VELHA GRAVURA

Brazil was among the countries to partcipate in the prog revival of the 90's and Quaterna Réquiem was a good reason for this, a band from Rio De Janeiro formed in 1986 and centered around Classically-trained female keyboardist Elisa Wiermann and drummer Claudio Dantas.With Jones Junior on guitars, Marco Lauria on bass and Kleber Vogel on violin, Quaterna Requiem released their debut LP ''Velha Gravura'' in 1990 as a private press, followed two years later by its CD edition.

The opening ''Ramoniana'' is a short smooth symphonic suite with strong Classical content, based on lovely acoustic guitars and flutes.''Aquartha'' is a totally different beast, being an hybrid of Symphonic Rock and complex Fusion with violin in evidence, nice synth work and a couple of good guitar explosions.The long eponymous track sees the band back in a symphonic mood, a great composition of energetic Progressive Rock with dominant violins leading the way and a combination between organs and synths to support, the somewhat plastic keys though hold this one from being a masterpiece.''Tempestade'' is very close to the style of SAGRADO CORACAO DA TERRA, keyboards are being held off to the background to give the basic role to piano and violins,another decent track split between melody and dissonance.''Madrugada'' is off to a low start close to Classical Music, again grandiose piano and calm violins lead the way from start to end in a rather depressive atmosphere, which lasts a bit too long to be fully appreciated.With ''Toccata'' Quaterna Requiem return to the energy of the opening tracks, excellent blend of bombastic violins with atmospheric synths with a nice guitar ending solo, a great outro to say the least.

What really prevents this album from being a really stunning release is definitely the techniques and instrumentation used, still the material is of high calibre and even a couple of tracks are true stand-outs.Strongly recommended, especially for fans of Symphonic Rock or high-class instrumental Progressive Rock...3.5 stars.