UMUR "Entity" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US, Chicago based death metal act Nucleus. The album was released through Unspeakable Axe Records in June 2019. It´s the successor to "Sentient" from 2016 and features the same four-piece lineup who recorded the predecessor.

Stylistically the material on "Entity" is old school influenced death metal featuring sci-fi lyrics. It´s a well performed and relatively well produced album, and the sci-fi themed lyrics and imagery create a futuristic atmosphere to the album. The songwriting is of a good quality too and Nucleus certainly understand how to write an effectful death metal song with both a decent number of tempo changes, brutal riffs and heavy rhythms, atmosphere enhancing lead guitar work, occasional use of dissonance (which imply a slight Immolation influence), and a solid growling vocalist in front.

The word solid actually comes to mind often when listening to the album, which is of course great as it´s a word which spells quality, and Nucleus are definitely a quality death metal act. I´m a little less inclined to use the word excellent here though, as I still think the band are lacking a few things to enter the premier league of death metal. First of all the material could have been a little more catchy/hook laden (and it´s got nothing to do with variation, because considering the core music style here, there is actually a decent amount of variation on the album) and secondly a more distinct sounding growling vocal style could also have enhanced the overall impression of the album. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is still well deserved though and Nucleus can rightfully be proud of what they´ve achieved with "Entity".

UMUR "Sentient" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Chicago based death metal act Nucleus. The album was released through Unspeakable Axe Records in April 2016. Nucleus was formed in 2012 and have released a demo and two EPs before "Sentient". The band consists of Dave Muntean (guitars, vocals), Dan Ozcanli (guitars, vocals), Ryan Reynolds (bass), and Pat O'Hara (drums).

The music on the 9 track, 37:55 minutes is early 90s influenced death metal. The sound production provides the album with a more contemporary sound, but it´s by no means a clean and polished sound. "Sentient" is a powerful and raw sounding release, but the sound is detailed enough to make out every instrument in the mix. The material is decent enough and it´s also relatively memorable, but "Sentient" is not exactly the most original sounding death metal release out there. I hear a slight Grave influence here and there, but Nucleus aren´t clones or anything like that. They just don´t have a unique sound either.

Fortunately they are skilled musicians, who perform their music with both skill and conviction, and the well sounding production also provides "Sentient" with a quality stamp, and that actually goes a long way, even if a more distinct sound is desirable. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating isn´t all wrong.