The King of the Empty Aeon, the Maitreya, the future Buddha referenced by pioneering Japanese Soto Zen Monk, poet and thinker Eihei Dogen. The historic Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, sought enlightenment after his father's deceptive attempts to shield his son from suffering and mask reality in a false world of pleasure was unveiled, for it was foretold by the hermit sage Asita that the boy would become either a legendary king, or an enlightened Sadhu, or Holy Man. But in an age of technological advancement, social media, and a 24 hour news cycle, such a scenario would be an impossibility. What causes and conditions would drive one living in this modern age to seek enlightenment, to become a fully actualized human being?
This is the story of the King of the Empty Aeon, told as only the sonic prophets Palace In Thunderland can tell. You have just witnessed the witnessing of the witnessor...
Video for Vicarious
youtu.be/7WbutM80IDQ
'Strangely I have never heard of this amazing band before. Even more so since I really like founder Andy Beresky's other band, Black Pyramid, a lot. Couldn't have gotten a better introduction to them though with 'The King Of The Empty Aeon', the band's first output in four years. It’s wonderful amalgamation of different styles and thoughts where Palace In Thunderland deftly blend it all together while creating a beautiful head trip.
Opener and the title track, ‘The King Of The Empty Aeon’ comes with loads of vocal and guitar harmonies akin to Baroness with the heaviness of Mastodon. Brave, excellent beginning. ‘Float Away’ , has a kind of a 'Major Tom' feel to it in the slower parts mixed with wonderful nods to Baroness. Melodic and haunting it leads into ‘Vicarious’. Vocally kind of punkish but with fantastic guitar harmonizing, twists, turns and neck-breaking speed, all while the rhythm section slays…wonderful! The pace is brought down on the exciting ‘What is Human?’ allowing a very insightful side to the proceedings. This despite being instrumental but oftentimes the absence of words opens up one’s mind better and burrows deep into the psyche. ‘This Illusion’s Come Alive’ keeps a mid-tempo pace for the most part, even though certain segments are bone-crushing heavy. Loads of ebb and flow kind of like if Baroness and Mastodon had a child together and I love it!
‘What Is Sanity?’ brings a lot of build-up and anticipation and acts in a way as the perfect intro to the amazing ‘Fragments’. Big tips of the hat to both Baroness and Torche and it’s in-yer-face from the get-go. Hooks and harmonies to die for reels you in while Palace In Thunderland gives no respite whatsoever. I feel so elated after this one and can only beg for more. ‘What Is Reality?’ is very short but on point as it leads into ‘The Word Unspoken’. Almost a pop feel to it – no don’t fret, people – where melody, hooks and harmonizing allows the band to take wide turns. They paint a wonderful landscape and could care less what people think. And that’s how it should be.
So glad I was introduced to this magnificent band who are somewhat of a game-changer. What I mean is that lately more and more bands are breaking free from genre rules and sandboxing. Palace In Thunderland are certainly part of this movement and it’s such a joy and pleasure to hear a band like this. Fantastic musicianship amalgamated with a care-free approach doesn’t get much better. Now I have to back track and check out their past and I can’t wait!"
Words by Håkan Nyman (Outlaws of the Sun)
released February 22, 2019
Palace In Thunderland is:
Andy Beresky - Guitar / Vocals
Monte Newman - Guitar / Vocals
Adam Abrams - Bass / Vocals
Matt Netto - Drums / Vocals
Guitars and bass recorded by Dan Whitlock at Thunderland, Ludlow, MA
Vocals recorded by Dan Whitlock, in Andys Kitchen, Northampton, MA
Drums recorded by Justin Pizzoferrato, Sonelab, Easthampton, MA
Mixed by Justin Pizzoferrato, Sonelab, Easthampton, MA
Mastered by Mark Allen Miller - Sonelab, Easthampton, MA
Produced by Dan Whitlock and Palace In Thunderland
Artwork by - David Paul Seymour
Layout by - Michael Andresakis
Copyright 2019