UMUR "A Joyful Noise" is an EP release by US grindcore act Agoraphobic Nosebleed. The EP was released through Decibel Magazine/Handshake Inc. on the 24th of December 2011. The EP was specifically written and recorded for the Decibel Magazine Flexi Series. It´s no coincidence that the EP was released on Christmas eve, as believe it or not, this is actually a Christmas themed grindcore release.

"A Joyful Noise" features 11 tracks distributed over 4:12 minutes of playing time. That may sound like a completely crazy concept, with most of the tracks clocking in at under half a minute each, but all tracks seque into each other to form a concept, and in the end it works incredibly well. The band take you on a journey through high energetic blasting grindcore sections, samples, aggressive vocals and other odd twists and turns. All sharply executed and packed in a clear yet raw sound production. Song titles like "No Presents this Year" and "Frozen Corpse Stuffed with Holiday Cheer" should put most people in a high holiday spirit (NOT). The band are so mean yet still full of bizarre humour, that this release comes off as completely irresistable.

With "A Joyful Noise", Agoraphobic Nosebleed once again prove why they are counted among the most groundbreaking and adventurous grindcore acts on the scene. More of this please! A 4 star (80%) rating is fully deserved.