Palace of Worms – Cabal
Palace of Worms – Cabal
Acephale Winter Productions
Release Date: 03/02/23
Running Time: 50:00
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
A project run by sole member Nicholas “Balan” Katich, Palace of Worms’s “Cabal” is an eccentric and somewhat unpredictable release. Since 2007 Balan has been creating music which follows an evolution that only he can see. My understanding is that Balan has experimented on every release under the Palace of Worms banner. Although his previous releases have varied from the rage of misanthropic Black Metal, this latest and last chapter in this project veers wildly and with substantial variation across a host of genres including Deathrock, Electronica, Folk, and Death Metal.
To say it’s diverse would be an understatement. At times, such as ‘Bizarre Blood and Exhumations’, this is explosive, guttural, and downright visceral. It’s almost back to basics in its earthiness but listen closely and you unpick much more going on. It’s carefully created, and the subtle combination of raw edge and more complex layered elements is what makes this such an attractive and interesting listen.
If “Cabal” is the finale, then it is a fitting and special conclusion. It’s a personal reflection of Balan’s view of the world. With a darkness that seeps through the album, there is also hope – the search for light continues. He has a host of co-conspirators this time round as well. Trevor Deschryver (Lycus, Silence in the Snow, Deafheaven), Sammy Fielding (Noctooa), Roberto Martinelli (Botanist), Dylan Neal (Thief), Shelby Lermo (Vastum, Ulthar) Hunter Burgan (AFI), Andy Way (Thoabath, Sutekh Hexen), Elizabeth Gladding (Lotus Thief, Forlesen), Meghan Wood (Crown of Asteria) all make appearances.
“Cabal” is a real chameleon. Shifts in tempo, style and even genre are routine. The move from crushing Doom-soaked Blackened Metal through to jangling Gothic parts on ‘Through the Dark Arches’ is reminiscent of Paradise Lost, although there are as many differences as there are similarities. The title track is a short, two-and-a-half-minute alternative piece, dominated by electro beats and eerie, some might say, sinister vocals. It’s another example of how Balan will not be restrained by genre or style. Similar pacing and changes of feel follow on ‘Cessation of the Heart’.
It’s in the lengthier songs that Palace of Worms really becomes expansive and progressive. This is mainly the final two songs, ‘Rebirth of Nihil’ and ‘Winterbird’, with a combined running time of over seventeen minutes, and incorporating horns, lush layered keys and female vocals. It all adds to the heady combination that is “Cabal”. Allow it the time to breath and the rewards are great.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Telepathic Crucifixion
02. Bizarre Blood and Exhumations
03. Through the Dark Arches
04. When the Stones Come Tumbling Down
05. Cabal
06. Cessation of the Heart
07. Rebirth of Nihil
08. Winterbird
LINE-UP:
Balan [Nicholas Kaitch] – all instruments and vocals
LINKS:
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