UMUR "Taboo of the Western World" is the debut full-length studio album by Canadian thrash metal act M.A.D. (aka: Mutually Assured Destruction). The album was released through Fringe Product in 1991. M.A.D. formed in 1987 in Ontario, Canada, and they released two demos before being signed for the release of "Taboo of the Western World".

Stylistically the material on "Taboo of the Western World" is a direct continuation of the US influenced thrash metal style of the 1989 "Generation Zero" demo, and indeed several of the tracks from the demo have been re-recorded and included on "Taboo of the Western World". Lead vocalist/guitarist Rob Johnson still sings using the same shouting staccato delivery his did on the demo, and the vocals are unfortunately pretty unrekarkable. Very standard for the genre. The musicianship is otherwise on a high level on all posts, which isn´t surprising if you´re familiar with "Generation Zero", which also featured some great instrumental performances.

The songwriting is fairly standard for the genre, and "Taboo of the Western World" isn´t an album which screams that it´s a M.A.D. album. It simply doesn´t have a unique sound. When that is said it´s still a good quality thrash metal release, featuring strong musicianship, decent songwriting, and a decent sounding production. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.