could we lose the memory of the magical water mirror as we indulged ourselves in the senseless quest for pleasure and matter? It is now time to forge new shiny weapons and crush the devious reign of ignorance which bid the purest Knowledge with its malicious shadows. There's only one thing that can save us now: the ancient secret scrolls locked in the chest at the bottom of the lake..."

Kind of like Arthur searching for Excalibur sort of theme... But what about the music behind this story?!. Traditional high-quality dungeon-synth with a retro/vintage feel. Say early Mortiis, early Raison D´être, early Morthhond with a touch of Coil (or even Phallus Dei) at the end? I fxxxxx love it, the storytelling mood is there and the esoteric mysticism is just right. I also like this because it sounds... otherworldly?. But yes, it is a traditional dungeon synth release yes!... But! it goes just a little bit further than just being about the usual dungeons and dragons-theme. Although it is without lyrics, is still maintains that mystical esoteric feel which gives the release a personal and very unique touch. At around 05:30 (Lure of the Forgotten Lake) I was being rather amused, that the melody (and vibe) reminded me of New Order´s Blue Monday? I do not know if it was intentional, but if it is... Fucking awesome! Who can say no to Blue Monday as a dungeon synth piece?!. 

So my message would be to you all, go out and get it! You get your fix for something downbeat and traditional, and you get an interesting release with a unique occult/ritual mood attached to it. Do go around the Bandcamp-site and check up on the other two releases. Even Mortiis say thumps up to this!

Bandcamp (band):

https://machinacoeli.bandcamp.com/album/lure-of-the-forgotten-lake-2019

Bandcamp (label):

https://nigraopera.bandcamp.com/releases