Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: PALACE OF WORMS; signed via Acephale Winter Productions, hailing from the United States of America - performing Death/Doom Metal, on the 4th full-length studio album entitled: "Cabal" (released February 3rd, 2023). Since formation in 2007; the soloist in question has 3 demos, 5 splits, 1 compilation and 4 full-length studio albums in Balan's impressively vast discography so far. I am introduced to the 4th offering entitled: "Cabal", 8 tracks ranging around 50:04 - PALACE OF WORMS arrange an intricately designed formula on some heavy-hitting Death/Doom Metal culminations.

Opening up with this cryptic introduction of mystifying soundscapes; this otherworldly hymn elements at an unearthly remedy of "Telepathic Crucifixion", until a groovy harmony belts a choppy foundation in clobbering distortion and rampantly rompy riffage. A euphonic but dense rumble reverberates speakers with technical melody; merging this majestic calamity in blistering barrage frenzies of tight harmony and punchline sulphurity, this synthetic surge materialises with sturdy thuds on weighty ramifications of ripping shreds from all instrumental soloist Balan himself. Fusing spacious waves of versatile vehemence & seamless technicality; this vibrantly potent synergy manifests with organic substance whilst this thrusting adrenaline in amplified experimentation implements an impactful impulse of dynamic dexterity for good measure - especially in "Bizarre Blood and Exhumations".

This deathly hollow of slabby tonality rifts with rambunctious piledrives of which rivet with strident nimbleness which rollick solidly as chugs gallop and frolic with malignant grinds, bombarding eardrums with profusely robust pursuits that strike with scouring viscerality. "Through The Dark Arches" fabricates a flamboyant heft in grunty gutturals that shout with throaty raspiness to boot; an infectious injection of rawly rough venom surges through with pounding execution, grumbling aesthetics demonstrates a grandeur firepower expertise that's most thunderous with vigorous rigour to boot, distilling a chiselling but ethereal hook that pursuits with striking zeal & mystical prog infused intrigue. Monolithic tempo tribulates with mysterious momentum; where "When the Stones Come Tumbling Down" makes use of trumpet mellow of dark contrast, still maintaining those synthetic shrouds of meaty yet towering songwriting musicianship of volatile utilisation and concrete grit.

Symbiotic sound production finesse forges a hybrid force of orchestrated synth; where the titular track unleashes a blackened but bizarro blend of vibrato reticule & tremolo raising crescendos for good measure. A brief interlude nonetheless; until "Cessation of the Heart" revolves through with more rich obscurity, salubriously merging keyboard-esque rawness which showcases this furore-driving thrill of superlunary nihilism & engaging characteristics in exuberant instrumental buoyancy of the sanguine but deadly kind. The penultimate banger "Rebirth Of Nihil" portrays virulent vocal cords in which rasp with throaty yells & shouty roars that soar with grunty gutturals amongst an agonising bellow in barking torment that's most gruesome but equally infectious with sublime filth embedded for good immensity. Bleeding through with the malicious yet piercing stridency of echoing daintiness of rebellious retribution and doomy solace, Balan conjures up this marvelling volley of profusely robust maelstrom splendidness that's most distinctively distinguished of the utmost prowess within the talented skill which continues impressing me with each listen.

Overall concluding "Cabal" with the finale epic rager: "Winterbird"; where loftier but mayhemic prodigiousness persists with persevering musical integrity, infusing thumpy pummels and bleak but binding grips that make this record a brilliant experience should one be interested in what this one-man potential can bring to the table on their own accord. Bottom line; I am compelled to say that PALACE OF WORMS was an indefinitely enjoyable and an entertaining discovery, amalgamating Death/Doom Metal justifies these 2 subgenres mixed works well if done right & only one man has done it here, deserving any merit. Worthy of spinning & replaying a good few, do check it out.