UMUR "Rehearsal Tape" is a demo release by German thrash metal act Battlefield. The demo was independently released in 1990. After releasing their debut EP "We Come to Fight" in 1987, Battlefield weren´t able to capitalize on that release and find a label to release a debut album, so in 1990 they took the consequence and started working and recording demo material again. This reheasal demo is the second out of two 1990 demos that the band recorded and released, before they were finally signed for the release of their debut full-length studio album "Still and Ever Again" (1991).

Although the basis of the music is still intense and powerful thrash metal, Battlefield have opted for a more experimental, technical, eclectic, and occasionally more melodic take on thrash metal on the three tracks on the demo. Lead vocalist Tanja Ivenz sings a lot more clean vocals than the raw staccato styled thrash metal vocals of her predecessor Cornelia Ernst (a lead vocalist lineup change occured between the two 1990 demos). The tracks are relatively complex and dynamic with many acoustic breaks and changes in pace and rhythms. The musicianship is obviously on a very high level, and I´m especially impressed by the many explosive leads.

This may be titled "Rehearsal Tape", and while this is undoubtedly a demo quality sound production, it still sounds pretty good to my ears. It´s not one of those rehearsal tapes which sounds like they are recorded on a cheap tape recorder in the middle of a garage style rehearsal space, with all instruments and vocals competing for attention and often blurring each other out. No...you can actually hear all details of the music when listening to this demo.

While I applaud experiments and the eclectic nature of Battlefield´s efforts on this release, it does end up sounding directionless and maybe a bit too experimental for its own good. A 3 star (60%) rating is still warranted though.