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LA RECENSIONE
The Italian soil has seen great bands remain in the shadow of the music industry's games, never managing to emerge in a landscape that certainly does not reward those who know how to make good music. One of the many Italian heavy metal bands that never gained popularity is Dark Quarterer, a trio from Piombino, which at the time of "The Etruscan Prophecy" (1988) was composed of Gianni Nepi, Fulberto Serena, and Paolo Ninci. A band labeled as "epic progressive" due to their long, complex compositions with dark passages and, above all, incredibly evocative.
The album in question, the second from the Tuscan band, is a work that is not easily assimilated. Upon first listening, it leaves you baffled. The six tracks, leaving aside the instrumental and beautiful "The Last Hope", are truly separate albums unto themselves. Each contains something unique, a song within a song. The riff of "Retributioner" is absolutely compelling and originates a meticulously crafted song, on which the vocal lines of Gianni Nepi are woven, with his unrefined but highly suitable voice for the genre proposed by the group.
Similarly, "Piercing Hail" takes you back in time with a light arpeggio and a voice that settles to create a sweet ballad.
It is here that the album takes a different turn: the title track begins an epic journey that has few comparisons in Italy except in Dark Quarterer's eponymous debut album. Nine minutes of guitar riffs, arpeggios, melody, and distant echoes. You can feel the essence of "garage music" through a poor recording, which however makes everything more fascinating and dated. The same applies to "Devil Stroke," opened by a hint of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. The Etruscan Prophecy concludes with the final epic milestone of the platter, "Angels of Mire," another demonstration of epicness combined with melody.
The second work from the Tuscan band is truly a must for those who love the genre. An album lived and sweated in every fold.
A music truly from another time, a fertile period for Italian metal.
In the reissue made by the Metal Legion label, a bonus track titled "Queen of the Sewer" has been included.
1. "Retributioner" (6:19)
2. "Piercing Hail" (2:04)
3. "The Etruscan Prophecy" (9:47)
4. "Devil Stroke" (9:12)
5. "The Last Hope" (1:34)
6. "Angels Of Mire" (9:23)
7. "Queen Of The Sewer" (8:45)
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Summary by Bot
Dark Quarterer's 1988 album 'The Etruscan Prophecy' is a complex and evocative work from the Italian heavy metal underground. The six tracks feature intricate compositions blending melody, dark passages, and epic progressions. Notable songs include 'Retributioner' and the title track, showcasing the band's unique style and raw sound. This album is praised for its authenticity and importance in the Italian metal scene. A reissue includes a valuable bonus track, enriching this historic release.Tracklist Videos
Dark Quarterer
Dark Quarterer are an Italian epic/progressive metal band from Piombino, Tuscany, formed in 1974. Early line-up featured Gianni Nepi (vocals/bass), Paolo Ninci (drums) and Fulberto Serena (guitar). Later periods saw Sandro Tersetti, then Francesco Sozzi on guitar and Francesco Longhi on keyboards.06 Reviews
