UMUR "Thoughts and Prayers" is an EP release by US death metal/deathgrind act Kill Division. The EP was released through Redefining Darkness Records in June 2023. It´s the successor to the band´s debut full-length studio album "Peace Through Tyranny" (September 2022, Redefining Darkness Records). Kill Division got quite a bit of attention when it was learned that the band consists of drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth, Aborted, Soilwork...etc.), guitarist Gus Ríos (Create a Kill, Gruesome...etc.), bassist Jeramie Kling (Ex Deo, Ribspreader, Dritt Skit. etc.), and lead vocalist Kyle Symons (Upon Infliction, HatePlow, Malevolent Creation...etc.), who are all seasoned death metal/deathgrind scene veterans, but the quality of "Peace Through Tyranny" did speak for itself too.

"Thoughts and Prayers" features four tracks and a total playing time of 8:58 minutes. The opening title track is a new original track, which was not featured on "Peace Through Tyranny", but the remaining tracks are covers of Suicidal Tendencies, Slayer, and Minor Threat. All done in deathgrinding Kill Division style. It´s the right way to do covers, giving them your own spin and not staying too true to the originals. I´m especially fond of "Memories of Tomorrow" (the Suicidal Tendencies cover).

"Thoughts and Prayers" is well produced, featuring a powerful, raw, and brutal sounding production job, which suits the material well. Upon conclusion it´s a nice follow-up release to "Peace Through Tyranny", and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

UMUR "Barely Alive" is a one-track digital single release by US death metal/deathgrind act Kill Division. The single was released through Redefining Darkness Records in August 2022 and it´s the second single released to promote the forthcoming release of Kill Division´s debut full-length studio album "Peace Through Tyranny" (September 2022, Redefining Darkness Records). "Barely Alive" appears as track number 11 on "Peace Through Tyranny".

Listening to the material on "Peace Through Tyranny" it soon becomes apparent that Kill Division are highly influenced by Terrorizer (and to a lesser extent an artists like Misery Index), and the link to Terrorizer becomes even more apparent as "Barely Alive" is a Terrorizer cover. If you didn´t know it you wouldn´t really notice it though, as it seamlessly blends in with the remaining material featured on "Peace Through Tyranny". High quality deathgrind, which may not be groundbreaking, but is solid and well performed. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

UMUR "Surrounded by Filth" is a one-track digital single release by US death metal/deathgrind act Kill Division. The single was released through Redefining Darkness Records in July 2022 and it´s the first single released to promote the forthcoming release of Kill Division´s debut full-length studio album "Peace Through Tyranny" (September 2022, Redefining Darkness Records). "Surrounded by Filth" appears as track number 2 on "Peace Through Tyranny".

The choice to release "Surrounded by Filth" as the first single from "Peace Through Tyranny" is a good one, as the deathgrind style featured on this song perfectly presents what you´ll be exposed to when listening to the full-length album. Strong musical performances, powerful and effective songwriting, and a well sounding production job. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

UMUR "Peace Through Tyranny" is the debut full-length studio album by US death metal/deathgrind act Kill Division. The album was released through Redefining Darkness Records in September 2022. Kill Division formed in 2021 and features quite a few prominent musicians in drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth, Aborted, Soilwork...etc.), guitarist Gus Ríos (Create a Kill, Gruesome...etc.), bassist Jeramie Kling (Ex Deo, Ribspreader, Dritt Skit. etc.), and lead vocalist Kyle Symons (Upon Infliction, HatePlow, Malevolent Creation...etc.). Ríos is predominantly responsible for composing the tracks, and the various instrument and vocal tracks were recorded at different recording studios and put together afterwards. I might be wrong, but I´m guessing the band never met and played together.

Stylistically this is deathgrind in the vein of Terrorizer (they even cover "Barely Alive" by Terrorizer) with the occasional nod toward Misery Index (when the music is most hardcore influenced). It´s audible right away that these guys are seasoned veterans of the scene as the performances are technically flawless and there´s both bite and conviction in the way the parts are delivered. While the material isn´t particularly unique and certainly not groundbreaking, it´s quite powerful and intense. It´s also packed in a sharp, brutal, and raw sounding production, which suits the material well, so while this may come off as a bit of a Terrorizer worship project, it´s still a high quality release and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.