UMUR "Psycho Savant" is the 3rd full-length studio album by US, Tennesee based thrash metal act Intruder. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in June 1991. It´s the successor to "A Higher Form of Killing" from 1989, although the two studio albums were bridged by the release of the "Escape from Pain" EP from 1990. "Psycho Savant" was the band´s last release before they disbanded in 1992. The lineup who recorded "A Higher Form of Killing (1989)" and the "Escape from Pain (1990)" EP are intact on "Psycho Savant".

Stylistically the material on the 8 track, 54:13 minutes long album continue in the same powerful US thrash metal direction as the material on the preceding releases. The music is firmly rooted in the 80s US thrash metal scene (artists like Lääz Rockit, Anthrax, and Forbidden are valid references), and although "Psycho Savant" was released in 1991, there is not even the slightest 90s influence on the album (no alternative type vocals, no groovy riffs/rhythms, no rap vocals or funk influences). This is about as pure as they come when describing what an 80s US thrash metal album sounds like. The main reason for mentioning the particular reference artists above, are because those artists feature lead vocalists who can sing both raw and more melodic type vocals, which is also true for lead vocalist Jimmy Hamilton. The vocals are generally strong and give the music the extra dimension vocals are supposed to add (the use of riot gang backing vocals is a great treat too), to an already strong instrumental foundation...

...and the instrumental part of the music also deserves a mention, because Intruder are a very well playing band. The riffs are thrashy and powerful, the guitar solos blistering and creative, and the rhythm section are well playing too, driving the music forward in a great energetic fashion.

The material is well written and quite catchy too, and although most tracks on the album exceed the 6 minutes mark, the songs don´t feel long or outstay their welcome. I won´t mention any particular track as a highlight as all tracks are consistent in quality and style and "Psycho Savant" is therefore an entertaining release throughout. The only minor issue with the album is the sound production which lacks a bit of bottom end, which could have ultimately made the album more heavy sounding, but it´s not a major issue, and a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is still deserved.

UMUR "Escape from Pain" is en EP release by US thrash metal act Intruder. The EP was released through Metal Blade Records in August 1990 and bridges the gap between the band´s 2nd and 3rd full-length studio albums "A Higher Form of Killing (1989)" and "Psycho Savant (1991)". "Escape from Pain" features exactly the same lineup who recorded "A Higher Form of Killing (1989)". Jimmy Hamilton (Vocals), John Pieroni (Drums), Todd Nelson (Bass), Greg Messick (Guitars), and Arthur Vinnett (Guitars).

So it´s no surprise the musicianship is overall on a high level. A decent playing rhythm section, fast rhythmic riffing, blazing solos, and the high pitched vocals by Jimmy Hamilton in front. This is basically classic 80s Bay Area influenced thrash metal with a melodic inclined singer in front. I hear nods towards both early Metallica and Megadeth, as well as to Anthrax. Intruder doesn´t have the most original sound, but they do deliver their music in a relatively convincing manner.

"Escape from Pain" features 5 tracks and a full playing time of 29:25 minutes. "25 or 6 to 4" is a Chicago cover, but the remaining four tracks are originals. The quality of the material is overall decent, but seldom particularly memorable or above standard interesting. The 8:55 minutes long title track also features a song length, which ends up making it a bit of a tedious listen. So the material is generally alright but not really great.

Compared to "A Higher Form of Killing (1989)", the EP features a sound production which can´t match the one on the album. Especially the rhythm guitar features a flat and weak sound. Again it´s not a catastrophy, but it doesn´t really help on an already lurk warm impression of the EP. So upon conclusion this is a slight step down from "A Higher Form of Killing (1989)" and a 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

UMUR "A Higher Form of Killing" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US thrash metal act Intruder. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in August 1989. Intruder was formed in 1984 (under the Transgresser monicker) and released a couple of demos before releasing their debut full-length studio album "Live to Die" in 1987. There´s been one lineup change since the debut album as the band have added a second guitarist to the lineup in Greg Messick.

Musically Intruder have developed their original raw thrash/speed metal sound towards a more straight US, Bay Area influenced thrash metal style. I´m often reminded of Forbidden, because of how Jimmy Hamilton delivers his vocals in both straccato raw thrash metal style but also with a more singing type delivery. Joey Belladonna from Anthrax is another vocal reference. Hamilton has a powerful voice, but his singing abilities are of varied quality, or maybe it´s the rather monotone song melodies, which doesn´t always work wonders. As a result I often find myself thinking that the vocals are a distraction from the otherwise very well played and powerful instrumental part of the music. These guys are a tight playing unit, and you´ll be treated to fast played- and more heavy thrashy riffing, very well played guitar solos, and a powerful rhythmic assault.

The material is generally well written for the style, but again the vocal melodies could have been developed upon, to make them more memorable, and the tracks could also have featured more instrumental hooks. Quite a few of the tracks just pass by and you don´t even notice when the next one starts, so there´s definitely an issue with the tracks sounding a bit too much the same. The cover of "(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone" by the Monkees is not surprisingly quite different sounding to the rest of the tracks though.

"A Higher Form of Killing" is well produced featuring a powerful and clear sound, which suits the music perfectly. So upon conclusion the album is a bit of a mixed bag, but quality wise I´d still say that a 3.5 star (70%) rating isn´t all wrong, despite a few issues with the vocals and the vocal melodies and the fact that some tracks aren´t that memorable.

UMUR "Live to Die" is the debut full-length studio album by US thrash/speed metal act Intruder. The album was released through Iron Works Records in 1987. Intruder was formed in 1984 (under the Transgresser monicker) and released a couple of demos before releasing "Live to Die". "Live to Die" was originally a vinyl only release, but saw a release on CD in 1990.

Stylistically the music on "Live to Die" is a combination of relatively technically well played thrash metal and more melodic and heavy metal tinged speed metal. It´s old school alright, but not in a primitive way and these guys often show off some pretty impressive skills. The rhythm section is solid, lead vocalist Jimmy Hamilton has a commanding raw delivery, but is also capable of hitting the higher notes, and generally sing with quite a bit of melodic sensibility, and guitarist Arthur Vinnett plays both faster paced thrashy riffing and more melodic riffs and harmonies. His solos deserve a special mention too as they are incredibly well played.

While the material aren´t especially original and Intruder doesn´t have the most unique sound/style, the tracks are for the most part instantly catchy and memorable. And there´s absolutely nothing wrong with the delivery either as Intruder deliver their music with both passion and conviction. The sound production is pretty raw and unpolished, but it´s suits the organic delivery of the music well.

While Intruder only had limited success before they split-up in 1992, after releasing 3 full-length studio albums, "Live to Die" is a debut album that´s quite promising. Both in terms of musicianship and songwriting but also in terms of being packed in a relatively well sounding production. If they had created a more original sound my rating would probably have been higher, but a respectable 3.5 star (70%) rating is still deserved.