Dark Lord were one of the first heavy metal bands in Italy. Formed in 1982 in Venice mainland, they are widely considered one of the best and most influential bands for the Italian heavy metal scene. They were the first to introduce elements of speed and power metal in the first eighties, when the Italian metal scene was still very rough and embrionic. Despite lots of international recognitions by specialized press that praised their music and guitar and vocal style, and the fact they supported on tour bands such as The Cult and Saxon among the others, Dark Lord remained in the underground throughout their whole existence. They are mostly remembered for having been the first band of guitarist Alex Masi, who became internationally famous when he moved to Los Angeles and for having among its members one of the best heavy metal voices in Italy, Emanuel Jenèe who died in 1988. Although they disbanded that year, the disbandement date is not official, maybe because sometimes Alex Masi comes back to Venice from USA and likes to play with his old mates.