UMUR
"Demo 1994" is the fourth demo recording by Finnish death/thrash metal act Sacred Crucifix. The demo was independently released in 1994. Sacred Crucifix originally existed from 1987-1990 (first under the Criminal Assault monicker but from 1988 onwards under the Sacred Crucifix monicker), but disbanded after releasing three demos and not being able to secure a label deal. However drummer Janne Kela and guitarist Tommi Määttä reunited and regrouped the band in 1993 and recorded this demo with guitarist Jarkko Petosalmi, bassist Esa Ahola, and lead vocalist Tommo Nevala.
While the demo includes re-recorded versions of "Vlad the Staker" and "Chosen One" from the "Demo 1990" demo, Sacred Crucifix have added a level of technical playing to their core brutal thrash metal sound, which wasn´t heard on the previous material by the band. I´d say that contemporary Death and "North From Here" (1993)-era Sentenced aren´t the worst references, although Sacred Crucifix are generally a little more raw and savage sounding. But there´s certainly a technical death metal element heard on this release.
"Demo 1994" features six tracks and a total playing time of 19:14 minutes packed in a powerful, clear, and detailed sound production. These guys are professionals and it´s a crying shame they weren´t able to release anything but demos during their original run (1987-1990), and not during this second run either. Sacred Crucifix disbanded again in 1996 without releasing anything else than this demo in this incarnation of the band. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.