The Palms of Sorrowed Kings

The Palms of Sorrowed Kings is the third album from atmospheric black metal band Obsequiae and, with the medieval instrumentation such as hurdy gurdy, harp and hammered dulcimer, does a fine job of transporting listeners to another place and time. There are numerous instrumentals ("Palästinalied", "Per tropo fede") and rather than disrupt the flow of the album, these quietly beautiful pieces enhance the visions of the past that Obsequiae create. The entire album is quite melodic and even the more traditionally black metal compositions are powerful without being harsh. The rasping vocals are low in the mix and occasionally paired with clean singing but still have the impact and presence to give Obsequiae's music its black metal foundation. While not as immediate as efforts by the likes of Summoning or Caladan Brood, perhaps, The Palms of Sorrowed Kings is a perfect album for RPG campaigning or just sitting back and letting your mind drift away from your current existence into realms known and unknown.