Exploring the Nostalgia and Sorrow of Vaelastrasz's "Winterspring" (Early Album Stream)
When one looks at the collected works of US based dungeon synth act Vaelastrasz, not only will they see many releases but also a variety of labels and ventures that have supported this artist. Gondolin Records, Ancient Meadow, Realm & Ritual, Pacific Threnodies, and a host of other labels have all been platforms that have been part of the journey of this artist. The year 2017 was when I first heard The Plaguelands, which at the time was just a grim looking drone project. Now five years, 22 releases, and a list of record labels later, Vaelastrasz seems to show no signs of wavering from the stoic mediation they seem to have sworn themselves to.
…
…
Winterspring, streaming in full above, is Vaelastrasz’s 23rd release which embraces the icy textures of winter synth combined with an unabashed love for World of Warcraft lore. Outside of neutral tracks like “Winterfall,” each track on Winterspring is dedicated to specific locations in the game. While one could think this means joyous frolics in snow, grinding levels, and playful tributes to an MMO, Vaelastrasz is built upon a foundation of melancholy. There is a sense of fancy and nostalgic longing but even at its most tender still exudes a cooling exterior. Songs like “Starfall” shower upon its landscape with moody synth gaining an increasing purchase. 11 minute tracks like “Crystal of Zin-Malor” are aching requiems which speak of unrequited emotion. The use of media in Winterspring isn’t used in tribute, but rather as a vehicle to find a place in time and space where the artist has chosen to tell stories.
Vaelastrasz has shown themselves a competent and successful dungeon synth artist from their list of records to performances at Northeast Dungeon Siege, which I still watch for its entertainment value beyond comprehension. Winterspring can be thought of as a winter synth record, or a World of Warcraft synth record, but for anyone who has spent time with this artist, Winterspring will be a record that words still have yet to describe.
…
Winterspring releases September 9th independently via Bandcamp.
