Scarabäus

Hailing from the Sihltal Valley near Zurich, Switzerland, Scarabäus was a five-piece ensemble that blended progressive rock, fusion, and jazz into a distinctive sound. Their only official release, Demi Sec, recorded at Flawil's Cue-Tips-Studio and exclusively available on vinyl, remains a rare and sought-after artifact of Swiss underground music.

The band's lineup featured Markus Bernegger on bass, Daniel Simonetto and Michael Hug on guitars, Oskar Trott on drums, and Richard Subiger on trumpet. Their music was defined by fusion-driven trumpet melodies, shimmering chorus guitars, a powerful drum sound, and infectious slappy bass lines—creating a rich and dynamic sonic landscape.

Though they never recorded a follow-up, Scarabäus remained a close-knit group of friends and continued to perform together on occasion over the years. Their legacy, though under the radar, stands as a testament to Switzerland’s diverse and innovative musical scene of the 1980s.