Secret Stairways - Enchantment of the Ring (1997) (Dungeon Synth)

Artist : Secret Stairways
Album : Enchantment of the Ring
Year : 1997
Genre : Dungeon Synth, Tolkien Inspired
Country : USA
TRACKLIST
1. What Lies Beyond the Door 00:00
2. Reflections on the Lake 04:41
3. Eve of the Snow Queen 07:54
4. Lammas Tide 10:46
5. Collecting Primroses 14:31
6. Finvarra's Chessboard 16:47
7. Amongst the Waterlillies 19:33
8. Onward to Hy Breasail 22:18
Please support the artists, buy their music.
RIP Matthew Davis
July 6th 1973 - January 23rd 2011

[@manfrombritain6816]

Imagine if you told this guy in '97 that his cassette would be getting heard by a quarter of a million people around the world via the Internet, where many of them were commenting on the kitties

[@elvenlament]

its the internet, we gotta comment on the kitties

[@susanm7925]

He probably planned it!

[@Pestbringer89]

wish he still lived.

[@windowman7042]

Dude i can so totally imagine that. His face so totally pwns! xD rawr

[@carry-on-chaos4032]

@@susanm7925 😂

[@kozagong]

why is no-one mentioning that he thanked "kitties of the world" in the cassette sleeve?

[@jacques9515]

oh shit, is this collin

[@lucgrandemange2496]

yeah if you're the kind of guy nerding in your parents basement to record a dungeon synth album it kind of makes sense that you stay arount with cats a lot of time

[@kristophercrane]

@Firstname Lastname Yeah fuck animals or living situations. Who gives a shit about the music?? dungeon synth was always about being a bigshot celebrity anyway.

[@dmitrysamoilov5989]

Yeah! America!

[@vallisdaemonumofficial]

@Firstname Lastname oh look, a pathetic man online that pretends to hurt a type of helpful, small animal that's not even food. You're not fooling anyone.. you're pathetic.

[@DGP406]

The dungeon synth club is my favorite hidden corner on youtube.

[@itsmethemusicman4704]

i've got two things i want to say in regards to the discussion happening about this album: 1) this album is strong beyond the 1st song, even if the 1st song is amazing. (lammas tide???) and much more importantly: 2) i don't think this album is "the sound of someone who was suicidal or troubled". of course we all know that the composer did kill himself several years after creating this album, but when i listen to this music, i hear someone with a vision who committed themselves to making that vision a reality. that's a powerful thing to do, and something which gives a life purpose and meaning. the results speak for themselves, this album is comparable to the LOTR soundtrack in magnificence to my ears. whatever tragedy or spanners ended this man's life, i don't hear it in this music. instead, i hear an incredible victory someone made over their own demons. RIP matthew davis, and thank you for making this from beginning to end.

[@peanutbutterjelle]

Thank you for this.

[@karkat_plus_bucket1712]

Wonderfully said

[@cyclops1092]

Agreed. There might be eerie moments in the music but definitely not a man who wants to die. Not on this recording.

[@throughtheshadows_]

Wonderful words !

[@SokiHime]

Thank you so much for this

[@heathcarlsson6026]

First song is so sad, so melancholic, so deep... it makes you even more sad when you read that the composer killed himself. R.I.P. and thanks for this beautiful music that deserves to be one of the best Dungeon Synth release ever.

[@jordanwhitemanamr]

I was also looking to learn more about him and his career. It seems there's just enough that a Wiki article could be created--just need a few more citations. He had a friend named David who seems to have a lot of his work and knows quite a bit about him. Maybe that's a place to start. I believe they played in bands together.

[@habit3867]

Sorry for being so late, but here's the link to a dungeon synth blog that made a post about the guy: dungeon-excavation.blogspot.fr/2016/07/secret-stairways.html He played in some bands apparently, I havent checked them out myself but I believe they could be well worth trying out.

[@RicardoPestana]

There's more here: www.discogs.com/artist/829224-Matthew-Davis-2

[@eneman654]

he knew he would never make something so beautiful again

[@FeelingShred]

Probably realized there's no much point in this life after you played around for a while... Everytime you guys ask "why did he do this" it's like a knive stabbing, denying the person's choice, denying he even has a choice to begin with. Just accept the person for what he is, including the choice.

[@johno400]

Some label NEEDS to contact his family and release this in a physical format. I feel like so many artists like this fly under the radar, this album is miraculous.

[@onlydogontheleft]

@@TheGazza83 Thank you. Just purchased it :)

[@lord_insany]

@@nocturnaldivision aaaand it's sold out

[@nocturnaldivision]

@@lord_insany The silver version sold out in less than a minute. The white version sold out in 10 iirc. They'll repress it eventually I hope.

[@bradabar2012]

You can find it on cassette at Discogs, but it's very expensive.

[@AtrocityEquine01]

I'd love to get a physical CD copy!

[@loganhagler1889]

It sounds like he poured his soul into this. I'm just getting in to dungeon synth, and this blew me away...

[@MingusDynastyy]

There is a lot of mediocre stuff, I agree on this album though.

[@sethburkhart1021]

Tales under the oak just finally snagged me, and I’m looking for more. What are your top one or two artists in the genre?

[@thepsychwizardude3821]

Fief ll (2016) album is my favorite dungeon synth album. I'm sure you already know it as it's well known (just under 1m views) but it's the first dungeon synth album I discovered a few years ago and an album I still thoroughly enjoy from start to finish @@sethburkhart1021

[@TheDrewjameson]

This is by far my favorite dungeon synth album, and the guy lived 20 minutes from my house.

[@phantomsmile2733]

Summon him for one more release

[@tcc6073]

He ley some incredible works behind How did he die?

[@TheDrewjameson]

@@tcc6073 poor guy committed suicide, apparently. Really talented musician

[@spaceghost681]

Rip great album

[@ceef8688]

that's cool! Maybe you could get his work into the local library there, as a tribute.

[@StumpfsCurse]

Burialgoods Conan video brought me here. 👋 Love the music.

[@cosbypoop]

this is the sound of desolate adventure. you set out to accomplish something grand, but it never happened and never will. you have realized your quest is in vain. there is no resolution. all you can do is descend deeper into the dungeon. you are too far deep into the pit. the only way forwards is down.

[@bv3365]

Cup Half empty kind of guy eh

[@Proberaumwurst]

cringe

[@colete888]

you just described dark souls

[@Palabrito.J.]

@@Proberaumwurst Some only cringe because, for some reason, sincerity makes them uncomfortable.

[@tsquire87]

@@Proberaumwurst named after the worst of the Greek Pantheon. Unable to handle emotions. Checks out.

[@Rubbish_]

I have slightly more trust in this world upon the realization that hundreds of thousands of people from many different places and lives can put aside 29 minutes to enjoy an album from a niche genre and experience some respite. R.I.P., I wish Matthew could know just how many people think this music is beautiful and moving.

[@neilduh]

I own a lot of Matthew's music. Extremely evocative to the imagination, and makes me cry regularly. Old school dungeon synth masterpiece.

[@SindreGaaserod]

As long as Secret Stairways' music is available for listeners, what might be the most vulnerable and intimate part of Matthew's very being lives on. Beautiful, isn't it?

[@LuizCarlos1]

🥲

[@adramalech3385]

Every age has it's own spirit. This music is the spirit of the 90's.

[@smokingbarrels7019]

That first track is maybe the most hauntingly beautiful piece of music I've heard in a long time

[@glaringspires4815]

This is beautiful. R.I.P. Matthew Davis

[@kodakasumaru6974]

Its strange that I find things like this which resonate with me so deeply. Everyone will feel different things when listening to this... What I feel is the enchantment of a dark forest and the precipice of a great legend. What else could be so beautifully shadowed and mystical, other than this mans strange creation? I only hope I can capture some of these wonderful feelings in the fiction I write.

[@skrapadelix]

Matthew listed on the cover the equipment used to create this timeless classic. It’s a fitting testament to his talent and vision that he created it with such modest synths and effects, and sequenced it all in hardware.

[@crystalblue64]

In my opinion it's actually much easier to sequence via hardware as opposed to using a DAW. You actually focus on playing your instrument as opposed to mouse clicking. It's the only way I create my music today

[@JvanEdits]

@@crystalblue64 I agree with you

[@maryn2065]

Sometimes you hear a song that makes you rethink your life choices.

[@tbdnameyea8070]

Getting into dungeon synth just now, and this is the first album to genuinely blow me away. Rest easy Matthew

[@UntitledKirk]

In my opinion, this is the best dungeon synth album ever.

[@Rupert_chiesa_gigliotti]

UntitledKirk 👍

[@lt7114]

Totally agreed.

[@dashdandelion3681]

Vindkaldr's Enchantment's of Old Lore is the second best i reckon ;)

[@Svartedauen333]

Dauði Baldrs is the best imo but this is good.

[@sebastienopalka2955]

For sure

[@sleepalaska]

I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT IN TEN, 20, 30 YEARS, MY MUSIC HAS THIS IMPACT ON SOMEONE.

[@madmanvarietyshow9605]

RIP Matthew Davis. Great album from start to finish.

[@aeaphonk6411]

This is just beautiful, magic, melancholic, this make me feel so much things, is a fuel to my imagination

[@SkaiiV]

What can I say? Just incredible... RIP Matthew Davis

[@squag7218]

Such a beautiful, magical album. It was sad to hear what became of Matthew, but that only immortalizes the music further. Beware The Ring!

[@Rupert_chiesa_gigliotti]

Squag 👍

[@hasenfangmusic]

My favorite dungeon synth album to date. Sounds more like it should be a score to an 80's Legend-like film.

[@jimmyfingers227]

I'm sure tangerine dream had a huge influence on early dungeon synth.

[@cccrit]

Its been maybe nearly two years since ive listened to this album... really? two years? What is all that I have done in that time. It feels but an instant. I don't kknow who I was when I first listening to this, but if not the man I am today. But how could I hve been when years have passed. I'm staring into the mirror, but I can't tell what the reflection is looking at. My emotions swell.

[@fujichia]

pretty sure i played with this guy's other band at a planetarium in central mass in like 1999 or 2000... wish i had the foresight to grip the tape, i listen to it a lot now.

[@phantomsmile2733]

Lammas Tide might be the most melancholic Dungeon Synth Classic I can think of. There's a lot of cheesy sad dungeon synth, but you can really hear the cathartic out put in Lammas Tide for sure.

[@blairens]

Thank you Matthew for this beautiful album. It was genuinely moving. Rest in piece my friend.

[@kota86]

Oh my Gods, this is seriously probably the best dungeon synth album I've ever heard. There's such a 'soul' about this album that I haven't heard in any other dungeon synth releases to date. There's an incredible depth of emotion present within these songs that resonates with something deep within me. R.I.P. Matthew Davis. If you were anything like your music, you were one of a kind.

[@asafoetidajones8181]

Agree. It has a special quality of emotion that even many of the best DS releases lack.

[@collt0916]

@@asafoetidajones8181 wow that’s a spicy take

[@frozenxgls3708]

R.I.P Matthew Davis 8 years after your suicide! i absolutely love this masterpiece!

[@JvanEdits]

this turned out to be my favorite music genre these times

[@dragonwithamonocle]

Wow, just reading the dedication, I can tell this man was troubled. I'm definitely seeing some inflections used by people I know who struggle with really bad depression. It's so unfortunate that sometimes great music like this can only come from such a sorrowful place, and in the process encourage people to live in that darkness. All in all, this is a beautiful album. Take care of yourselves, all of you. Remember that you matter.

[@RetrOchannel]

@@serpens_ignis Would he?

[@illusionxmuta]

A genre I never knew existed or knew that I needed. I love KZbin.

[@dennishornung2648]

must try... this is a Dungeon Synth classic! ⚔

[@voiceofamos]

This is a really imaginative, magical sound! R.I.P. to the wonderful artist who created this.

[@Rupert_chiesa_gigliotti]

voice of amos 👍

[@ervinasturias1857]

Mágico. ...

[@soloshotfirst1118]

Notice how the drums in the first song are off tempo for the first minutes, even the guitar hits some wrong note, maybe on purpose as an artistic choice. Notice then, how everything magically synchronizes at 2:36 That, to me, is the most beautiful moment.

[@georgexm2032]

can't stop listening to this album. RIP Matthew

[@maxbrandt6]

I came here out of curiosity for a form of music new to me, this is excellent stuff! It sounds like music from a little-known fantasy movie, it pulls you in and enchants you every step of the way, interesting that the musician references the mythical isle of Hy Breasail, not many people know of that.

[@nullifye7816]

God bless you wherever you are, Matthew Davis. Hope that Ring never got you, I'll be keeping an eye out myself. And for kitties.

[@christopherjackson6634]

This album is just...out of this world, extraordinary. RIP Matthew, It makes me sad that i won't be able to tell you how highly i think of this album to you personally.

[@Mountainmonths]

coming back to appreciate this masterpiece again. it's even better the second time.

[@Unblacklievable]

The guitar on 1) What Lies Beyond the Door is out of this world; absolutely DRIPPING in reverb!

[@vladimirsprave733]

Can not stop listening to this. Thank you very much for sharing this piece of art. It makes me so sad to hear about Mathew. Hail

[@Rupert_chiesa_gigliotti]

Vladimir Sprave 👍

[@nocturnaldivision]

One of the best ambient artists of all time, along with Depressive Silence and Jaaportit. I hope it gets a new physical release soon.

[@Winterrealm]

Pleas everyone try to buy this album, even though the autor is dead now, is like a retribution to him. One of the best Landscape/Dungeon synth albums ever. The immense beauty of this music must be shared so others can be inspired.

[@JvanEdits]

As soon as i get enough money, i will

[@mati7029]

najpiękniejszy album jaki słyszałem w życiu

[@bobble13345]

This album is the most beautiful type of melancholy

[@redmuun519]

Thank you Matthew, for the beautiful music you put in this world for all of us to enjoy. May you rest in eternal peace.

[@nickschmitt8594]

How is it possible for something to be so perfect?

[@soylentchiba]

I've listened to this easily about 20 times in the last couple of days, I can't get over how beautiful it is. It's a damn shame about Matthew Davis, he seemed like a really awesome guy, and exceptionally talented.

[@acarbonbasedlifeform70]

This beautiful piece of music is what I desperately needed in this awful year. R.I.P. Matthew, pure talent

[@shoresofpatmos]

3. Eve of the Snow Queen 07:54 THIS IS AMAZING

[@sologos7773]

i've had this on repeat for days. it is lovely & haunting, filled with visuals that calm and entrance the mind. looking into the vinyl, as the artwork and handwritten sleeves are just as stunning. rip Matthew, thank you for creating this experience.

[@boltonrb]

I'm always coming back to this incredible album. Collecting primroses might be my favourite DS song ever.

[@DelanceyThrone]

I've been listening to this whilst illustrating for the past week. absolutely absorbing, the strongest Dungeon Synth release I think I've heard.

[@Rupert_chiesa_gigliotti]

Delancey Throne 👍

[@duncankayartwork]

I just discovered this whilst at work today. It’s utterly amazing. It’s so sad that the artist passed on. But this wonderful work lives on.

[@1lapmagic]

This is amazing, just finding music like this in 2022, it brings back part of the mid 90s feeling in a way that you can only understand if you were there. RIP Matthew

[@greasyweegoblin1249]

One of the best dungeon synth albums out there, a true classic

[@rosbly]

Woaw, i just discovered dungeon synth and I just don't know what to say about this album... it really vibrate into my soul and resonate in harmony. Thanks Matthew for creating this beauty, you were too pure for us

[@GS195]

Thank you, Sam Sutherland, for linking us to this when we needed to know where to find it.

[@noahbailey7081]

I've been listening to a LOT of dungeon synth lately, and I have to say, this is up there with the masters. Truly haunting and powerful.

[@LuccaZa]

I believe this was my first experience of the Dungeon Synth genre, and what a masterwork this is.

[@F1lip3JF]

This is the best. What a melancholic ending had this project, huh? It deserves so much more recognition.

[@pepsimaster3522]

R.I.P Mathew. Your music is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard and I got very touch by it. I can’t really put my finger on what feelings I get but it’s beautiful non the least. May your soul slumber in eternal rest.

[@enzogalli5506]

MASTERPIECE!! Sad, melancholic, divine...We will always remember you!!! Sublime work!!!!!

[@liamdaquila1979]

Oh my, Onward to Hy Breasail

[@brunovallesmunoz4757]

A very hypnotic work with some amazing arrangements....One for evoke..........

[@Heidrek88]

I always come back to listen this album. Gives me chills all the time. Best DS i ever hear, Lammas Tide is definitley my fav track. Thank you Mathew, you will never be forgotten

[@JvanEdits]

Same for me, good to know other ppl out there also enjoy this, cheers from Brazil..

[@jimbigey2779]

taht's so sad.... thx for uploading this, since it has been put online Secret Stairways got the recognition he deserves, rip

[@tcc6073]

Why did he kill himself?

[@ZackMorris1015]

Because they stopped making button fly jeans.

[@mulleinroots]

amazing album, could listen to it over and over again

[@Rupert_chiesa_gigliotti]

mullein roots 👍

[@MikaDamaged]

Such an beautiful piece, wish we could hear more of it. A masterpiece

[@kaeditnos]

This work is so precious and unique that when I listened to it for the first time, I felt my soul press to leave my body and float into endless but familiar spaces on a 30-minute journey. Every time I listen to this tape again and hear this guy's soul resonate in his music, I am moved.

[@daskdungeonsynth8015]

my feelings to the author I would just like to thank you for this beautiful album that inspires me so much

[@DirtySanchez943]

Frpom the start it reminds me of MUM...The ruler of secrets and mystery...I miss her soo much...:(

[@domsnow6418]

Not paying attention for a decade and suddenly medieval dark ambient has become dungeon synth and there are tons of new bands. The internet is a miraculous thing for sure!

[@en1440]

I've had Lammas Tide in my ambient rotation for months. Never knew where it came from. Dungeon Synth is really cool because it's like finding forgotten relics.

[@TheGalamoth]

wow this is better than i thought it'd be, looking at the pic/cover, you think ok this looks like some casio keyboard medieval spooky ambient album but then you listen to it and become pleasantly surprised lol

[@JvanEdits]

"casio keyboard medieval spooky ambient album", nice description haha, well, that's exactly what it is and i love it.

[@hellknightmordred7655]

@@JvanEdits I wouldn't say its spooky but it certainly is ethereal!

[@ervinasturias1857]

Maravilloso tema. ..para meditar...so amazing

[@collincortright8640]

This is literally fucking amazing, Onward to Hy Breasail is a serious masterpiece

[@summerlaverdure]

beautiful music, RIP to a wonderful composer

[@Gillty101]

So many 'ive just now discovered dungeon synth' comments. And fittingly so. It's been waiting for you, buried deep.

[@sebastienopalka2955]

Clearly my favorite Dungeon Synth album !

[@gug7151]

goodbye matthew. if only you knew how much you had helped. gone far too soon, but remembered by so, so many.

[@One_Call_System]

Nice one. I listen to alot of ambient and electronic stuff and also listen to metal. I will be exploring more of this genre. Wicked!

[@gallevitikusgenderlordmigo6324]

Thank you Matthew Davis! May you wander the secret stairways to your own paradise.

[@travelingalone8029]

Incredible Work, RIP.

[@killermeme4695]

I just got recommended this!!! I’m 17 so be reassured that there will be a new generation of dungeon synth lovers

[@metal_melody]

this is wonderful. the last track is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard

[@thetruechadley666]

I wasn't sure for a few listens, but now I really like it!

[@falken2089]

"Collecting Primroses" is the first song from this genre to make me cry, also "Onward To Hy Breasail" reminds me a little bit to the song "The First Snow" by Drudkh

[@Nephi895]

I love the guitar on the first track.

[@SebaDiGiuseppe]

I'm just getting into Dungeon Synth and man, I love it. Wow, it's 1997, I just noticed, interesting stuff.

[@Rupert_chiesa_gigliotti]

Seba Di Giuseppe 👍

[@mariusscheijgrond9061]

THANK YOU FOR THE CHANNEL

[@moussetache1815]

I feel so late to this whole thing. Not that there was a deadline or anything but this great dude Matthew Davis is not anymore. He certainly was the kind of artist I would have loved to meet. Except if he had ideas like, say, Varg Vikernes. I mean, he loved cats and even thanked them on the sleeve.

[@gustavodealmeidamota7995]

Beautiful And melancholic music.

[@Rupert_chiesa_gigliotti]

Gustavo de Almeida Mota 👍

[@draugulaniar7743]

beautiful

Old masterpiece.

[@kritspoherson]

I Just found this - Has a really strong essence of Ras Algethi - If anyone has ever heard them - at least so far as the first song - very emotional, very powerful, much more so than most out there - RIP we will all see you there someday.