UMUR "Demo 1990" is the third demo recording by Finnish death/thrash metal act Sacred Crucifix. The demo was independently released in December 1990. It´s the successor to the "Realms of Darkness" demo from June 1989, which is a demo often mentioned among the seminal thrash/proto-death metal demos coming out of Finland.

The material on "Demo 1990" continues the raw and brutal thrash metal style of the previous demo, but adds even more death metal brutality and heaviness to Sacred Crucifix sound. I´d still label this thrash metal, but it´s certainly in the most brutal end of the spectrum.

Sacred Crucifix were always a well playing act, and they also handle their instruments with great skill and conviction on this demo release. Lead vocalist/bassist Miku Mertanen has a fiercely aggressive vocal style and a caustic delivery, which is one of the great assets of the band´s sound.

Unfortunately "Demo 1990" would be the last release by the original incarnation of Sacred Crucifix, as they disbanded shortly after its release. Two of the members left for army service and one moved to Sweden, making it impossible for the band to continue. They would however regroup in 1993 and start a second run. "Demo 1990" is a great quality release, and it should have secured Sacred Crucifix a label deal, but although it looked promising once or twice, all possibilities fell through. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.