THE PALACE OF TEARS – VEILED SCREEN, WOVEN DREAM
A SPILL EXCLUSIVE ALBUM PREMIERE
From the early 80s days of 4AD and Mute Records through the 90s whirlwind of Projekt Records to more modern-day equivalents like Metropolis Records, some musical styles and moods have been pervasive, providing an earworm for a generation that still swears by this – the soundtrack to their lives, so to speak, as well as a whole treasure chest of timely discovery for the younger generations. We’re talking such genres as post-punk, darkwave, ethereal wave, shoegaze and gothic rock.
Not so often does there come an artist that seems to touch on all these genres – but today we have the pleasure of introducing our readers to one such duo – The Palace of Tears – who manage to hold the fort in these darker realms, while cutting into new territory that overlaps with classical vocals and dark ambient. Layered up with a Robin Guthrie-esque expanse of guitars, you’re now set for a dark oceanic journey of the soul.
Their sophomore album Veiled Screen, Woven Dream bears elements of such artists as Diamanda Gallas, Lycia, Chelsea Wolfe, Autumn’s Grey Solace and Lisa Gerrard’s cinematic work as a solo artist.
Based in New Orleans, The Palace of Tears is made up of LV Darkling (vocalist, lyricist) and Erick r Scheid (guitars, electronics, engineering), whose story begins in 2018 while Erick was touring Europe with his band Mercurys Antennae. After meeting at the WGT Festival, LV and Erick co-wrote and recorded over distance, ultimately releasing their debut album ‘Of Ruination’ in 2020. Erick has since relocated to New Orleans to join LV there.
No stranger to the world of performance, LV Darkling is a classically-trained dancer and vocalist, who brings a varied and textured approach to her singing and songwriting, pulling from her many disciplines in the performing arts.
Erick r Scheid’s band Mercurys Antennae (Projekt Records) released 3 albums and 2 EPs, as well as performing at Whitby Goth Festival, All Tomorrows Ghosts and WGT Festival. A self-taught recording engineer, he’s been writing and producing music since the 80s, including film soundtracks and scores, not to mention touring.
Hauntingly beautiful, ghostly and sensual, their seven-track album represents “the transformational fires of the Phoenix archetype and the cyclic nature of death and rebirth”. Made possible through a recent crowdfunding effort, Veiled Screen, Woven Dream is informed by personal experiences and tragedy, including an unforeseen and agonizing turning point in its creation.
At the same time, the creation of this record became a crucial component in the process of moving through grief and pain towards healing for LV, who recently lost her brother. Delving into hidden truths and secrets, pain and grief from personal loss, and the soul’s journey,
Already available for pre-order, the Veiled Screen, Woven Dream album is out on April 8 – on both CD and Limited Edition Vinyl, as well as digitally via a Bandcamp. As of that date, it can also be had from all the usual online music platforms.
CREDITS
Written by LV Darkling and Erick r Scheid
LV Darkling – Vocals & Lyrics
Erick r Scheid – Guitars (6 & 12 string), Bass Synth, Electronics, Drum Programming and Sound Design
Unwoman (Erica Mulkey) – Cello on ‘The Serpent Bearer’
Recorded, Mixed & Conjured by Erick r Scheid at Chateau of the Crying Myst (New Orleans) October 2021 – December 2023
Produced by The Palace of Tears
Mastered by Robert Rich
Artist photos by Amanda Trumbull Photography
Album cover image by Antonella Di Mattei @eshmoondm
Graphic design & enhancements for photos & artwork by Erick r Scheid
The Palace Of Tears
Veiled Screen, Woven Dream
(Independent)
Release Date: April 8, 2024
Artist Links
Background Photo Credit: Amanda Trumbull
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