Dark Quarterer - Violence
Andromeda Relics
Epic/Progressive/Doom Metal
6 songs (48:44)
Release year: 2002
Dark Quarterer
Reviewed by Thomas
Archive review

2002 saw the return of italian progressive heroes Dark Quarterer after seven years out of the spotlight since the brilliant War Tears. After only being part of that particular album, guitarist Sandro Tersetti left, which was quite the blow for the band. However, after an exhausting search for a new, young and inspired guitarist, Francesco Sozzi popped out of nowhere to join the band. The ocean of inspiration dwelling in each of the three members’ minds set the foundation for Violence, which is quite different from their earlier releases, yet still recognizable enough, and not at all lackluster even with a new guitarist. With a source of inspiration that contained everything ranging from metal to fusion to acoustic folk, Dark Quarterer were ready to take on new challenges, and contribute to the metal universe with another great album.

I’ll be the first to admit that this is way harder to get into than the previous three. At first, I wasn’t even sure that I liked this very much. Firstly the giant leap when it comes to production was surprising, as the guitar-sound is much harsher and more distorted here. Combined with the intention to keep the retro feel with somewhat “poorly” produced vocals and drums, makes for a confusing display, and this is definitely hard to grasp during the first listen. However, when you’re past that, you’re in for yet another fifty minutes of the unique Dark Quarterer. Lyrics surrounding madness and death accompany what seems to be a much darker version of the band. The songs are filled with a moody atmosphere and blackened emotions. The progressive elements are maybe the most distinct in the band’s history, as this is far from simplistic playing. These guys create somewhat odd, yet ingenious music. Except for the short acoustic tune Calls, this is dominated by epic pieces ranging from seven to twelve minutes in length. And just as before, they manage to enthrall your attention and lull you into a state of mystical awe and spawning not just small doses of emotion, but rather inspiring huge responses in your mind through painful and dark melodies, depressing lyrics and an overall atmosphere that is equal to sadness. The songs are mainly built up around this with huge riffs, borderline jazzy drumming and Nepi’s epic vocal work before climaxing into something beautiful such as the incredible solo on Last Song.

Even though this album mainly focuses on the darker sides of life, there aren’t only slow-paced atmospheric songs on here. The deadly Black Hole (Death Dance) kicks things off with odd yet hard-hitting riffs that’ll catch you a little of guard with some alternative influences. However, this is still the band we all know and love by now. Even hints of their early NWOBHM-influences can be found throughout the record. Aside from that, you’ll find traces of both progressive and atmospheric metal here as well as the usual epic feel that comes with these guys. There is really not much needed to say about the musicians, as they continue to impress in the same way that they’ve always done. Nepi’s soaring vocals are still in tip top shape, something I find rather impressive after all these years. Ninci’s drumming is as creative as ever as he blends in jazz elements to liven things up a great deal. A brilliant drummer who knows what to do to capture the moment, freeze it and own it. The main difference from the older version of the band is that they have taken a slightly darker route, and are not quite as lively as displayed on their earlier releases. This shouldn’t scare you off though, as they still hold on to what spawned their early masterpieces.

Even though this might not be as godly as Dark Quarterer or The Etruscan Prophecy, this is still one brilliant album. They still manage to inspire and engage in the same way as they did twenty years ago only with a different approach.

Killing Songs :
All, yet Rape and Last Song remains my favorites.
Thomas quoted 88 / 100
Other albums by Dark Quarterer that we have reviewed:
Dark Quarterer - Symbols reviewed by Thomas and quoted 95 / 100
Dark Quarterer - War Tears reviewed by Thomas and quoted 93 / 100
Dark Quarterer - The Etruscan Prophecy reviewed by Thomas and quoted CLASSIC
Dark Quarterer - Dark Quarterer reviewed by Thomas and quoted 93 / 100
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