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Brazilian thrashers Dorsal Atlântica, from Rio de Janeiro, have had a respectably long career since they started out back in 1981. They were one of the first Brazilian Thrash Metal bands to emerge from the country's underground scene in the early 80's and slowly made themselves know internationally with albums such as the debut Antes do Fim (originally released on the small Brazilian label Lunário Perpétuo back in 1986) and its follow-up album Dividir Conquistar (originally released on Heavy Discos in 1988). They were unfortunately only known to a small circle of underground Thrashers back then and were never as well known as countrymen Sepultura, Sarcófago, Vulcano, Chakal and the like. The one band that connected all of these young Brazilians together was definitely Slayer.

On Antes do Fim Dorsal Atlântica offered a fair dose of fast-paced and simple Thrash Metal much in the same vein of early Slayer (the first two albums especially) but with less striking ideas. What they lacked in technical playing they made up for with sheer enthusiasm and total devotion to their music. Even today, Antes do Fim is the kind of Thrash Metal record that I would choose over dozens and dozens of other "retro" Thrash Metal releases that are simply lacking when it comes to true nostalgia.

This re-release of Antes do Fim is actually a part of a 3-CD set titled Depois do Fim (After the End) that China's AreaDeath Productions put out in the second half of 2014. It includes liner notes about the original cover artwork (by Carlos Lopes), an interview with the band, rare photos and extra live stuff recorded in Brazil in 1986 (which sounds like live stuff from that period; in other words, not that good).

However, if you have never heard Dorsal Atlântica's Antes do Fim before, you should do it now. You will not regret it.