Vertebra - The Same Old School Brazilians Reborn!

snaphappypixie
Jul 11
3 min read

VERTEBRA – THE SAME

LABEL: XTREEM MUSIC

RELEASE DATE: JULY 29th 2025

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.

VERTEBRA new video-clip & pre-order for new album!! (en español: https://b.link/vertebra2)

Listen to the 2nd advance single here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/47Px6NyYPh6la1JWRBaakN

All Ditigal platforms: https://music.imusician.pro/a/EYmEGWDN

Brazilian Death Metal band VERTEBRA, formed back in 1994, have just launched a video-clip of the song "Fanatic and Picturesque" as a 2nd advance single from their upcoming album entitled "The Same" which will see the light July 29th through XTREEM MUSIC on CD & Digital formats.

Pre-order CD here: http://shop.xtreemmusic.com/english.item.index.php?&id=28224 Pre-order Digital here: http://xtreemmusic.bandcamp.com

VERTEBRA formed in Porto Alegre back in 1994, releasing their only official demo, "Humanity," in '95 and that same year recording another demo that remained unreleased but contains tracks that became the fundamental basis for their debut album 30 years later. VERTEBRA's style is a melodic Death Metal with a certain technical feel, heavily influenced by DEATH, with touches of bands like KREATOR, CARCASS, SLAYER... and classic Heavy Metal.

"The Same" is a work composed of 11 songs recorded during 2024 and 2025, which led them to sign with Xtreem Music for distribution and promotion worldwide, which will undoubtedly place VERTEBRA in the place they should have occupied in the mid-90's.

Tracklist for "The Same" is as follows:

01. Oblivion

02. Behavior in the Eyes

03. Humanity

04. Behind the World

05. Overcoming the Void

06. 10.000 and One Nights

07. The Same

08. Architecture of Perspective

09. 95 Eyes

10. Fanatic and Picturesque

11. Blessed are the Forgetful