UMUR "Beowülf" is the self-titled debut full-length studio album by US hardcore/crossover act Beowülf. The album was released through Suicidal Records (label owned by Mike Muir from Suicidal Tendencies) in 1986. Beowülf were formed in Venice Beach, California in 1981 and before releasing this debut album, they recorded two tracks for the 1985 compilation album "Welcome to Venice", which these days are considered a legendary hardcore/crossover release.

The 13 tracks on the album are simple yet effective hardcore punk tracks with a heavy metal edge. Crossover thrash is probably a stretch at this point. Instead there is a very dominant Motörhead influence in the music, to the point where some tracks are close to ripping off the Brits. Take a listen to a track like "Get the Grind" and tell me it doesn´t sound very similar to early Motörhead. The vocals on the album are shouting and aggressive, the rhythms are punked and the guitars loaded with rock´n´roll energy. The sound production is suitingly raw and authentic.

There´s only one real issue with the album and that´s the fact that the material is rather one-dimensional and therefore the tracks are a bit hard to tell apart. A bit more variation in the songwriting department might have done the trick. Despite that issue, "Beowülf" is still an entertaining and occasionally really powerful release. And add to that great song titles like "Drink, Fight, Fuck" and "(My Life) Alcohol" and I´m heading straight for the pit. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.