UMUR "Unholy Domain" is the second demo recording by Finnish death metal act Demigod. The demo was independently released in early 1991. It was recorded and mixed in December 1990 at AMR-Studio, Viiala, Finland. Demigod formed in 1990 and had their original run from 1990-1994 (they´ve reunited and have split-up again a couple of times since). They released quite a few demos and their debut full-length studio album "Slumber of Sullen Eyes" (Drowned Productions, November 1992) before disbanding. Later reissues of "Slumber of Sullen Eyes" typically include the tracks from "Unholy Domain" as bonus material.

Demigod have been through quite the development since the November 1990 rehearsal demo and it´s great to hear their music featuring a professional studio production. This is of course still an early 90s death metal demo recording, but the sound production is quite well sounding and provides the band´s music with the best possible conditions to shine.

"Unholy Domain" features 4 tracks and a total playing time of 15:58 minutes. Only the intro track "Perpetual Ascent" would make it unto "Slumber of Sullen Eyes" (where it closes the album), while the three other tracks are exclusive to this demo ("Reincarnation" was featured on the previous rehearsal demo, but it´s been heavily re-arranged here). Stylistically this is mid- to fast-paced old school death metal featuring growling vocals, heavy riffs and rhythms, morbid sounding leads, and a generally good understanding of how to present an effective death metal tune. Demigod are actually what I would call good songwriters who compose songs with dynamics, climaxes, and great riffs.

Upon conclusion "Unholy Domain" is a high quality death metal demo from Demigod. It´s arguably one of the best quality demos from the early 90s Finnish death metal underground, and it´s a promising predecessor to "Slumber of Sullen Eyes". Demigod would release a couple of more demos before being signed for the release of "Slumber of Sullen Eyes", but "Unholy Domain" is their most important demo release. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.