The legendary Dorsal Atlântica, one of the pioneers of Brazilian metal, now powered by founder Carlos Lopes (vocals and guitar), Alexandre Castellan (bass and backing vocals), and Braulio Drumond (drums). Blazing through both recent compositions and timeless classics, the band keeps the fire alive for die-hard 80s metalheads and a new generation of fans, including those who have backed their crowdfunding campaigns since 2012. One thing remains certain: Dorsal never compromises its artistic vision and always delivers everything live. As Carlos Lopes puts it: “The industry lives in the past—Dorsal never does.”
These days, focusing more on Brazilian heavy music, accentuating a Northeastern accent and using a “baiana” guitar as a more political than musical choice, Dorsal has had distinct phases but has always remained relevant and influential. The first phase highlighted the Split “Ultimatum” (1985, with Metalmorphose) and the albums “Antes do Fim” (1986), “Dividir e Conquistar” (1988), the world’s first thrash opera, “Searching for the Light” (1990). The current phase began with “2012,” released following a successful crowdfunding campaign, followed by “Imperium” (2014), “Canudos” (2017), and “Pandemia” (2021).
Sunday, May 4
DORSAL ATLÂNTICA
The legendary Dorsal Atlântica, one of the pioneers of Brazilian metal, now powered by founder Carlos Lopes (vocals and guitar), Alexandre Castellan (bass and backing vocals), and Braulio Drumond (drums). Blazing through both recent compositions and timeless classics, the band keeps the fire alive for die-hard 80s metalheads and a new generation of fans, including those who have backed their crowdfunding campaigns since 2012. One thing remains certain: Dorsal never compromises its artistic vision and always delivers everything live. As Carlos Lopes puts it: “The industry lives in the past—Dorsal never does.”
Known for bridging the gap between metal and hardcore/punk while delivering poetic and combative lyrics, Dorsal made its debut in 1985 with the split album “Ultimatum”, alongside Metalmorphose. They cranked up the speed, fused hardcore with metal, and pioneered a raw, politically charged crossover sound. That vision was solidified in 1986 with the release of “Antes do Fim”, a milestone of Brazilian heavy music featuring tracks like “Caçador da Noite” and “Guerrilha”, the latter a powerful anthem about the Araguaia Guerrilla movement: “Guerrilha por Liberdade, Guerrilha em busca da Verdade.” It’s a pure embodiment of the band’s philosophy. Carlos would say.
Then came “Dividir e Conquistar” (1988), tackling urban violence, elderly neglect, the rock scene divisions, and corruption in the Catholic Church. This thrash-heavy album also spawned an English EP version, “Cheap Tapes from Divide and Conquer”. As they hit stages across Brazil, sharing bills with Nasty Savage, Exumer, and Motörhead, Dorsal took an audacious step in 1990, releasing the world’s first thrash metal opera, “Searching for the Light”. During its first era, the band continued to expand its discography with releases such as Musical Guide from Stellium (1992), Alea Jacta Est (1994), and Straight (1996). That same year, Dorsal was honored with a tribute album, the first released while the band was still active.
The live album “Terrorism Alive/Ér Hab” and the band’s biography, “Guerrilha! (The Story of Dorsal Atlântica)”, dropped in 1999 before they went on hiatus. In 2005, they revisited their roots, re-recording “Antes do Fim, Depois do Fim”. It wasn’t until 2012 that Dorsal released a new album, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign. “2012” marked their rebirth, followed by “Imperium” (2014), “Canudos” (2017), and “Pandemia” (2021).
Returning to the stage at Sepultura’s invitation in 2022, Dorsal has since been tearing up festival stages across Brazil. Meanwhile, their 2016 documentary, “Guerrilha – A Trajetória da Dorsal Atlântica”, and their 2019 graphic novel, “Dorsal Atlântica – Uma História em Quadrinhos” illustrated and written by Carlos Lopes.
The musician, producer, songwriter, journalist, cartoonist, and author still surprising and continues to push musical boundaries, blending heavy music with a Northeastern Brazilian twist, wielding a Bahian guitar as a political and artistic statement.
