UMUR
"Quantum Bummer" is the debut full-length studio album by Canadian, Toronto based thrash/heavy/progressive metal act Beyond. The album was released through Epidemic Records in 1990. Beyond formed in 1985 and released a string of demos (actually no less than four) before being signed for the release of "Quantum Bummer". It would be their only official label release though as they disbanded soon after its release.
Beyond went from playing thrash metal, to playing technical thrash metal, to finally playing an odd alternative rock/metal and thrash/heavy/progressive metal hybrid style on the 1989 "Staircase" demo, and it´s the latter style which is continued on "Quantum Bummer" (two of the tracks from the demo are also included in re-recorded versions). The vocals have a lot of similarities to the contemporary Seattle rock vocals and while this isn´t a one to one comparison, I hear some Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) in the vocals on this album. Since the "Staircase" demo Beyond have now also added a funky edge to some of their tracks (listen to a track like "The Kettle" for proof of that), which makes "Quantum Bummer" an even more impossible album to label. Let´s just establish that this album is for those who enjoy their metal eclectic and adventurous. I´m not sure but maybe fans of late 80s/early 90s alternative metal acts like Faith No More and Primus would find this interesting.
"Quantum Bummer" is fairly well produced and features a sound production which suits the material well. The musicianship is on a high level on all posts, and lead vocalist Paul Garvey has a strong voice and a commanding delivery. Upon conclusion "Quantum Bummer" is one of the more unique albums I´ve come across in a while, and it´s got an irresistible charm to it which is a great asset. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.