UMUR "Vicious Attack" is the debut full-length studio album by US, California based heavy/speed metal act Abattoir. The album was released through Combat Records in July 1985. Abattoir was founded in 1982 and split-up in 1987, but during that relatively short time span, they managed to release a couple of demos, a single and two full-length studio albums.

The music on the album is a combination of traditional heavy metal and thrash metal. A better description is probably speed metal. The music is aggressive and raw but not without an anthemic and melodic sensibility. Sometimes I´m reminded of early Iron Maiden and sometimes of early Metallica. The musicianship is top notch. An energetic and aggressive playing rhythm section, raw thrashy riffing, great melodic harmony work and blistering solos are some of the ingredients when it comes to the instrumental part of the music. However we definitely shouldn´t forget lead vocalist Steve Gaines who delivers a raw and very convincing performance. He has a really raw, screaming, and intense delivery that´s greatly enjoyable to my ears.

Featuring 8 tracks, and a 27:15 minutes long playing time, it´s safe to say "Vicious Attack" is a rather short album release. The fact that only 7 out of the 8 tracks are originals, means we don´t exactly get much original written material for our money. But when the quality is as high as it is here (including the cover of "Ace of Spades" by Motörhead, which is a real treat to my ears), I´m not complaining. Add to the equation a delightfully raw and well sounding production and I´m completely won over. I find "Vicious Attack" highly recommendable and a 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.