UMUR "Generation Zero" is the second demo release by Canadian thrash metal act M.A.D. (aka: Mutually Assured Destruction). The demo was independently released in May 1989. It´s the successor to the "Decisions, Decisions" demo from 1988. M.A.D. formed in 1987 in Ontario, Canada, and they released two demos and two full-length studio albums before disbanding in 1994.

"Generation Zero" contains seven tracks and total playing time of 38:39 minutes, and although it´s labelled a demo, it features studio album sound quality, and I wouldn´t be surprised if this was an aborted attempt at recording a full-length album release. M.A.D. probably recorded "Generation Zero" but couldn´t find a label to release it, and then opted to release it as a demo instead.

Stylistically this is relatively aggressive US influenced thrash metal, which isn´t particularly different from other contemporary artists, but it´s certainly both well written, well performed, and well produced. There´s a great energetic rawness and intensity to the recordings, which are quite charming. Lead vocalist/guitarist Rob Johnson has a rather typical shouting staccato delivery and a pretty unremarkable voice, so it´s not in that department that M.A.D. shine. The instrumental performances (including the great lead guitar work) are what keeps this demo interesting.

Upon conclusion "Generation Zero" is a good quality thrash metal demo from the last years of the heyday of thrash metal, and M.A.D. definitely shows more than a little promise, and honestly I find it a bit odd that these guys weren´t signed and "Generation Zero" released as their debut album. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.