The Thrash Metal movement has written its separate triumphant history in the eternal book of our beloved music. From the early 80's till today countless bands have offered a series of all-time monumental releases coming from every single corner of the globe. It's true that the period 1993-2000 (approx.) didn't show much creativity - not speakin' 'bout the underground, of course - but the turn of the century presented a new flood of Thrash Metal records with an - at times - 'updated' profile mixing the basic constituents of the genre with contemporary blends. Apart from my personal beliefs (who gives a shit, anyway?) the Metal community has started showing interest again.
Germany's quintet Spellbound has been around for some years. Having released the First Contact (1999), Extensions (2000) and Violent Forces (2002) Demos, the band had already built a reasonable name in the European Thrash movement. The time for a full length CD had come and the band 'attacked' the legendary Stage One studio in order to record their debut album, Incoming Destiny, together with famous producer Andy Classen. Releasing your first album after six years of existence depicts - in our days - the hard work of a band, whether you like its music or not. Yet, talkin' 'bout music, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Incoming Destiny is initially supported by the advantage of Andy Classen. A great production, clear yet powerful, with enough space for frenzied 'speedy' guitars and a sufficient fast tempo rhythm section. The band had a great idea using Andy, since he's THE experienced European Thrash man that can help you organize your sound.
Still, in terms of songwriting, Incoming Destiny is somehow average. Based on the forms of bands like Kreator (Coma Of Souls era) and 'reunited' Destruction, supplies also come from some partial Death Metal riffwork plus the variation in vocal melodies, which at times is - I must confess - interesting. Just add enough Bay Area 'smoke' and some The Haunted stuff and you got the idea.
I like my Thrash Metal to be more evil than 'aggressive', especially the European one. Spellbound are definitely good in what they're doin' but we need something more persuasive from 'new' bands. Hey, if you're a diehard Thrash maniac then you should set out to get this, otherwise try it first.