UMUR "Thoughts and Prayers" is an EP release by US death metal/deathgrind act Kill Division. The EP was released through Redefining Darkness Records in June 2023. It´s the successor to the band´s debut full-length studio album "Peace Through Tyranny" (September 2022, Redefining Darkness Records). Kill Division got quite a bit of attention when it was learned that the band consists of drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth, Aborted, Soilwork...etc.), guitarist Gus Ríos (Create a Kill, Gruesome...etc.), bassist Jeramie Kling (Ex Deo, Ribspreader, Dritt Skit. etc.), and lead vocalist Kyle Symons (Upon Infliction, HatePlow, Malevolent Creation...etc.), who are all seasoned death metal/deathgrind scene veterans, but the quality of "Peace Through Tyranny" did speak for itself too.

"Thoughts and Prayers" features four tracks and a total playing time of 8:58 minutes. The opening title track is a new original track, which was not featured on "Peace Through Tyranny", but the remaining tracks are covers of Suicidal Tendencies, Slayer, and Minor Threat. All done in deathgrinding Kill Division style. It´s the right way to do covers, giving them your own spin and not staying too true to the originals. I´m especially fond of "Memories of Tomorrow" (the Suicidal Tendencies cover).

"Thoughts and Prayers" is well produced, featuring a powerful, raw, and brutal sounding production job, which suits the material well. Upon conclusion it´s a nice follow-up release to "Peace Through Tyranny", and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.