UMUR "Screams of Anguish" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Florida based death metal act Brutality. The album was released through Nuclear Blast Records in August 1993. At the time "Screams of Anguish" was released Brutality were actually a pretty seasoned band. They formed back in 1986 and released no less than four demos before being signed to Nuclear Blast Records.

...the fact that Brutality were not exactly newbies to playing music is pretty obvious when listening to "Screams of Anguish". The technical level of playing is very high and the material is well written and relatively varied. They play a type of death metal that blends the old school sound of Florida death metal (the more technical part of the style) with the more technical and brutal New York sound. It´s mostly Suffocation that comes to mind, but Brutality are not quite as frantic and generally play a bit slower. Frontman Scott Reigel needs a mention as one of the greatest assets on the album. He has a deep and commanding growling delivery which is satisfyingly intelligible. Another great thing about the music on "Screams of Anguish" is how well the two guitarists play. One skillfully played guitar lead after another and also some dark harmony themes. That part of their sound reminds me slightly of the early Gorguts albums. When everything is delivered in a detailed, raw and brutal sound production I can hardly ask for more.

...and then again. If I have to mention an issue it´s the fact that Brutality really aren´t that unique sounding. Their music is not instantly recognisable as the music of Brutality but rather just the sound of quality US death metal. But for that alone a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.