UMUR "Barrage of Noise" is an EP release by US, California based thrash/speed metal act Hirax. The EP was released through Black Devil Records in 2001. It´s the successor to Hirax comeback EP/single release "El Diablo Negro" from 2000. During their initial run Hirax released two full-length studio albums in the mid-80s (the last one being "Hate, Fear and Power" from 1986) and then folded.

Stylistically the material on "Barrage of Noise" are a continuation of the aggressive thrash metal style of "El Diablo Negro (2000)". Heavy riffs, faster thrashy riffs and screaming solos, a well playing rhythm section, and the distinct sounding voice and raw delivery of Katon W. DePena in front. Featuring 8 tracks and a total playing time of 22:17 minutes, the EP is just short of being labelled a full-length album (Hirax debut album "Raging Violence (1985)" is only 8 minutes longer), and there is more than enough time and tracks for Hirax to display the different shades of their sound. The early hardcore punk influence is heard a couple of times, the raw speed/thrash metal sound is there, and the more contemporary heavy and slightly groove laden thrash metal style is also present. Hirax even include the instrumentals "Jade" and "French Pearl" (the latter being an acoustic guitar track), to further enhance the impression that they can successfully handle different stylistic elements.

Hirax are a well playing act and "Barrage of Noise" also features a raw, powerful, and effectful sound production, which suits the material well, so upon conclusion it´s a quality thrash metal release from one of the more unique sounding artists on the scene. I´ll probably recommend listening to some of their full-length studio albums before this one, but that doesn´t change the fact that a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.