Mekong Delta - Wanderer on the Edge of Time. 2010 Germany

One of the challenges in appreciating Mekong Delta is that their relentless complexity can be difficult to penetrate, especially on albums where the production isn't crisp (their early days in particular). What if Mekong Delta dialed back the intensity and mathematics, while still maintaining their heavy symphonic approach, but with a crystal clear production? Wanderer on the Edge of Time is the answer to that question. Mekong Delta always had a penchant for blasting out thrashy, but complex progressive rock oriented, instrumental interludes ('Intermezzo' being the highlight of the nine (!) instrumentals here). This is no doubt an homage to Ralf Hubert's fascination with ELP's Tarkus suite among other Emersonian classical interpretations/original compositions. Here they intersperse these interludes with more song oriented material. The latter represents somewhat of a departure for the band - something they explored briefly on Kaleidoscope. But fear not, as the band performs perhaps their best progressive thrash metal track to date with 'The Apocalypt - World in Shards'. If Lurking Fear is the successor to The Music of Erich Zann, then Wanderer on the Edge of Time would be the inheritors of the Dances of Death / Kaleidoscope era with a bit more melodic consideration. Another excellent addition to the Mekong Delta legacy.

Ownership: CD: 2010 Aaarrg

7/25/11 (new entry)