UMUR "Punishment Area" is the debut full-length studio album by US thrash metal act Faith or Fear. The album was released through Combat Records in July 1989. Century Media Records picked "Punishment Area" up for a reissue in 1999. The early origins of Faith or Fear can be traced as far back as 1982.

The music on the album is US thrash metal but with an occasional groove edge. Something pretty much unheard of in the 80s. It´s punchy, aggressive, and for the most part effective. The vocals are raw and delivered in classic staccato thrash metal style. The musicianship is generally on a high level and it´s certainly not skill these guys are lacking. The sound production is pretty good for the time, but could have been slightly more powerful. The songwriting is decent, but it´s not like the material leave an ever lasting impression and while "Punishment Area" is enjoyable while it plays, I don´t remember most of the tracks after it is finished. The title track stands out a bit though.

I understand my above description of the music isn´t the most flattering, but upon conclusion "Punishment Area" actually is a pretty strong release and a very enjoyable US thrash metal album. It´s just not spectacular but a 3.5 star (70%) rating is still deserved.

UMUR "Titanium" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US thrash/groove metal act Faith or Fear. The album was released in 2012 and is a self-released/independently released affair. The early origins of the band can be traced as far back as 1982 and Faith or Fear released the "Punishment Area (1989)" debut album right in the heyday of thrash metal. After that not much have been heard of the band, but they´ve actually been occasionally active and since 2002, Faith or Fear have been writing new material and played live shows. So finally after 23 years the sophomore album is out!

The music on "Titanium" is not surprisingly rooted in late eighties US thrash metal and an act like Forbidden comes to mind a couple of times during the playing time. Maybe because lead vocalist Tim Blackman has a voice and singing style that is somewhat reminiscent of the voice and singing style of Russ Anderson, albeit a bit more aggressive and less melodic. However there is also a strong and rather aggressive groove metal element in the band´s sound, and as a consequence "Titanium" is occasionally a really heavy and groove laden affair. The songwriting is sophisticated enough to also include well played guitar solos, tempo changes and and other details to prevent the music from becoming too simple though and "Titanium" is generally just a kickass thrash/groove metal album. Tracks like the opening title track, "Grinding Halt" and "Afterglow" are absolutely killer tracks that should leave most groove loving thrash metal fans breathless.

While I´m rather positive about "Titanium" after spending 39:18 minutes of my life getting my ass kicked, there are a couple of issues that drag my rating down slightly. The sound production and especially the drum sound could have been a bit more interesting. I fully respect that this is an independent release and that Faith or Fear probably haven´t had a million dollars at their disposal for studio/mixing time, but I wouldn´t be a trustworthy reviewer if I didn´t mention this. The other issue I have is the closing instrumental track "CJ", which to my ears sounds a bit like someone playing random ideas on a guitar. It´s not an unpleasant listening experience, but it´s not exactly interesting either.

So...a few negative elements but "Titanium" is mostly a very positive and energetic release by Faith or Fear. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is fully deserved.