UMUR "Savage Land" is the debut full-length studio album by US, California based death metal act Gruesome. The album was released through Relapse Records in April 2015. Gruesome was formed in 2014 by among others former Malevolent Creation drummer Gus Rios (who plays drums and some lead guitars on "Savage Land") and Exhumed frontman/guitarist Matt Harvey.

The goal was clear from the start. Gruesome wanted to play old school death metal like it sounded in the 80s. Listening to "Savage Land" it´s clear from the start, that their goal was achieved. It´s especially "Leprosy (1988)" by Death that the listener is reminded of when listening to "Savage Land", and it´s hard not to think that Gruesome made a deliberate tribute rather than trying to forge an original sound. That´s the premise though, so if you´re surprised you haven´t payed attention.

While the material certainly isn´t original sounding, it´s still quite catchy and well written. The musicianship is also on a high level, and these guys certainly know how to play old school US death metal with credibility. The guitar solos deserve a special mention as they are very well played. They are shared between Gus Rios, Matt Harvey, and Daniel Gonzalez. The vocals are growling, but of the more intelligible type, and they are generally not far from sounding like Chuck Schuldiner (Death, Control Denied).

Featuring a well sounding production too, "Savage Land" is a quality release on most parameters, and if you adjust your expectations to "Savage Land" being more or less a "Leprosy (1988)"-era Death worship album and not a death metal release featuring original sounding material, I think most fans of old school US death metal would get something out of listening to this one. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.