Palace Of Black - Palace of Black (2002)
PALACE OF BLACK
Online Video
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Tracklist:
1.My Anger 04:07
2. Seasons 05:09
3. Burnt Offerings 04:40
4. This Side Of Summer 04:45
5. Season Of Madness 04:13
6. Did I Know You 04:13
7. Farewell To All The Kings 04:30
8. Your Walk Alone 04:42
9. Under A Midnight Sun (Instrumental) 02:03
Total playing time: 38:25
Michael Vescera (vocals)
Paul Marko (guitar)
Brian Hollenbeck (bass)
Jim Devito (keyboards)
David Stone (drums)
PALACE OF BLACK is an metal project featuring vocalist Michael Vescera (Yngwie Malmsteen, Loudness, Obsession, Reign Of Terror, MVP, Roland Grapow) and guitarist Paul Marko (November 67, Bad Circus).
From the beginning the first thing you realise is that the production is not the best. There is quite a crackle and hiss behind the guitar of Marko but put that to one side and don't let that put you off a strong debut offering.
There is more than a heavy nod to the grandfathers of Metal - BLACK SABBATH on this album. The first riff from "My Anger" determines much of the style of the album from the word go and apart from the less than perfect production the playing is skilful if not overwhelming. Vocally Vescera is in fine form songs such as "Seasons" show depth and imagination and strong chorus plus mature song writing. This would set more than happily on any later SABBATH release. Again "Burnt Offerings" retains a crisp driving riff with a melodic chorus passage. Wind down CANDLEMASS a few notches and you will get a sense of what PALACE OF BLACK are trying to achieve. It is unusual to find a Metal band that doesn't want to hammer everything into the ground with frenetic riffing and drumming.
The almost languid pace at which some of the songs canter along is refreshing as it is appealing. "This Side Of Summer" is a monster ballad that starts slowly and crashes in with a stomping riff.
The guitar playing of Marko is at times delightful and frustrating! You get the sense that he wants to break out of the slow groove and shred but he keeps a lid on it for the most part and nails down some tasty riffs and well thought out solos. "Farewell To Kings" features a classic Iommi style riff that pans out into an acoustic picked verse and another good vocal performance from Vescera.
PALACE OF BLACK are firmly rooted in 80's Heavy Metal and are different in that they are not playing million miles an hour Epic Power Metal nor European Melodic Metal. If you fancy a change and a gearshift or two down then Vescera and Marko may well be a welcome respite.