UMUR
"Mission Executed" is the debut full-length studio album by Belgian thrash metal act Target. The album was released through Aaarrg Records in 1987. Target were a rather short-lived act, who released only two studio albums before disbanding. The original pressings are probably very hard to find, but StormSpell Records released a compilation in 2009, containing both "Mission Executed", the band´s 2nd full-length studio album "Master Project Genesis" and their 1986 demo. The compilation is limited to 1000 copies but if you can get a hold of one of those it´s a great opportunity to get aquainted with some quality technical thrash metal.
...and considering that we´re talking 1987 this is a really high quality technical thrash metal album. The lead vocalist has a raw voice but still sings with a melodic edge. While the music is technically well played, there are still enough straight forward thrashy riffing and rythms to ensure that head banger friendly power and groove is maintained. Artists like Artillery, Mekong Delta, Coroner and early Annihilator are at various moments in the music valid references. The album kicks off with "Mission to the Andes" and from that moment on we´re treated to one great track after another. There are slight variations in quality but it´s nothing serious and overall the album is a very enjoyable listening experience.
One of the assets of the album is the high quality musicianship. Brilliant guitar solos, strong vocals (and some nice "riot gang" vocals) and a really well playing drummer. Christ Braems is one of those rare metal drummers from the eighties, that are able to play in a fluent style that drives the music forward. No awkward breaks and tempo changes here. The breaks and tempo changes on "Mission Executed" are well integrated with the rest of the music.
To top off all the positive things I have to say about "Mission Executed", the album features a strong sound production too. To my ears "Mission Executed" is an album that was a few years ahead of it´s time. You won´t find many technical thrash metal albums from 1987 of this high quality and a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.