Mekong Delta - Intersections

Mekong Delta

Intersections

by Mark Gromen at 09 May 2012, 9:41 PM

The current line-up re-records classic tracks, dating from ‘94 all the way back to the Germans’ self-titled ’87 debut. Sort of a reworked greatest hits collection makes for a decent introduction to the uninitiated, but any fan would surely have picked a couple different inclusions. All the full-length studio albums within that period are included within these ten choices, a pair from "The Music Of Erich Zann" and (somewhat surprisingly) a trio off "Kaleidoscope". Today, bands like FATES WARNING and QUEENSRYCHE are heralded as the epitome of progressive and/or innovative, whereas MEKONG DELTA, along with PSYCHOTIC WALTZ and just a handful of like-minded quixotic visionaries scorched the bigger name contemporaries in terms of skill and wackiness.

Listen to “Sphere Eclipse” with its instrumental prowess, combined with Dickinson-esque vocals. The Germans also included what could be considered Fusion Jazz (see “The Healer”) and authentic classical pieces within their proto-thrash approach, eventually releasing "Pictures At An Exhibition" (‘97), a re-worked edition of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER’s album, where they plays a completely orchestral Mussorgsky score of the same name. Personally, I would have preferred a little “long haired” music on this new compilation. The voiceover laden "Heroes Grief", in contrast to most of its surroundings, begins as a plodding, downtrodden beat. Inactivity and inability to keep a stable line-up has hindered wider acceptance, but then so has their ‘tweener’ status, existing in the narrowest sliver of fringe, between the Progressive, Thrash and Jazz masters Ralf Herbert (the lone constant throughout the decades) seeks to placate on each album. Open your mind!