Dessiderium – Keys to the Palace

One Listen Review

1st Listen 17 Mar 25
Reviewed 19 Mar 25

Willowtip Records

Released 14 Mar 25

The one thing about a one man project is that there is often nobody there to tell you when you need to dial it back a notch or two. This is the problem Alex Haddad has with Dessiderium and the ‘bands’ 5^th album, Keys to the Palace.

The album lasts just over an hour, but with only 6 tracks, there are a good few long players in there. The best way to describe Keys to the Palace is progressive death metal. It is eclectic, it is symphonic and, at times, it is self-indulgent.

Opening track, ‘In the Midst of May’ has a chugging nature, with a jangly riff that reminded me of a ‘Oompa Loompa’s’ from Willy Wonka. With both dirty and clean vocals, they offer a good sense of variety and the fact it is the second shortest track on the album at 7mins and 23 seconds is another plus point.

‘Dover Hendrix’ is perhaps the best track on the album, with Haddad demonstrating his multi-instrumental skills. It is far more coherent that the album opener, with

more harmony and good pacing. With a subtle hint of Devin Townsend, it did fill me with a bit of hope.

Alas the hope was dashed. ‘Pollen for the Bees’ has more hints of Hevy Devy but it settles down into a bit of a joyful romp, but the album never takes off. Yes, you can praise the skill of the musician, he is a very talented man. But Keys to the Palace is about 15 minutes too long. Even some of the shorter tracks outstay their welcome.

Dessiderium and its sole member Alex Haddad have a deep back catalogue, and, 5 albums in, there is a market for his music. You should always use a review as a guide but then go to and listen to the album and make up your own mind. After all, there are some who will love this and it may be their thing.

It isn’t mine.