UMUR "Fact" is the second full-length studio album by US, Seattle, Washington based thrash metal/groove thrash act Panic. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in May 1993. It´s the successor to "Epidemic" (Metal Blade Records, June 1991). Panic formed in 1987 (and even existed from 1985 under the Cold Steel monicker) and spend quite a few years releasing demos (four in the years 1987-1990) before being signed by Metal Blade Records for the release of "Epidemic", which is one of the forgotten early 90s thrash metal gems swallowed up by the then new wave of death metal artists and heavy alternative rock/metal.

"Fact" is in many ways the consequence of "Epidemic" not faring as well as the band and label hoped it would, because Panic have opted for a more alternative and groove laden heavy/thrash metal style on "Fact". It´s still thrash metal and Panic still deliver an energetic and attitude loaded attack, and lead vocalist Jeff Braimes performs his "Fuck You" attitude raw shouting as he did on the predecessor, but the material is just a bit more loose, organic, and groove laden and lacks the sharpness, precision, and memorable songwriting of their thrash metal past. It is one of the early- mid-90s thrash/groove metal releases, which can´t decide which way to swing and as a result comes off a little undecided and unsatisfactory. They somewhat remind me of contemporary Flotsam and Jetsam, but without the memorable songwriting.

The album is relatively well produced although it lacks a bit of bottom, as a consequence of the high end register way the bass is produced. Upon conclusion "Fact" is not an album which followed up on the great promise of "Epidemic". On the contrary it ripped apart the musical foundation of the band and had they hoped for more commercial success with this album compared to the relatively low commercial success of "Epidemic", they were left disappointed. A 2.5 - 3 star (55%) rating is warranted.

UMUR "Epidemic" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Seattle, Washington based thrash metal act Panic. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in June 1991. Panic was formed around 1987 - 1988 and disbanded around 1993 after releasing two albums.

The music on "Epidemic" is US thrash metal influenced by the likes of Overkill, (early) Annihilator and Exodus. Especially the snarling "Fuck you" attitude of the first mentioned is very present on the album. Especially in the way that lead vocalist Jeff Braimes sound. The man oozes attitude. Panic had close ties to Exodus and "Epidemic" is produced by Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt. Both provide guest guitar solos on the track "I Stole Your Love" and Steve "Zetro" Souza also appears as a guest vocalist on that track. But while there are elements in the music that make me think of Exodus, Panic are generally a bit more techncial in their playing style and there are some really impressive riffing on the album. Hence the mention of (early) Annihilator. The opening track "Blackfeather Shake" (which the band also released a promo video for) will tell you all you need to know about the music on "Epidemic". Well played, energetic and attitude filled US thrash metal at it´s best. If I have to voice a slight complaint, it would be that the tracks don´t differ much from each other and that it takes a while before you´re able to tell them apart, but it´s a minor issue, when the delivery is as convincing as it is on this album.

The album is very well produced. It´s the kind of thrash metal production that threatens to tear your head off. I´m very fond of the sound.

People always talk about finding forgotten gems, and "Epidemic" is just that. Being released in the thrash metal hostile year of 1991, Panic sadly never succeeded in the way this quality release should have warranted and the band would turn towards a more alternative sound on their 2nd album "Fact (1993)". Unfortunately they weren´t successful with that sound either and they folded soon after the release of "Fact (1993)". "Epidemic" should please fans of late eighties US thrash metal though and I can highly recommend a purchase. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.