UMUR "The Grotesque / Ashen Epitaph" is an EP release by UK death metal act Benediction. The EP was released through Nuclear Blast Records in February 1994. "The Grotesque / Ashen Epitaph" features two studio tracks and three live tracks (some versions feature the Anti-Nowhere League cover "We Are The League" as a bonus track).

The two studio tracks are in the old school death metal style that Benediction were known for in those years. Stylistically they sound like a cross between the more murky material on "The Grand Leveller (1991)" and the more sharp sounding death metal on "Transcend the Rubicon (1993)". Both are great catchy tracks well worth the price of admission.

The three live tracks were recorded during a short live session before a select audience. The session was planned to prepare new drummer Paul Brooks for a forth coming tour. Original drummer Ian Treacy left Benediction after the tour supporting "Transcend the Rubicon (1993)" because of personal differences. We´re treated to "Violation Domain" from "Transcend the Rubicon (1993)", the title track from "Subconscious Terror (1990)" and "Visions in the Shroud" from "The Grand Leveller (1991)". If you ask me an almost perfect choice of tracks for a short live release. The band perform the tracks to perfection and especially lead vocalist Dave Ingram shines here, but everything from the vocals, the instrumental performances, to the sound quality, click here and make the listening experience a really enjoyable one. It´s not really a raw and sweaty live feeling you get here though. More a live in the studio feeling.

"The Grotesque / Ashen Epitaph" is overall a great release by Benediction and at almost 20 minutes of playing time there´s also quantity enough for the money. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.