UMUR "Product of Imagination" is the debut full-length studio album by German thrash metal act Paradox. The album was recorded in May 1987 at Kalle Trapp´s (Blind Guardian, Pestilence, Destruction...etc.) Karo Studio in Münster, and released through Roadrunner Records in October 1987.

The music on "Product of Imagination" is thrash metal influenced more by the US sound than the teutonic style (I hear a couple of references to Testament). Paradox are simply more sophisticated than most of their German brothers. It´s not like the music is technically challenging beyond "regular" thrash metal, but it´s not quite as savage and aggressive as the music of their many of their contemporary countrymen. The tracks are generally fast played, at times memorable and there is conviction behind the delivery. Unfortunately the album features a paper thin sound production that ruins much of my listening experience. Even for an eighties thrash metal album (which are known for messy and thin sounding productions), this production takes the prize. The interesting thing is, that it´s only bottom end that´s missing. The rest of mix is actually pretty well sounding. I especially enjoy the fierce guitar tone.

"Product of Imagination" is a nice introduction to Paradox and despite the thin sound production, it´s still a recommendable album to fans of eighties thrash metal. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.