As I walk through this world of manipulators I guard my inner flame; hide its guiding light from the hungry eyes of thieves and despots disguised as benefactors. Self proclaimed demigods deliver sermons laced with fear, offering to reveal the only path through life, the only way to live, to succeed, to be saved, to survive…yet the price for their ‘wisdom’ never changes – the extinguishing of my flame, the sacrifice of myself, conformity and enslavement. Whether they wear horns or beatific smiles, whether they rage and threaten or tempt and beguile…beneath the layers of deceit they are all the same.
Originally active in the mid ‘90s underground music scene of Rio Grande do Sul, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where they quickly established a place for themselves with their fierce live performances, intense, intriguing music and uncompromising attitude, Vertebra were all too soon driven apart by the unwelcome pressures of life. However that was not to be the end of the Vertebra story, because those purveyors of melodic, technical, progressive death/thrash metal have returned, with their dreams and inspiration reignited, ready to achieve all that slipped away from them decades ago.
The Same is the long overdue full length debut album from Vertebra and it is an astonishing collection of songs, demonstrating fantastic technical dexterity, but also exquisite songcraft and melodic awareness. With a sound that manages to balance raw edges with clarity and separation, authenticity of expression with quality of tone, Vertebra proceed to unveil an array of metal masterpieces that defy the passage of time. The lead work throughout is stunning, with the solos being highlights and fundamental parts of each song, rather than mere adornments or space-fillers, while the rhythm section weaves intricate exploratory webs beneath the endless treasure trove of riffs. Impassioned, fiery vocals bind the disparate elements together, a blend of Chuck Schuldiner and Mille Petrozza delivering thoughtful and insightful lyrics. Despite the music’s many layers and elaborate sophistication The Same races by, time standing still as it unfurls its vivid, vibrant display. Personal favourites will change with every listen as there is no weak moment to be found, from the breathtaking deftness of touch displayed in ‘Overcoming The Void’ to the elegantly realised immersive nature of ‘Architecture Of Perspective, the searing intensity of ‘Behavior In The Eyes’ to the melancholic air of ‘Blessed Are The Forgetful’, Vertebra have brought us so much to cherish.
The new era of Vertebra will begin on July 29th when Xtreem Music unleash The Same upon the world. The album will be available on CD and digital formats, with the CD featuring a bonus song in the form of the original 1995 demo track, ‘Humanity’. From the past to the future, Vertebra are back with an album that may be The Same in name, but is anything but in nature.