UMUR "Uncertain Future" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Seattle based thrash metal act Forced Entry. The album was released through Combat Records in June 1989. Forced Entry were formed in 1983 under the Critical Condition monicker but changed their name to the current one in 1986. They were quite active in the 1987-1988 period, releasing two demos in 1987 and one in 1988 before being signed for the release of "Uncertain Future". "Uncertain Future" was recorded by the three-piece lineup of Tony Benjamins (vocals, bass), Colin Mattson (drums), and Brad Hull (guitars).

Stylistically this is pretty time typical US thrash metal. The fact that there is only one guitarist in the lineup makes the sound relatively organic and in that respect the band make full use of the trio format. Brad Hull is obviously a very skilled guitarist and his solo work is at times pretty impressive. Colin Mattson also has some creative drumming ideas (I like the percussion on "Anaconda"), and Tony Benjamins performance is also solid (his vocals are raw and shouting). So we´re dealing with a fairly well playing band. They aren´t what I´d characterize as anything out of the ordinary for the genre though, and especially the vocals are pretty standard fare US thrash metal style vocals.

It´s in the songwriting department the real trouble begins though, because very few of the 8 tracks on the 38:02 minutes long album feature memorable riffs, catchy vocal lines, or hook laden choruses. The guitar solos are the most positive feature on the album, but they can´t disguise the fact, that the thrashy riffs are pretty standard for the genre and that the vocals don´t bring that extra to the music, that could have elevated the album from decent to great.

"Uncertain Future" features a decent but not great sounding production, and of course a better sound production could also have helped the material to shine a little more. So upon conclusion "Uncertain Future" is a standard quality US thrash metal release, which doesn´t stick out much in the vast sea of contemporary US thrash metal releases. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.