UMUR "The Rising Phoenix" is an EP release by Dutch power metal act Harrow. The EP was independently released in 1993, but saw a label reissue in 1998 through the Japanese Soundholic Co. Ltd. label. The reissue features no less than six bonus tracks in addition to the original seven tracks on the EP. Harrow formed as far back as 1982 and released the "Fearful Awakening" demo in 1991.

So Harrow existed quite a few years before releasing "The Rising Phoenix" and indeed they also sound very seasoned. They are skilled musicians and lead vocalist Frank van Gerwen has a strong voice and high pitched delivery. Although Harrow are an European band their style of music is actually closer to more melodic version of US power metal than the European version of power metal (although they certainly have elements from that sound too). They also have some traditional heavy metal traits, and I´m sometimes reminded slightly of Iron Maiden. There´s also the occacionally more uplifting anthemic hard rock/heavy rock part featured on the album and in those moments a band like Van Halen isn´t all wrong to mention as an influence (listen to "Moneymaker" for proof of that). This is generally just hard pounding, heavy, and melodic power/heavy metal though. They also master more dymanic tracks which the closing power ballad "Stonecold" is an example of.

"The Rising Phoenix" features a well sounding and professionally recorded sound production, and it´s not audible that this is an independent release. The material on this EP is fully on par with the quality of material by similar styled artists like early Fates Warning, early Queensrÿche, and Crimson Glory, and it´s probably fans of artists like those, who would be interested in "The Rising Phoenix". A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.