UMUR "Shitlist" is the first and only official demo (originally cassette tape) released by US, Illinois based extreme metal act Macabre. The demo was originally released in 1987 but later reissues of the demo from 1989 exist with three additional tracks (recorded in 1989). Gore Records released a 7" vinyl version of the demo in 1990 (titled "Shitlist"), which features only 5 of the original 7 tracks from the demo. Most tracks from the demo appear in re-recorded versions on the early label releases by the band: The "Grim Reality (1987)" EP, "Gloom (1989)", and "Sinister Slaughter (1993)".

If you´re familiar with the early deathgrind sound of Macabre, you won´t be surprised by the style of music on "Shitlist". It´s fast, it´s ugly, it´s gory, and it´s incredibly well performed considering this is a 1987 extreme metal demo and the first release by Macabre. The demo features 5 "studio" recordings and 2 live tracks. The studio demo tracks features a lo-fi demo sound quality, but it´s still possible to hear what´s being played and sung and the live recordings are also very raw but sound great.

Although no one would mistake "Shitlist" for anything but a demo release, it´s still overall a decent quality release, and considering the time of release a seminal deathgrind release. What I´m most impressed about though, is how well defined Macabre´s trademark deathgrind style already was this early on. Most artists need a couple of demos to hone their craft and to write material worthy of inclusion on a future studio album, but had the material on "Shitlist" featured a more professional sounding production, this would have been a high quality release, which could easily be released through a label. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.