As everyone knows, the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius (a somma-stratovolcano located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania, Italy), during its eruption of in AD 79. The history says that more than 200,000 people lived there, and by the studies of Dr. Mastrolorenzo et al (2010) called "Lethal Thermal Impact at Periphery of Pyroclastic Surges: Evidences at Pompeii" shows that people died due the intense heat (it seems that 250 °C hot pyroclastic flows can kill people instantly even at a distance of 10 km). It's an amazing topic to have a deeper study, and the Italian veterans of DARK QUARTERER used such matter to create "Pompei", their latest release.

Their main musical way is a Progressive Metal form, but having an approach similar of what RUSH had on the past, but with a Metal essence similar to QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING, but with some influences from Classic Rock names as DEEP PURPLE on some parts (as on keyboards parts on "Panic"), and some Epic Metal touches in many parts. It's elegant, heavy, creative and different from the usual eclectic model of the current trend, but it's so good to hear such form of music, filled with energy and charming melodies (and not overloaded with a minimalist insight).

The sound quality is very good, besides isn't fitting 100% of what their music needs. It's heavy and clean, defined and with good instrumental tunes, but there's a crude touch that isn't the right to create and organic feeling (instead of it, it make things sound 'hollow' sometimes). It's a very good sonority, but not perfect as their music needs.

Musically, their work is superb. Their music can be technical and heavy, filled with Jazz Rock influences, but in a classical way. And "Vesuvius" (a great work from bass guitar and drums, but with sinuous melodies and heavy arrangements from guitars), the Epic/Progressive ambiences of "Welcome to the Day of Death" and "Panic" (both with great keyboards parts), "Plinius the Elder" with its mix of Metal and Jazz Rock elements (good vocals, indeed), the crushing weight of "Gladiator" (but filled with accessible AOR touches on some melodies) and "Forever" with its charming weaving and tender melodies are songs that easily seduces the listeners, even if Progressive Metal isn't a genre that has an special appeal for them.

The band is almost 50, but still releasing albums as "Pompei" at such age is an amazing feature. And DARK QUARTERER really deserves applause, because retirement isn't for them.