Target "Master Project Genesis" CD

Target were one of those thrash bands that started out as a rather standard thrash band. Their debut record "Mission Executed" wasn't anything earth-shattering, but it was still some decent stuff. However, Target would explode into a full blown technical/progressive thrash metal powerhouse on their next record, "Master Project Genesis". This record showcases the band at their creative peak. The riffs are insanely technical, and there are lots of conflicting odd time signatures to be found. The bass is especially audible, just like any other prog thrash band. This record has sadly been overlooked however in favor of the often overrated bands that thrashers seem to worship.
The production on this album is state-of-the-art, now THIS is how you produce a technical/progressive thrash album! The producer is none other than Mekong Delta's bassist and band leader Ralph Hubert. The production of the guitars is razor sharp, and the guitar tone sounds full of life and has that crunch to it that adds a tremendous amount of punch to the mix. The bass is amazing, I really wish the bass was like this in all other thrash albums of the 80's era. The drums sound good, there isn't that reverb that tends to ruin the production. Finally, I would like to mention that the vocals are mixed well and they don't overpower the guitars and bass, the vocals are perfectly mixed.
The record has probably one of the strongest song line-ups on any thrash album. "The Coming Of Chaos" is a furious technical frenzy of riffs that will pull you in and grasp your attention immediately upon first listen. Franky Van Aerde is an incredible rhythm guitarist, his riffs are varied much like any other technical thrash guitarist. The riffs and bass blend together perfectly as well, bassist Johan Susant is unique, and his bass lines don't just follow the guitars. Vocalist Yves Lettanie sounds extremely similar, if not EXACTLY like Wolfgang Borgmann from Mekong Delta. Yves has a very high vocal range, which fits the technical thrash sound very well. I also would like to mention the amazing guitar solos. Lex Vogelaar is one of the most underappreciated thrash lead guitarists in the technical/progressive field. His solos on tracks such as "Ultimate Unity" and "Secret Of The Dome" are both nothing short of perfection. Drummer Christ Braems does a fantastic job, his transitions from one time signature to another is on point, and he proves himself as one of the most competent drummers in the all of technical thrash. The highlights of the record are track such as "Digital Regency" which have forceful gang shouts and fast chaotic riffs which add to the overall frantic nature of the song. "March Of The Machines" has a heavy chugging riff which resembles the sound of the machines marching on in unison, that riff was a nice touch and I think it's a clever idea for them to do that. The aforementioned "Secret Of The Dome" has a memorable technical riff, and the solo is probably the best on the whole record. Lastly, there is the title track, which contains some eerie synths which adds an almost atmospheric sound to the whole track. The melodic shredding melodies of Lex Vogelaar fade out, which ends the record. This is quite possibly the greatest thrash metal band and album to come out of Belgium, which is quite the feat considering the fact that Cyclone's "Brutal Destruction" and Evil Sinner's self-titled debut are albums that also represent Belgium thrash. This record seems to be a concept album of sorts, because it talks about cyborgs taking over mankind and replacing humans with machines. It's quite obvious with song titles such as "Absolution By Termination", "Dehumanization" and "March Of The Machines". Hell, the chorus of "Dehumanization" is this following line...

"Dehumanization
Cybernetic transformation!"

Yeah, this album is definitely about humans being turned into cyborg humanoids. Anyways, I highly suggest you pick this album up. It costs quite a lot, the version I got cost $30. However, the original CD pressing from 1988 usually goes for a whopping $200 for a non-bootleg copy. I recommend this masterpiece for fans of Mekong Delta, Sieges Even, Watchtower, Toxik, and Realm.

Sample: