Demo Anthology
Target
All the way from the regions of Aalst and East Flanders in Belgium, we have a thrash/speed metal band called TARGET, from the early years of when they were a band in the late 1980's, becoming active in the year of 1986 as they were a five man band to start with. With their first release as a demo in 1986 same year they got together and then they released their first album titled MISSION EXECUTED as this featured eight tracks altogether as the title was taken from their demo, of which five tracks were included on the debut album. The year after in 1987 the band released three more demos but this was followed up by their second album which was titled MASTER PROJECT GENESIS as they then became inactive, it isn't confirmed as to what they did after 1990, most likely they took a short hiatus that went on for longer than expected.
However in the time they have been inactive they did have a compilation of three releases that was put together, demos they did in 1986 combined with their debut album and demo release, both titled MISSION EXECUTED. This compilation was brought out in 2009 and then years later in 2023, another compilation album was finally put together titled DEMO ANTHOLOGY bringing together demo versions of tracks from previous releases in their back catalogue. So let's dive straight into the first track which is "Secrets Of The Dome" has a very fine rhythm with guitar and drums making their presence known from the start of this track, as vocals also make their mark. It is all very relaxed and calm at first nothing heroic for the time being and then we hear also vocal harmonies all being thrown into the mix as guitars become more grinding and produce such high end riffs.
There are a lot of guitar contributions as well as vibrato notes and screeches from vocals, like a kick ass thrash metal band should have, before a short instrumental section as we head into the second track which is "System Of Revolution". As we hear rolling drum fills, cueing up the guitar to come to life again, as we hear drums varying in rhythm as before with very interesting patterns, as guitars seem hidden most of the time but they reappear later on in the track. Vocals highlight the title of the track as we begin to head into the next track which is "Nuclear Waste", as the next track has some cool guitar riffs together with precise drum patterns too. The drums really do pick up the pace after this intro section, as vocals enter the frame and bring out the true thrash metal style.
There are some more chances for guitar to expand their horizons with vibrato and a touch of class with high end riffs. But we shall not delay in going into the next track which is "The Gathering" as we hear a more settled approach at first with all elements except vocals but they do come in later on with high end notes, but then the guitar literally rallies up the whole band into a more riveting and quicker movement. Both electric guitar and drums do work well together as does vocals contributing to the mix in a later section but guitar and drums are very much the center of attention. As we move on into the next track which is "Warriors Of The Holy One '' as drums is spurred on by guitars giving it socks, guitar remains in control before vocals return once more with style and finesse.
Drums do very well to keep the tempo up throughout the rest of the track and we can hear how eager the drums are in fulfilling their mission to kick ass but also set an example with vocals as well. "They Walk In Front" comes next after a nice short solo closure from the previous track, a high end electrifying guitar riff as drums also commit fully to the thrash metal fusion with focus and determination. As soon as vocals come, the drums gallop along to vocals call to charge forward, there is a lot of quality and freedom as guitars prove this with drums supporting from the back. "Storm Of Evil" as there is a stirring with wind blowing as drums create a short crescendo as guitars join in the passage of play that sends a clear message of restoring confidence in the track's objective in this album compilation.
There is a lot of dialogue between guitars and drums until vocals sing their hearts out with a long cry of harmonic bliss, then a straightforward drum tempo with stunning guitar riffs makes this track really stand out. Both drums and guitar bring out the technical side of thrash so much and it is executed very well, so up next is "Born For The Future" as a nice warm bass line is there for lead guitar to work around. However the bone crunching drum patterns come back to threaten the force of vocals but they do well to maintain their composure. Lead guitar enjoys some solo parts, but allows vocals also to encourage them to make themselves known, a shorter track then usual but so is the next one which is "Beyond The Realms of Silence".
Another short track but still has all there is from steady drums and fascinating guitar riffs that blow the listener away as drums also attempt to equal the strength and thunder being struck by guitars, as vocals allow guitars and drums to expand their musicianship. Vocals create a nice transition also which can be heard in each track as well, so right into "Street Fighter" we go as another high end guitar riff cries out in harmony with lots of variety too. Drums are very much taking the initiative here and are not afraid to let go and set off in a wild eccentric path of excitement. There is a lot of drive and the momentum is strong as we head into the next track "Dripping Wet" as we hear some radio transmission and very humorous talk, but lead guitar teams with drums to stamp their foot down as this is a more experimental track, short and sweet.
"Mission To The Andes" a live version of this track as we can hear those aspects of how vocals can echo through yet guitars still can be heard as well as drums setting the time structure so a very well produced live version has to be said. Even the lead guitar continues to show their class and level of ingenuity as the band stand well together, the last track also a live version which is "Ton Of Bricks" is the final track of this compilation. Vocals rally up the crowd in rejoice as drums complete their task of building the tension as vocals are wild and guitar as well as drums come together so well as the fire ignites in this final closing track. This is a belter of a track and does well to bring this album to a close and I guess we can only hope maybe this isn't the end, that the band have more in store, who knows. Only time will tell until then, a great collection of awesome thrash rock 'n' roll.
7 / 10
Good
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Demo Anthology" Track-listing:
1. Secrets Of The Dome
2. System Revolution
3. Nuclear Waste
4. The Gathering
5. Warriors Of The Holy One
6. They Walk In Front
7. Storm Of Evil
8. Born For The Future
9. Beyond The Realms of Silence
10. Street Fighter
11. Dripping Wet
12. Mission To The Andes
13. Ton Of Bricks
Target Lineup:
Guy Degrave - Vocals
Chris De Turck - Electric Guitar
Franky Van Aerde - Electric Guitar
Johan Susant - Bass Guitar
Christ Braems - Drums
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