Review by: Ian Busch - Primal Agony Webzine - 2003
It's great to see the return of something new from this West Aussie thrash band. Since the release of their CD demo "Addicted To Hate" in 2000 there has been some changes in the line up. Guitarists Dion Hicks and Brad Hooper are still there but Dave Streeter has taken over the drum stool while Cain Cressall is now handling vocals replacing Jason Seinor back in 2001. There is also no mention of a bass player on this CD so can we presume he is missing in action? The line up isn't the only change with the music although still thrashy, it has a different sound. While the "Addicted To Hate" EP was floating around an earlier Sepultura-ish sound they seem to have moved moved away from that for the main part. They still have the monsterous headbanging riffs but generally on this things sound a little slower. Also with the addition of Cain Cressall on vocals it has added another dynamic to the sound. Jason Seinor was realy good although if anything perhaps a little one dimensional. With Cain Cressall he adds a certain darkness to the sound and even sounding a bit like Obituary's John Tardy at certain times.
"Do What Thou Wilt opens with hints of a Slayer type sound around the "South Of Heaven" era before settling into a mid paced cruncher. This also has the biggest connection to Cain's vocal style reminding me of Obituary and I think his vocals is what tops off this brilliant dark thrashy opener. "Savage Realisation" follows a similar style pounding out the big riffs that while uncomplicated certainly hit the metal spot that will cause uncontrolable headbanging. "Livid" takes things up a gear to start with before once again returning to the almighty powerful riffs yet there is a darker edge to the song.The final track "Shadow Head" is the slowest of all four tracks overall delivering bone rattling chunky riffs that chug along at a good pace creating maxium impact. I also was impressed with the vocal strength and stylings within this song and Centaur and their sound has really developed well since the last release.
I know it is a lot harder for W.A. bands to tour because of the costs but I really hope these guys get a chance to show their music off to other parts of the country. Judging by this EP they are sure to impress many with their thrash style and find many new fans along the way. For now check out their website at www.centaurband.com to find out how to get a copy of this or email Prime Cuts Music (the label this is released on) at pcuts@bigpond.com and they will be able to fix you up. You won't be dissapointed with what you'll hear on this if you are into some good thrash.
Review source: Centaur - Shadows In My Head Review
Review by: Matt Backhaus - Full Strength Webzine - 2003
Are you a fan of aggressive thrash/death metal with a bit of an old school feel? If so, you might want to check out Western Australia's Centaur. 'Shadows In My Head' is the debut E.P. from this band and from the very first listen to say I was impressed is an understatement. Although the E.P. is not particularly ground breaking in any areas, 'Shadows In My Head' is just extremely well written, presented and performed. 'Do What Thou Wilt' is a blistering mid-paced track with the intro having a bit of a eerie feel to it. 'Do What Thou Wilt' did set a pretty high standard so there is always the question of is the rest of the C.D. going to live up to it? The answer, yes. 'Savage Realisation and 'Livid' are both loaded with very cool riffs and solos and it just makes you want to head bang! 'Shadow Head' opens with an excellent acoustic section which does set the mood for the song quite well. The track does have a bit more of a slower, slight groove feel to it but it is still with plenty of thrash. Also look out for the video clip for 'Do What Thou Wilt'. The production quality on the video is excellent and it is definitely one of the best clips by an Australian metal band for sometime. Overall, Centaur's 'Shadows In My Head' is superb! Rating - 4/5
Review source: No longer available.