UMUR "Hammer of the Witch" is the 6th full-length studio album by US, Cleveland, Ohio based crossover/thrash metal act Ringworm. The album was released through Relapse Records in March 2014. Ringworm was founded in 1989 and was initially active until 1994 when they disbanded. They released their debut full-length studio album "The Promise" in 1993. Ringworm reunited in 2001 and has been active since. Some of the members of the band have also been working with acts like Holy Ghost, Charred Walls of the Damned, Soulless, and Beyond Fear.

The music on "Hammer of the Witch" is thrash metal with a few nods toward hardcore. If I have to make a comparison I´d mention "rEVOLVEr (2004)" by The Haunted as a reference. They both share a heavy Slayer influence, but also a hardcore oriented singing style. The music on the album is relentlessly aggressive, powerful, raw, and energetic. It´s impossible to sit still while listening to "Hammer of the Witch" as it constantly invites to a violent mosh. It´s not primitive by any means though, and the material is well written and relatively catchy. I say relatively because there could have been a bit more variation between tracks, and not all tracks on the 13 track, 41:12 minutes long album are equally memorable. The raw and shouting singing style is probably a bit of an aquired taste too, and it does become a bit one-dimensional a couple of tracks into the album.

"Hammer of the Witch" features a very well sounding production. It´s raw and organic, and very powerful, with good room for the bass, which provides the music with a great heavy sound.

Considering all factors and elements of this release, "Hammer of the Witch" is a great album by Ringworm. I think it could have benefitted from more variation (especially in the vocal department), but other than that there are few issues if you enjoy raw and aggressive yet very well produced thrash metal with a hardcore edge. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.