It’s the hoped-for complex and ambitious album, and of course we wouldn’t have accepted anything less from Mekong Delta. Like few other contemporary groups, the German progressive thrash metal band surrounding mastermind and bassist Ralf Hubert continues to stand for innovation and independence in 2014. All those looking for pure mainstream or mediocre muzak have to look elsewhere – Mekong Delta score again with their intelligence, unwillingness to compromise and courage. Their new album is called In A Mirror Darkly and picks up thematically where its 2010 predecessor Wanderer On The Edge Of Time left off. “For me, music doesn’t start with A and end with Z, it’s an ongoing process,” Ralf Hubert explains. “In this respect, you could call In A Mirror Darkly the continuation of the Wanderer theme, but it’s no copy, it’s an independent recording. Each Mekong album sounds unique and forward-looking in the original sense of the term. As a composer, I consciously allow myself to drift to be able to consistently explore new horizons.”
For almost thirty years, Mekong Delta have enjoyed an excellent reputation as an independent and exceptionally creative band in the world of progressive metal sounds. Albums such as The Music Of Eric Zann (1988) and Pictures At An Exhibition (1997) are considered classics of their kind. With their blend of prog metal, classical elements and thrash, the musicians are considered pioneers of a stylistic mix which has been emulated by a considerable number of epigones. There can be no doubt: In A Mirror Darkly fits in perfectly with this list of influential albums.
Release date: 28.04.2014
Format: LP+CD
Cat No.: 266031
Barcode: 0886922660313
