UMUR "Dark Order" is an EP release by Swedish death metal act Aeon. Besides demo releases this is the band´s first official release. "Dark Order" was released through Necropolis Records in May 2001.

The music on the 6 track, 21:23 minutes long EP, is brutal death metal. The music is heavily influenced by Cannibal Corpse and their ilk but especially Deicide comes to mind. This is for the most part old school US influenced death metal. The melodic element which is usually a dominant part of Swedish death metal is not a part of Aeon´s sound. The vocals by Tommy Dahlström are deep brutal growling. His growling style and higher pitched sneering vocal style remind me a lot of Glen Benton´s (Deicide) vocal style. The quality of the material is decent throughout and the tracks generally stand out from each other although the music does come off a bit one-dimensional in the end.

The musicianship are strong and you´ll be treated to tight playing and good variation in rythm and pace. The sound production is professional, relatively powerful and generally suits the music well. So while "Dark Order" isn´t a release that makes my blood boil wildly it´s stil a very promising first release by Aeon and if you´re a fan of the above mentioned acts, "Dark Order" should be right down your alley. A 3 star (60%) rating is deserved.