UMUR "The New Age of Terror" is the 3rd full-length studio album by US, California based thrash/speed metal act Hirax. The album was released through Deep Six Records in May 2004. It´s the band´s first album release since "Hate, Fear and Power" from 1986 although after their comeback in 2000 they released the "El Diablo Negro" EP in 2000 and the "Barrage of Noise" EP in 2001. Only lead vocalist Katon W. de Pena is left from the lineup who recorded "Hate, Fear and Power (1986)".

Hirax have opted to include the title track from the "El Diablo Negro (2000)" EP, but the remaining 10 tracks on "The New Age of Terror" are new originals which are exclusive to this release. Stylistically Hirax pretty much continue where they left off in the mid-80s, although the tracks are generally a little more heavy and the more contemporary sounding production also contributes to the heaviness of the recording in a positive way. de Pena was always an aquired taste, and personally I wasn´t that fond of his nasal wailing on the early albums, but he varies his voice and vocal style a bit more on "The New Age of Terror", and I can´t deny that he is quite the unique sounding singer. There´s personality in his delivery and a great passion too, which should always be praised.

The tracks are generally memorable, raw, and effectful, and Hirax are a well playing act too. As mentioned above "The New Age of Terror" features a well sounding production, which suits the material well, so upon conclusion it´s a welcome comeback for Hirax. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.