UMUR "A Calculated Use of Sound" is an EP released by American hardcore/metalcore act Protest the Hero. The EP was released in 2003 through Underground Operations. "A Calculated Use of Sound" was re-issued in 2004 with the bonus track "Soft Targets Dig Softer Graves".

The music is hardcore/metalcore. The pace is generally very high and the music is very energetic as a result of that. There is much focus on the vocals from singer Rody Walker who has...how should I put this?...a very distinct voice. Somewhat comparable to emo rock/metal vocalists but a bit more aggressive. It´s definitely an aquired taste if you´ll be able to enjoy Rody Walker´s high pitched and nasale vocal style. There are lots of harmony vocals on the EP too and most members actually contribute with vocals on the songs.

The band is well playing and the sloppy and untight playing that they treated us with on their debut EP "Search for the Truth (2002)" is fortunately a thing of the past. The band has matured greatly since that EP. Rody Walker has also learned to control his voice better on "A Calculated Use of Sound" than was the case on the messy predecessor.

The sound production is decent and suits the music well.

Protest the Hero have really improved on "A Calculated Use of Sound" compared to "Search for the Truth" and I´m starting to hear promises in the music. Overall I still have a slight issue with the vocal style though and the music isn´t the most exciting thing either. Therefore I´d say a 2 - 2.5 star (45%) rating isn´t all wrong. I really like the energy in the music and that saves much.