The singular entity behind Palace of Worms calls himself Balan, and he's been pumping out material like nobody's business for the last six years. His next release, a 12" split with dulcimer-wielding weirdos Botanist, is due out on November 5 courtesy of longtime allies the Flenser. Balan's side features three glimpses into his peculiar creative process; for example, "King Leech" is bummed-out black metal at its core, but also features a jumble of Second Wave synth, orthodox scraping, post-rock sheen, and a deep raspy croon reminiscent of Agalloch's John Haughm.