Petrus Castrus
Petrus Castrus is a Portuguese progressive rock band, formed in 1971 by brothers Pedro Castro and José Castro. Petrus Castrus emerged as one of the first Symphonic Rock bands in Portugal, receiving the status of "Fathers of Portuguese Rock" together with other famous bands.
Petrus Castrus | |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Portugal  |
| Genres | Art rock Progressive rock Symphonic Prog |
| Years active | 1971–1974 1976–1980 2008–Present |
| Associated acts | Ferro & Fogo Plutónicos |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/PetrusCastrus |
| Members | Pedro Castro José Castro |
| Past members | Júlio Pereira (1971-1973) Rui Reis (1971-1974) João Seixas (1971-1974) Miguel Urbano (1976-1980) |
Influences
In the beginning Petrus Castrus were quite influenced by bands like Pink Floyd, Procol Harum, The Nice and Electric Light Orchestra.
Members
The initial Petrus Castrus contained members:
- Pedro Castro: vocals, guitar and bass
Petrus Castrus - José Castro: keyboards, synthesizer and vocals
José Castro no teclado - Júlio Pereira: guitar
- Rui Reis: organ
- João Seixas: drums
Júlio Pereira left the band shortly after the recording of Mestre. The band suspended activity in 1974 and Rui Reis and João Seixas left to form the band Plutónicos, and later the heavy metal band Ferro & Fogo (Iron & Fire).
In 1976, the Castro brothers returned with a new lineup:
- Pedro Castro: vocals, guitar and bass
- José Castro: keyboards, synthesizer and vocal
- Urbano Oliveira: drums
Two years later, their album Ascenção e Queda was made with contributions from:
- Fernando Girão: guitar
- Rui Serrão: bass
- Lena d'Água: vocals
- Nuno Rodrigues: vocals
Discography
- Marasmo (EP, 1971)
- Tudo Isto, Tudo Mais (All This, Everything More) (EP, 1972)
- Mestre (Master) (LP, 1973; CD, 2007)
- A Bananeira (Single, 1974)
- Cândida (Single, 1977)
- Ascenção e Queda (Ascent and Fall) (LP, 1978)
- Agente Altamente Secreto (Highly Secret Agent) (Single, 1977, was on bonus CD of 'Mestre')