UMUR "Ritually Abused" is the debut full-length studio album by US thrash metal act Num Skull. The album was released through Enigma Records in 1988. "Ritually Abused" was re-issued on CD through Skullsucker Records in 2002. That version features the bonus track "Murder by the Minister".

"Ritually Abused" are often cited as one of the first death/thrash albums, but if you ask me the music on the album is pretty basic old school US thrash metal. Early Slayer is the main influence to my ears, but if I have to mention something that´s a bit more extreme than most other thrash metal albums from that time, it´s the vocals. They are raw, raspy and very aggressive, which is probably what people think about when they call "Ritually Abused" a death/thrash album. Num Skull is a well playing band and the sound production on the album is well sounding too, but it´s safe to say "Ritually Abused" isn´t the most original sounding thrash metal album out there. It packs punch though and the delivery is damn convincing and considering the style and the audience that´s probably what matters the most for fans of the genre. It´s loud, it´s fast and it´s aggressive. Sounds like thrash metal to me!

"Ritually Abused" is overall a good solid thrash metal release that I enjoy on occasion and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.