Album Review: Dark Quarterer – Pompei (Cruz Del Sur Music)

A concept album detailing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Dark Quarterer has crafted an album of high drama and impeccable musicianship with Pompei! The album is told from various points of view, including the volcano itself, which serves as a living and thinking entity that is in perpetual need to relieve itself from deep pain.

Nearly four decades after their formation, Dark Quarterer’s Pompei will be released on November 6th 2020 via Cruz Del Sur Music.

A concept steeped in history, Dark Quarterer take us on a progressive and heavy metal journey with their telling of this slice of the past. The epic flair shown throughout adds a unique flavour to proceedings although keeping up with the shifting sounds is not an easy task.

As unpredictable as the volcanic event it details, the 6 tracks of Pompei are challenging efforts. The blend of classic metal riffs, 80’s style instrumentation, grandiose vocals that have a fair amount of pomp and circumstance to them, dramatic effects and crunchy percussion really demands a lot to be really appreciated.

There’s a ton going on here and it’s not always easy to keep up with what Dark Quarterer do.

It is though, a fascinating listen with the story of Pompei told clearly and cleverly. The clean singing makes everything so rich and that it constantly reaches for the stars rather than stay grounded is impressive. If there’s one thing you can be sure about with Pompei, just like the event itself, is that it’s an unforgettable tale.

Dark Quarterer – Pompei Full Track Listing:

1. Vesuvius
2. Welcome to the Day of Death
3. Panic
4. Plinius the Elder
5. Gladiator
6. Forever

Links

Facebook | Bandcamp | Cruz Del Sur Music