UMUR "Winter" is the eponymously titled first demo by US, New York/Long Island based death/doom metal act Winter. The demo was independently released in June 1989. Initially the demo was released on cassette tape limited to 200 copies. While the original cassette tape version of the demo is almost impossible to find these days, all tracks from the demo plus an additional track were re-released on the 1994 EP "Eternal Frost" (on CD). In 1999 the material from the demo was included as bonus material on the reissue of Winter´s 1990 debut album "Into Darkness". So while the original cassette tape version of the demo is a rare find, the material from the demo is available on other releases. Two tracks ("Servants of the Warsmen" and "Eternal Frost") from the demo were re-recorded and included on the tracklist for "Into Darkness" (1990).

The 4 tracks on the 18:22 minutes long demo are early examples of death/doom metal. It´s relatively simplistic in style featuring heavy riffs and rhythms, and intelligible growling vocals, but not simplistic in a way which makes for a tedious listen. There is a nice groove to the tracks and in addition to the doomy heaviness, there are also some mid-paced parts and the use of double bass drums, which give the music a death metal sound (most prevalent on "Servants of the Warsmen" which is a relatively energetic and uptempo track). Although the music occasionally feature lead guitar parts enhancing the atmosphere of the tracks, most of Winter´s sound is made up of just bass, heavy rhythm guitar riffs, drums, and vocals. It´s very basic music, but the organic grooves, and the memorable songwriting ensure that there are more than enough intriguing elements for an engaging listen.

Considering that this is a demo release from 1989 the sound production is very well sounding, and to my ears it´s fully on par with professional sound productions from that time. Upon conclusion this is a good quality early death/doom metal release and definitely worth a listen for fans of the genre. Although all elements have been heard before, and a contemporary artist like Paradise Lost did something similar (although more based on soaring melancholic lead guitar melodies), Winter still sound relatively unique to my ears. I´m not sure what it is exactly that makes them original, but there is something (although the Celtic Frost influences shine through). A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.