UMUR "Demo-88" is the first demo recording by Finnish thrash metal act Protected Illusion. The demo was independently released in September 1988. Protected Illusion formed in 1988 and existed until 1995 when they disbanded. During that time they released five demos, two EPs, and one full-length studio album. The 2008 "1989-1991: Watching the Wake" compilation album (Marquee Records) compiles the material from Protected Illusion´s second demo, their two EPs and their sole full-length studio album "Festering Fairytales" (Real Illusion, July 1990), but for unknown reasons leaves out the material from this demo.

Listening to the quality of "Demo-88" it becomes even more odd that the six tracks from the 18:52 minutes long demo were left off "1989-1991: Watching the Wake", but maybe it´s just a matter of lack of space (the compilation is after all 72:08 minutes long).

Stylistically Protected Illusion play an aggressive, raw, and energy packed type of thrash metal which is in the more brutal end of the scale for a 1988 thrash metal release. It´s not death/thrash by any means, but it´s understandable why many Finnish death metal artists cite Protected Illusion (among other Finnish thrash metal artists like Sacred Crucifix, A.R.G., and Phlegethon...etc.) as an influence on their interest in playing more brutal and extreme music. Protected Illusion would become even more raw and brutal on the next couple of releases, which were arguably even more influential on the burgeoning Finnish death metal scene.

It´s not that the material on "Demo-88" is particularly original or that Protected Illusion at this point had a distinct sound, but they are both well playing and they can certainly write effectful and memorable thrash metal tunes too. "Demo-88" features a well sounding production job. You´re not in doubt that this is a demo recording, but the sound quality is pretty good all things considered. Upon conclusion this is a good quality first demo recording by Protected Illusion and a 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.