UMUR "Inception" is a compilation album release by US, Seattle based power/heavy metal act Sanctuary. The compilation was released through Century Media Records in February 2017. "Inception" consists of the two tracks which were featured on the band´s 1986 demo ("I Am Insane" and "Dream of the Incubus". The titles are slightly altered compared to the demo), and seven unreleased early demo versions of tracks, which in their final studio versions would appear on the band´s debut full-length studio album "Refuge Denied (1988)".

I am one of those people who felt that Dave Mustaine´s production job ruined "Refuge Denied (1988)", and I have always wondered what better production values would have done to what was clearly promising US power/heavy metal material, and while the material on "Inception" isn´t one to one a better produced "Refuge Denied (1988)" it´s as close as it gets. All tracks on "Inception" were recorded in 1986 but during three different recording sessions. It´s not audible in a disturbing way and the overall flow and stylistic consistency of the material featured on the compilation work well.

The tracks have been remixed and remastered, and while you would expect remixed and remastered demo material to feature an acceptable sound quality, it´s still amazing how great the sound quality on the material on "Inception" have turned out. I haven´t listened to the original source material, but it must have been pretty great even back then, because otherwise this is close to a production miracle. Sure it´s occasionally a bit rough around the edges and it doesn´t exactly sound like a 2017 production job, but it´s raw, powerful, and detailed, and suits the material perfectly.

The musicianship is of a high quality on all posts, and with the new improved mix it´s suddenly obvious what a great drummer Dave Budbill was/is. Warrel Dane deserves a mention too for his incredible vocal skills and strong and versatile voice. The rest of the band are also well playing and considering that Sanctuary at this point were still in their formative years, the musicianship is generally quite impressive.

So upon conclusion this is one of those "archive" releases that is worth spending time and money on. While these are demo recordings, they were recorded at professional recording studios and with the new remixed and remastered sound, these doesn´t sound much like demos anymore. This could just as well have been a regular studio album from those days. In addition to the well sounding mix the material is of course also strong, and it´s a real joy listening to tracks like "Soldiers of Steel", "Death Rider / Third War", and "Battle Angels" (although all tracks are actually worth a mention). A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.