UMUR "Quest for Sanity" is an EP release by US thrash metal act Hexx. The EP was released through Under One Flag in 1988. The band existed from 1983 to 1995 and released three full-length studio albums in that period. They developed their sound greatly over the years, starting out playing power/thrash/heavy metal and ending in death/thrash metal territory. This particular EP finds them in a transition period between their US power/heavy metal past and their death/thrash metal future, because the music style here is neither of the two mentioned.

Instead Hexx play an aggressive form of thrash metal on "Quest for Sanity". Since "Under the Spell (1986)" there have been a couple of lineup changes as guitarist Clint Bower has taken over the vocal duties in addition to playing guitars. He replaces lead vocalist Dan Bryant. Drummer Dave Schmidt has also jumped ship and has been replaced by John Shafer. And from the first notes on the opening track "Twice as Bright" you´ll notice the difference in musical style that the lineup changes have brought with them. The drums are more technical and less old school heavy metal styled, and Clint Bower is an aggressive sneering type thrash metal vocalist, which is very different from the butch US power metal singing/screaming Dan Bryant. When the band play their most fast-paced and aggressive parts they remind me slightly of Sadus. There´s also a more simple punk influence on some tracks though. The melodic elements from the early releases are almost completely gone from the material on "Quest for Sanity", where raw power and relentless aggression have taken the high seat.

One of the trademarks and assets of the early US power/heavy metal releases by Hexx is the high level musicianship, and that is continued here. These guys are tight playing and deliver their music with bite and conviction. The sound production is powerful, raw, and pretty unpolished, which only further enhances the brutal aggressive assault.

For a band that try their hands at playing thrash metal for the first time I think Hexx do a fine job on "Quest for Sanity". They are not exactly original sounding, but the rawness and conviction behind the delivery make this a standout release anyway. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.