Target was a Belgian thrash metal act who released two albums for Mekong Delta main man Ralph Hubert's Aaarrg label in the late 80s. He also produced their four track demo in 1987.  The band was originally formed in April 1986 by guitarist Franky van Aerde and drummer Christ Braems. A few line-up changes followed until Ralph Hubert signed the band in early spring 1987. In July / August 1987 they recorded their debut album 'Mission Executed', in the Phoenix Studio in Bochum, West-Germany. Dutch guitarist Lex Vogelaar joined the band only a few weeks before the recording. In the winter of 1987 / 1988 there were a lot of problems for the band resulting from the change of management. Original vocalist, Guy Degrave, lost his interest in making music and Target released a second album, 'Master Project Genesis (1988), with Steve Gray on vocals. Not long after the band fell apart, and in 1990 they finally laid the band to rest. Guitarist Lex Vogelaar later on formed the better known band, Orphanage.

MISSION EXECUTED/MASTER PROJECT GENESIS (1987/1988, 2009) STORMSPELL RECORDS

Perhaps one of the best kept secret within the tech-thrash movement; Target, from Belgium. During the late '80's they recorded 2 fantastic albums for legendary Aaarrg Records, toured with the likes of Mekong Delta, Exodus, Nuclear Assault and Holy Terror, to name but a few, yet never really made the deserved impact on the scene. In 2009 StormSpell Records reissued both the bands album, and their first demo, in one double CD package. So now the world can finally hear this great band once again.

Target is a very European sounding band. But on their 1987 debut album, 'Mission Executed', I find that they have more in common with some of their English counterparts, rather then the bands from their own and surrounding countries. Bands like Detritus and Seventh Angel comes to mind. This might be due to Guy Degrave's raspy, machine-gun vocal delivery. But the music is also a bit more straightforward thrash metal here, in contrast to the more technical stuff that should follow. Their brand of all-out thrash metal frenzy also make me think of the Norwegian cult act, Equinox, and their debut album, 'Auf Wiedersehen'. Yes, 'Mission Executed' delivers rapid-fire riffs with a razor sharp guitar tone. The bass follows the guitars, while the drums keep a steady rhythm in the back. All topped off with the already mentioned voice, that sounds as though he has swallowed a grater! StormSpell Records included the 1986 demo tape as a bonus on this disc. None of these 5 tracks ever made it to the bands albums, so having them here is a treat. Given they do have the sound of a 1986 demo tape, of course.

The second album, dubbed 'Mission Project Genesis' sees the band delivering a more complex style of thrash. You can still tell that it is the same band, and the musical changes are very natural. However, their overall sound is now more akin to other Germanic bands, such as Mekong Delta and Living Death. And speaking of the latter, new vocalist, Steve Gray has a much cleaner voice, reminiscent of Thorsten Bergmann of Living Death fame. Come to think of it, aforementioned Equinox also moved towards this style on their subsequent releases too. Think polyrhythmic extravaganza. Fast, accurate and synchronized riffing, quirky drum beats and stop-and-go breaks is the game, and Target is playing it so well.

I'm really loving what I hear on 'Mission Executed' and 'Master Project Genesis'. Both albums serves their purpose to the fullest, and I can't see how any thrash metal maniac would not love Target's music. However, from a personal point of view, I think I prefer the debut. I was never a big fan of other tech-thrash bands, and I prefer the more straightforwardness of 'Mission Executed'

The reissue comes with a 16 page booklet, including band pictures, lyrics, and an interview with some of the band members. Both albums have been remastered.

Killer tracks: Mission To The Andes, Warriors Of The Holy One, The Gathering, Digital Regency, March Of The Machines