Urku Llanthu is a Dark Folk/Dungeon Synth solo artist from Ecuador. In 2025, Urku Llanthu released his latest single, “Anku.” The album was taken from his fifth studio album. “Pichkay.” The single was released through his label, Takiri Productions.

Urku Llanth, Anku Review: This review will evaluate every aspect of the single, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this single is worth adding to your collection.

The First Three Sins, The Summary

The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Anku forgoes electric instrumentation, relying on Andean wind and string instruments alongside keyboards to craft an immersive, ritualistic soundscape. The Second Sin, The Vocals: By omitting vocals entirely, Anku allows its melodies and atmospheres to breathe, inviting introspection and enhancing its meditative, spiritual essence. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Percussion in Anku isn’t just rhythm—it’s a primal force, guiding the listener through deep ceremonial landscapes with resonant, earthy drum textures.

The Fourth Sin, Overall Discussion

The Essence of Urku Llanthu’s Musical Atmosphere

Urku Llanthu frames its musical atmosphere together with melodic, harmonic and mystical rhythms, with a strong base in ancestral Andean melodies, along with a diverse framework of instruments that come from this region. Amalgamating all these sounds under the harmonic company of the piano that supports and shapes this musical genre called Dungeon Synth—Dark Folk Metal. [Urku Llanthu]

Anku: A Sonic Ritual Rooted in Andean Spirituality

From the depths of Andean spirituality, Urku Llanthu unveils Anku, the first track from his fifth studio album, Pichkay. Rooted in the Kichwa concept of “Anku” (meaning Root), the song explores the profound connection between humanity and Pachamama (Mother Earth), weaving ancient wisdom into a sonic ritual.

A Fully Immersive Journey into Andean Spirituality

As soon as the listener hits play, they are not just taken to a realm rich in Andean spirituality—they are fully immersed in its essence. The far-off cry of a murder of crows, the steady flow of water, and the harmonious blend of soft sounds with eerie piano notes create an atmosphere where history comes alive and ancestral whispers linger.

Honouring Traditions Through Music

Urku Llanthu embodies a deep sense of respect for traditions and history. You desire to continue your spiritual exploration by listening to Pichkay after listening to Anku.

Melodies That Resonate with Ancestral Whispers

Its melodies plunge into the spiritual realm, employing instruments that appear to resonate with the whispers of age-old rituals. Every note and rhythm emerges as a sacred pulse, linking the listener to ancestors who have long departed. The music is crafted with intricate layers of ritualistic percussion, conjuring visions of drums thundering in a shadowy forest or encircling a ceremonial blaze. These rhythms vibrate with primal energy, awakening a sense of unity with something greater than oneself.

Synth Textures and Folk Influences Intertwined

Haunting synth textures dance through the soundscape, reminiscent of whispers from a different era or realm. These ethereal sounds foster an air of intrigue and awe, drawing listeners into a surreal experience. Folk influences are intricately blended into the composition, possibly featuring melodies inspired by age-old instruments. These folk tones infuse the music with warmth and genuineness, anchoring it in its cultural heritage. They conjure visions of far-off gatherings or time-honoured rituals celebrated by communities of yore.

A Cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth

Together, these components create a piece that embodies both tranquillity and rawness. The music invites introspective thought, yet it also releases a deep-seated primal energy that resonates within. It’s as though every note is a fragment of a cycle that perpetually repeats and rejuvenates—symbolizing life, death, and rebirth. In this manner, the music reflects the natural rhythm, reminding us that all things move in cycles.

The Transformative Experience of Anku

Experiencing Anku, but also Urku Llanth’s other fruitless works of art, feels akin to embarking on a journey into a spiritual realm filled with both shadows and illumination. The intricate textures and rhythmic motifs carry listeners away from the mundane, leading them to a domain where the sacred intertwines with the visceral. This encounter transforms into a voyage that resonates with the spirit and stirs something instinctual within. Each element of the composition appears meticulously crafted to invoke sensations of nostalgia, enigma, and wonder. The lush blend of sounds stands as a compelling testament to how music can act as a conduit to our ancestral heritage.

A Commitment to Storytelling Through Sound

Overall, Urku Llanth’s artistry and devilmanship remains committed to storytelling through sound, channelling the wisdom of ancestors and the essence of Kichwa philosophy. As an invocation of heritage, Anku resonates with a sense of ritualistic guidance, urging listeners to explore the delicate balance between existence and nature’s eternal force.

The Eternal Echo of Anku

As the composition draws to an end, the tunes gradually diminish into the shadows. The distant call of a murder of crows echoes from afar, and the ceremonial rite of passage remains long after the melodies have slipped into the night. We want to give a shoutout to Urku Llanth for letting us review his single Anku. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.

The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia

For me, composing reviews for Urku Llanth is a considerable task, not in relation to the music, but in how he showcases his work. He releases an album, picks a song, and promotes it as a single. His artistry and the promotion of his creations are crucial. But could this be my opinion? 

If you’re into dungeon synth and dark folk music, I urge you to explore Anku and the ongoing artistic contributions of Urku Llanth—it’s more than mere music; it’s a ritualistic experience and a getaway from the daily grind of modern existence.

Urku Llanth — Anku Review

The Sixth Sin, The Artwork

This artwork exudes a dark, ritualistic atmosphere, featuring hooded figures standing in a forest littered with skulls. The twisted trees and full moon add to the eerie, supernatural ambiance.

The Seventh Sin, Disrelish

There is nothing to critique in Anku. Every element—its absence of vocals, immersive instrumentation, and ritualistic atmosphere—serves a clear artistic purpose. It’s not a composition seeking validation, but an experience, waiting for the listener to engage and interpret its depths. Rather than flaws, Anku stands as a testament to Urku Llanth’s devotion to atmosphere and spiritual exploration. Thus, we conclude our review of Anku. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your time in reading this article. I encourage you to explore the work of Urku Llanth.

The Hymns

01. Anku

Urku Llanth

Atuk Urku Llanthu (Pablo Mesias) — Songwriting, All Instruments

Hear The Music