![Liv Kristine - Deus Ex Machina [Re-Release]](/images/Albums/livkristine_deusexmachina.jpg#joomlaImage://local-images/Albums/livkristine_deusexmachina.jpg?width=1200&height=1200)
Band: The Palace Of Tears
Album title: Veiled Screen, Woven Dream
Release date: 8 April 2024
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Darkwave, Ethereal Wave, Gothic
Tracklist:
01. Black Obsidian Beyond Oblivion
02. An Echo In Time
03. The Embers Of Your Being Glow Still
04. Cimetière de l ’Absinthe no. 333
05. Lair Of The Undying
06. Veiled Screen, Woven Dream
07. The Serpent Bearer (feat. Unwoman)
The USA-based duo The Palace Of Tears composes one of the deepest dark music creations. Those of you who have already heard of this duo know what I'm talking about because it convinced fans of atmospheric dark sounds already in 2020 with its debut album, Of Ruination, and later with some singles, among which I should point out the incredible remake of the song "Venus In Furs" by the cult band The Velvet Underground. LV Darkling and Erick r. Scheid are responsible for the entire soundscape - the two artists that only allow a few sound elements to flourish into the light. Well, what can you expect from a band that calls itself The Palace Of Tears? Their compositions are lush and transcendental. All in all, Veiled Screen, Woven Dream is a long-awaited second album for fans of this type of sound, and, of course, seven epic laments deliver an incredible musical experience that will most probably satisfy fans of Dead Can Dance, Lisa Gerrard, Arcana, Faith And The Muse, Monica Richards, Darkher, also Alcest and Chelsea Wolfe, and everything in between.
Even though The Palace Of Tears here and there reminds me of the artists/bands mentioned above, it is unique - almost impossible to mistake for any other band or artist. Anyway, with the musical work Veiled Screen, Woven Dream, the classically trained dancer and singer LV Darkling and Erick created a recognizable sound that deserves full attention from those who enjoy evocative dark music. The Palace Of Tears builds its sound image on slowly developing synth gothic drones, hypnotic electronics, powerful rhythmic beats, esoteric yet melancholic melodies and amazing vocals that give you goosebumps. From the opening track, "Black Obsidian Beyond Oblivion", the duo carefully guides us through magical tunnels of melancholy and gloom. Sometimes, the rhythm speeds up a bit and makes you want to dance lightly, although the music wants to be listened to in a comfortable armchair, in the dark, perhaps by candlelight, without distractions.
If this album had been released in the 90s or at the beginning of this millennium, I'm sure it would gain cult status. Today is different because too many people enjoy music, as well as all other art, without deepening, without reflection. I hope that there are still those who know how to appreciate such creations because songs such as the aforementioned moody opener, "The Embers Of Your Being Glow Still", or the album titled "Veiled Screen, Woven Dream" are first-class masterpieces of modern esoteric darkwave. Veiled Screen, Woven Dream is perhaps a slightly heavier album than the debut album, Of Ruination. Sonically, it is more charged, cinematic, and haunting, sometimes with a distorted "noise" guitar in the background. Due to the density of sound, it works multidimensionally and, above all, powerful. The listener is constantly caught up in some dramatic sound event, which could even be the basis for some dark ritual due to its tribal character.
With dark beauty and otherworldly seduction, heavily layered guitars, and an operatic contralto that captivates, The Palace Of Tears creates an ethereal sonic amalgam that transcends time limits. Its unique alchemy effortlessly combines esoteric and gothic elements, wrapped in a lush, melancholic cinematic soundscape that lets the imagination run wild. Veiled Screen, Woven Dream is an extremely deep album, dark, slowly burning but dynamic and, above all, fluid. The only thing that could be better is the production. Even if it has the necessary depth, here and there, the dirty, unpolished sound comes through, and personally, I would prefer to hear a crystal clear production in this kind of music. On the other hand, it gives it a certain charm. The adventurous album is adorned with a beautiful, eerie cover by Antonella Di Mattei, which only deepens the entire experience with Veiled Screen, Woven Dream.
P.S. If you want to find out more about The Palace Of Tears, read the recently published interview HERE.
Review by Tomaz
Rating: 8,5/10
