UMUR "Yuk Fou" is the second demo release by US, Buffalo, New York based thrash metal act Beyond Death. The demo was independently released on cassette tape in 1988. The six tracks on the 23:39 minutes long demo were recorded live at the River Rock Cafe in Buffalo, New York in 1988. This was the last Beyond Death release to feature bassist Alex Webster and guitarist Jack Owen before they left and formed Cannibal Corpse along with three members of contemporary Buffalo thrash metal act Tirant Sin. Beyond Death folded a year later, but was revived again (without Webster and Owen) releasing a 1990 and a 1991 demo before disbanding.

Despite being a live demo recording from 1988 "Yuk Fou" is pretty well produced perfectly capturing the aggressive and well played live show, which also features some nice interplay with the audience who are also suitably active. It´s funny to hear instructions from the band to the audience that they will be thrown out of the club if they stage dive. It´s obvious Beyond Death had developed their sound and their skills since the release of their relatively immature first demo, and the fact that this was recorded live only adds to the authenticity and power of the release (video material exists from this show and it´s pretty great should you come across it). A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

UMUR "A Slice of Death" is the first demo release by US, Buffalo, New York based thrash metal act Beyond Death. The demo was independently released on cassette tape in November 1987. Beyond Death formed in 1986 and originally existed until bassist Alex Webster and guitarist Jack Owen left to form Cannibal Corpse along with three members of contemporary Buffalo thrash metal act Tirant Sin.

"A Slice of Death" features three tracks and a total playing time of 6 minutes. "Victims" and "Agonizing Death" are both aggressive thrash metal tracks influenced by the likes of Slayer and Dark Angel, which actually isn´t far removed from what Tirant Sin did at the same time, although Tirant Sin was slightly more aggressive and also leaned a bit towards the caustic teutonic sound. "I Love You, I Hope You Die" is a short "funny" crossover track, which opens in silly rock mode and ends in fast-paced crossover thrash metal mode. The sound production of the demo is decent, but there´s nothing out of the ordinary for the style found here, and to my ears the most interesting thing about this demo is you get to hear Alex Webster sing. A 2.5 star (50%) rating is warranted.