Description
Malfet is a dungeon synth artist from California, first revealed in 2018. Since that time, Malfet has released 3 records and a 7” EP, shared stages with Mortiis (Norway), Taur-Nu-Fuin (New Zealand), Algiz Dawn (New Zealand), Sangre de Muérdago (Galicia/Spain), Latona Odola, T.O.M.B., Dave Parley (Prayers); performed at the USA dungeon synth festival Northeast Dungeon Siege 3 years running, with a headlining performance for NEDS 2021. They have completed a west coast tour in support of their second album in 2019, as well as a west coast tour as direct support for Mortiis in 2020. Their lush orchestration and deep mythologies set them apart from much of the dungeon synth milieu, and their works are widely hailed as modern classics of the genre.
The project title “Malfet” refers to a nickname taken by the fabled Sir Launcelot, the “Ill-Made Knight” – a description of both the aesthetically unappealing physical characteristics of the knight as well as his inner moral struggles. “The Snaking Path” does not emanate ugliness, but describes the long, lonely, and often treacherous journey from inner turmoil to peace and fulfillment.
This is a rhythmic dungeon synth album that, like many of its predecessors, carries with it a sense of progression and narrative thrust: from darkness into light. Subdued mellotron, harps, flutes, and organ synthesis meet manipulated field recordings and percussion to summon a decidedly high medieval pastoral atmosphere that is both pensive and driving. The “Chevalier Mal Fet” of Arthurian legend meets a tragic end – the fantasy of The Snaking Path is far more optimistic; as we traverse the dark dreams of the first side of the tape, we know there is a light at the other end of this tunnel. From ruminations to jubilance, from solemnity to merriment – this is The Snaking Path.
GENRE: Dungeon Synth/Ambient
BARCODE: 700261468983
TRACK LISTING
1. The Snaking Path
2. Edenic Reflections
3. A Copse O’ergrown
4. The Shadows’ Dance on Cavern Walls
5. Winter’s Journey
6. Approaching Daylight
