UMUR "The Puzzle" is the second demo by Swedish thrash metal act Mefisto. The demo was independently released on cassette tape in November 1986. It´s the band´s second 1986 demo tape, as they released the "Megalomania" demo in May 1986. Mefisto was a relatively shortlived act forming in 1985, releasing two demos in 1986, and disbanding in 1987, but many Swedish extreme metal musicians have later cited them as an influential act on the mid-80s Swedish metal scene. The demo was a rare collector´s item for many years, but it was re-released in 1999 along with the material from the "Megalomania" demo on "The Truth" compilation album.

Stylistically the material on "The Puzzle" continues the raw German influenced thrash metal style of the material on "Megalomania" (with a nod towards Bathory), but it´s slightly more rhythmically sophisticated. There are still nods toward speed/traditional heavy metal and some great lead guitar work, and it´s safe to say that Mefisto are a well playing unit. The vocals are still raw snarling, delivered in staccato style, but they are slightly more aggressive this time around, and it suits the band´s music well.

"The Puzzle" features a well sounding production job, and while this maybe lacks the last notch up to sound like a professional recording, it´s still a fairly well sounding demo release. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.