Centúrias typified the first generation of Brazilian heavy metal bands of the early '80s: underprivileged kids living in a country that was agonizing through the waning years of a stifling military dictatorship, armed with barely adequate instruments, and penning riffs and Portuguese lyrics based on what imported Deep Purple and Judas Priest albums they could get their hands on. The group first began rehearsing in 1980 and was playing its first gigs around their native Săo Paulo by the following year (with keyboardist Guina providing a Rainbow-like touch), eventually scraping up enough money to pay for some studio time and record a nine-song demo in 1983. This respectable range of experience would qualify Centúrias -- then comprised of vocalist Eduardo Camargo, guitarist Fausto, bassist Milani, and drummer Paulăo Thomaz -- to become the first band chosen for inclusion in the S.P. Metal compilation of 1984, which helped propel the Brazilian heavy metal scene to the next level.
© 2010
