UMUR "Search for the Truth" is the debut release by Canadian metalcore/hardcore act Protest The Hero. It´s a 7-inch vinyl record and was the first release on the Underground Operations label. The band had shortly before the release changed their name from Happy Go Lucky to Protest The Hero.

There are two tracks on the single and it features a playing time of 10:06 minutes so you don´t get much quantity for your money. The music is melodic hardcore punk. Very simple and not very original. Frontman Rody Walker has got one of the most distinct "Love him or hate him" sounding voices that I´ve heard in a while. High pitched and nasale. He seems like he has some trouble controlling his voice on this release and he certainly doesn´t make it easy to digest his vocal style.

The musicianship is not very strong and I get the feeling that these guys play sloppy on purpose. Sometimes that approach can be used to great effect but in this case it just sounds like the band can´t play or haven´t rehearsed enough. Drummer Moe Carlson is the worst sinner here. He sounds like he can´t remember the breaks in the songs. It all sounds very amaturish and very untight.

The production is below standard. Muddy and without punch.

All of the above amounts to a 1 star (20%) rating. I´m not even sure the fans of the band will enjoy this one, but of course I might be wrong. I don´t enjoy giving out low ratings, but in this case it´s warranted.