Keeper Of The Forest is an atmospheric journey through the woods, inspired by the place I grew up and forest fantasy lore. So many great memories were made camping and exploring the woods near where I lived, and I wanted to bring some of that rural life into the electronic genre.

I really hope that this album can be a sonic experience that pulls you along a journey with its sounds and textures. So much of this album has been a way for me to escape the craziness of the outside world and create a safe space to breathe. I hope it is that for you as well.

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01 Before The Dawn (5 AM)

From the darkness, the first sounds of dawn stir you from sleep. Around you, the forest where you slept wakes with the sounds of native birds. Stirring, you sit up and poke at the fire coals, and searching for something to satisfy your hunger. The day has just begun, the forest is wide and yet unexplored. You have much ahead in your journey.

02 In The Pines, Beneath The Stars

The woods are still dark, but as you begin your trek, they come to life. The stars linger overhead, twinkling with their distant light, even as the sun peers over the eastern horizon before you.

The sunrise spills its majestic light across the miles ahead, painting mountains in shades of gold and red. For a moment, you pause to take in the beauty of creation, before setting off once again.

03 The Mountains (for Dungeons Deep)

The forest path gives way to enormous mountains, titans of stone holding untold secrets. Distant storm clouds loom overhead, and a clap of thunder reverberates to valleys below. Just for a moment, you hear the low mournful sound of singing, as if coming from a dungeon deep below the mountain, and you can’t say you’re entirely disappointed when it is behind you.

04 The Merchant

As you round a large tree, you see a mysterious figure in a long coat with a pack on his back and a large hat pulled low over his eyes. As you debate whether to engage him, he turns to face you.

The Merchant says, with a gleam in his eye, “What are you buying, stranger?”

05 The Forgotten Woods

The old forest seems to go on for miles, its acres untouched for ages. You sense that you are the first to tread these paths in quite some time. The thought at once gives you a sense of calming peace and of chilling isolation, as though no one would be able to find you if you never returned. You turn to leave, the journey home is long, but you always remember that place in the forgotten woods.

06 Firefly Sunset

As evening approaches, fireflies begin to dance around you. Through the trees, the sky shines with radiant red and amber hues. You reach the lake and see the moon over the pounding waves. You take a moment to let the beauty sink in.

07 Wandering

You’ve been walking for days. Every direction you turn looks the same now. An endless cycle of wandering. Frustrated, you stop. And listen.

Through the quiet, you catch your breath, and remember to pace yourself. It’s not over. You will make it. There is hope.

08 When The Last Leaf Falls

You never meant to stay this long. It was spring when you arrived but now winter is approaching.

Just like the trees that shed their leaves, this journey has changed you. You're different now than when you entered. Reaching the edge of the forest, you turn back for a moment. One more time to glance before you leave. One last look, as the last leaf falls.

09 Into The Morning

Stepping into the sun, you've reached the end of the journey. And yet, it’s also the beginning.

There will be more challenges ahead. But today, you enjoy this moment in the morning sun.

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This album is inspired by many different things. I wanted to create a relaxing environment, similar to the vibe I experience when I listen to the music for fantasy games like Skyrim or Oblivion or Elden Ring or even the soundtracks to movies like Lord of the Rings. The album title is actually a rough translation of my last name, and also comes from growing up living in the woods. This album has allowed me to stretch and explore a lot of different musical areas including ambient, chillwave, vaporwave, IDM, post-rock, and even a little bit of dungeon synth.

Speaking of dungeon synth, I'd like to thank my long-time friend @dungeons_deep on Instagram for collaborating with me on creating the beautiful cover art for this album. There's a track on this album that was created for him.