UMUR "c7.09" is an EP release by German thrash/progressive metal act Complex 7. The EP was independently released in February 2009. It´s the successor to "Process" from November 2003. Complex 7 formed in 1990 under the Demimonde monicker and released the "Soliloquy" demo in 1995 before changing their name to Complex 7 in 1999. They released their debut full-length studio album "Water" in 2001 and the above mentioned "Process" in 2003.

Six years down the line and it´s interesting that the material on "c7.09" sounds a lot like the material on "Process". Complex 7 are obviously a band who are satisfied with the style they play, and although this EP features even more complex playing and more progressive ideas than any other Complex 7 release before it, Complex 7 still sound like themselves. Tempo- and time signature changes, breaks, and intense technical playing. Lead vocalist Norbert Vornam also sounds as toneless as ever, and his Russ Anderson (Forbidden) meets Scott Jeffreys (Confessor) type vocals are well performed, but lacks memorability.

"c7.09" is well produced featuing a powerful, detailed, and professional sounding production, which suits the material perfectly. If you enjoyed the two full-length studio albums which came before this EP, "c7.09" is recommendable too. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

UMUR "Process" is the second full-length studio album by German thrash/progressive metal act Complex 7. The album was independently released in November 2003. It´s the successor to "Water" from 2001 but the band while working under the Demimonde monicker had already released the "Soliloquy" demo in 1995. Demimonde formed in 1990 and changed their name to Complex 7 in 1999, so these guys are seasoned musicians.

Stylistically the material on "Process" pretty much continues the technical/progressive thrash metal style of "Water". Tempo- and time signature changes, breaks, and technical guitar riffs and rhythms. Lead vocalist Norbert Vornam is probably a bit of an aquired taste. Not so much because of his voice, but more because of his often toneless vocal melodies, which aren´t exactly hook laden. When that is said, I think his vocal melodies are stronger on "Process" than they were on "Water". I still think a comparison to Scott Jeffreys (Confessor) and his high pitched toneless vocals is the most valid reference.

The technical playing and especially the progressive songwriting have been increased since the debut album, and there are some really impressive and complex songwriting on display here and there. A track like "Trust" is for example very intriguing. "Process" features a powerful, detailed, and overall very well sounding production job, and it´s interesting to learn that this is an independent release, considering the high quality of the recording. So in many ways "Process" is an impressive and great sounding release, but while the vocals are well performed (switching between shouting thrash metal style vocals and higher pitched progressive metal vocals), it is the lack of memorable vocal melodies which prevents me from handing out the highest ratings. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is still fully deserved.

UMUR "Water" is the debut full-length studio album by German thrash/progressive metal act Complex 7. The album was independently released in July 2001. Complex 7 formed in 1990 under the Demimonde monicker and released the "Soliloquy" demo in 1995 before changing their name to Complex 7 in 1999.

Stylistically the material on "Water" is a continuation of the technical/progressive thrash metal style of the "Soliloquy" demo, but of course the 6 years between the two releases mean that Complex 7 are now even more well playing, and that the tracks are better composed, featuring more impact and memorable moments. Featuring 12 tracks and a total playing time of 65:58 minutes "Water" is a long album, but Complex 7 is a band with many intriguing songwriting ideas and while especially the vocal part of the music could have prospered from more hooks (sometimes the toneless vocal melodies remind me of Confessor), "Water" is still a highly adventurous and powerful release. It´s hard to compare it to anything else, as it´s really quite unique (although the above Confessor reference actually isn´t all wrong minus the doom).

"Water" features a well sounding production job, which suits the material perfectly. All details are heard, there´s power and punch in every instrument, and the vocals are clearly heard in the mix. It´s one of those releases I´d put on just to enjoy the sound production. "Water" may not be a perfect release. It lacks the memorable moments to reach those heights, but when that is said it features so many other great qualities which fully justifies a 3.5 star (70%) rating.