UMUR "Vultures" is an EP release by technical death metal act After Oblivion. The EP was self-released in March 2011. After Oblivion originates from as exotic a place as Bosnia and Herzegovina and was founded in 2007. They have actually been active much longer though as they were known as Path Beyond Serenity from 1999 - 2007. On this release After Oblivion are a two-piece act consisting of Adnan Hatic (Vocals, Guitar, Bass) and Damir Sinanovic (Drums).

On the 3 track, 11:20 minutes long EP, After Oblivion play a strongly Death (90s) influenced technical death metal style. They are an extremely well playing band, but the clone factor is almost too obvious for comfort. The drum patterns, the high pitched processed growling vocals, the way the tracks are structured and the way the riffs are composed and played. Hell! even the solos sound almost exactly like Death´s solos did in the 90s.

"Vultures" might prove to be an interesting release for fans of Death, but as an independent artistic statement I think After Oblivion cross the fine line between taking inspiration from their idols and imitating them. So while the quality of the release deserves a 3.5 star (70%) rating I´m gonna go with a 3 star (60%) rating for now. When karaoke hour is over I´d be interested to hear what original material these guys can bring to the table. They certainly have the technical skills to pull off something great.

J-Man Bosnia and Herzegovina isn't a nation known for having a particularly large death metal scene, but After Oblivion should turn some heads towards the country thanks to their latest release, Vultures. This short, 11-minute EP is one that should satisfy anyone who craves for technical, melodic death metal in the vein of late-period Death. Vultures may not be the most groundbreaking effort out there, but it's an exceptional EP that promises a bright future for After Oblivion. I'm certainly looking forward to hearing what these guys have next up their sleeves.

After Oblivion plays a style of technical death/thrash metal with heavy influences from Florida-based acts like Atheist, Cynic, and Death. Expect death metal with tons of technical twists and progressive overtones, but with the raw edge that categorized the genre's pioneers. The vocal delivery from Adnan Hatic especially reminds me of Chuck Schuldiner or Kelly Shaefer - his throaty delivery is just top-notch. As a matter of fact, the musicianship across the board is spectacular. The drumwork is complex, the bass is prominent and commanding, and the guitar playing is outstanding. After Oblivion is surely a talented group, and their compositions clearly reflect this. The production has a very similar sound to that of The Sound of Perseverance by Death, which is obviously a good thing. The sound is extremely clean, but still powerful enough to convey all of the emotion in After Oblivion's music.

Vultures is a spectacular EP from After Oblivion that all technical death metal fans should further investigate. After all, the band has offered it for free in various locations (on their Myspace page and on the Death Metal Invasion blog). I'm looking forward to hearing a full-length album from these guys in the near future. For this highly-impressive (though by no means groundbreaking) EP, I'll give out a recommendable 3.5 stars.