1/6/2018
The Barbarian Skull Webzine began in 2014, with a name inspired by traditional epic metal bands such as Witchkiller, Exciter, Omen, and Manowar. The purpose of the zine was to promote Dungeon Synth, which at that time had very little resources online (and almost no social media presence). The zine was a useful resource for fans looking for quality Dungeon Synth (and related genres such as metal, ambient, folk etc.), and two print editions with most of the material were released by Haftvad Records. In 2018, the Dungeon Synth "scene" has changed more than I ever could have imagined. When I first started writing Dungeon Synth music in 2013, the only label I could find releasing physical copies was the now defunct Mithrim Records from England (if you have his Lord Lovidicus tape, don't ever get rid of it!). Now there are several high profile labels consistently releasing music, various blogs and resources online, and Mortiis has even began touring with his Era I material. This is more progress and attention than I ever believed Dungeon Synth could achieve. The time has come to lay the zine to rest, as I no longer feel the need or inspiration to work on it.
I am proud of what has been accomplished with Barbarian Skull and some of the legendary Dungeon Synth interviews we did over the past four years, including but not limited to Forgotten Pathways, Taur Nu Fuin, Sequestered Keep, Cernunnos Woods, Thangorodrim, Verminaard, Frostveil, Barak Tor, Arath, Grimrik, Trogool, Gvasdnahr... these interviews offer a unique insight into the minds of musicians making Dungeon Synth during the 'transition period'; from the modern day revival of Dungeon Synth, and right before the time when new Dungeon Synth projects started to appear on bandcamp on a regular basis. All those who have been following the zine from the beginning and have watched the genre develop and change over the years - thanks for your dedication and support of the underground.
Keep the ancient flame burning,
- Nate (Oldenhelm, Forest Wanderer, Cimitir)
“Barbarianism is the natural state of mankind. Civilization is unnatural. It is the whim of circumstance. And barbarianism must ultimately triumph.” – Robert E. Howard
