UMUR "Magnificent Death" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US, Florida based thrash metal/crust act Hot Graves. The album was released through Primitive Violence Records in March 2015. Hot Graves was formed in 2008 and released the "Knights in White Phosphorus" debut album in 2011. The lineup who recorded the debut is intact and features Myk Colby on vocals/guitars, Matt Rosario on drums, and Tim Hutchens on bass.

Stylistically the music on "Magnificent Death" continues the hybrid death, thrash, hardcore/punk/crust style of "Knights in White Phosphorus (2011)". It´s a highly energetic and aggressive music style with raspy blackened death/thrash vocals in front. Although the D-beat drumming and hardcore punk riffing is a dominant part of the band´s sound, and at times have a tendency to become slightly one-dimensional, it´s not all "Magnificent Death" is about as Hot Graves successfully incorporate death metal brutality (there are some crushingly heavy sections featured on the album), thrash metal rawness, and the occasional melodic speed/traditional heavy metal element too, which make "Magnificent Death" a relatively varied release within the boundaries of the overall sound.

The musicianship is on a high level on all posts. The vocals are delivered with the right amount of caustic aggression, the rhythm section is tight playing, and the guitars sharp sounding. "Magnificent Death" also features a raw and powerful sound production, which suits the music perfectly. So upon conclusion "Magnificent Death" is a great sophomore release by Hot Graves. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

UMUR "Knights in White Phosphorus" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Gainesville, Florida based death/thrash/crust act Hot Graves. The album was released through Northern Horde Records on CD and through Greyhaze Records on vinyl in July 2011. The band are a three-piece consisting of Myk Colby (vocals, guitars), Matt Rosario (drums) and Tim Hutchens (bass).

The band play a music style that´s not easily catagorized as it contains elements from both death, thrash and crust/hardcore. Not completely unlike their fellow countrymen in Black Breath who enjoyed quite a bit of success with their 2010 "Heavy Breathing" album. It´s apparently a music style that a lot of bands are playing right now. With "Knights in White Phosphorus", Hot Graves definitely place themselves among the elite of those acts. We´re talking a fiercely aggressive vocal delivery (the raspy vocals by Myk Colby are caustic in nature), D-beat drumming and buzzsaw guitar riffs (the Sunlight sound). The band occasionally put in a slight bit of melody and they don´t neglect to change pace once in a while too, which are both factors that make the album a more varied and long lasting listen. Aggression is in the highseat here though so prepare to get bludgeoned by a very convincing band. The fact that "Knights in White Phosphorus" features a raw and powerful sound production definitely isn´t a minus either.

"Knights in White Phosphorus" is the kind of album that will leave you bleeding in the gutter. The sheer aggression will peel the flesh from your bones. At the same time the songwriting is strong and the tracks memorable. A rare achivement that deserves a 4 star (80%) rating.