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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Short description|German thrash metal band}}
{{Redirect|Lurking Fear|the short story|The Lurking Fear}}
{{Refimprove|date=February 2017}}
{{Refimprove|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Mekong Delta
| name = Mekong Delta
| image = Mekong Delta (band) 2011 02.JPG
| image = Mekong Delta (band) 2011 02.JPG
| caption = "Kilkim žaibu XII" festival, Lithuania, 2011.
| caption="Kilkim žaibu XII" festival, Lithuania, 2011
| image_size =
| image_upright = 1.2
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| alias =
| origin = [[Berlin]], Germany
| origin = [[Berlin]], Germany
| genre = [[Technical thrash metal]], [[thrash metal]], [[progressive metal]]
| genre = [[Thrash metal]], [[progressive metal]]
| years_active = 1985–present
| years_active = 1985–1997, 2006–present
| label = Aaarrg
| label = Aaarrg
| website = {{url|mekongdelta.eu}}
| associated_acts = [[Rage (German band)|Rage]], [[Living Death]], [[Axxis]], [[Luca Turilli's Rhapsody]], [[At Vance]]
| current_members = Ralph Hubert<br />Martin LeMar<br />Erik Adam H. Grösch<br />Alex Landenburg<br />Peter Lake
| website = http://www.mekongdelta.eu
| past_members = Wolfgang Borgmann<br />Jochen Schroeder<br />Frank Fricke<br />Reiner Kelch<br />Georg Syrmbos<br />[[Peavy Wagner|Peter "Peavy" Wagner]]<br />Jörg Michael<br />[[Uli Kusch]]<br />Peter Haas<br />Doug Lee<br />Uwe Baltrusch<br />Leo Szpigiel<br />Benedikt Zimniak
| current_members = Martin LeMar<br>Ralph Hubert<br>Erik Adam H. Grösch<br>Alex Landenburg
| module = {{Infobox
| past_members = Wolfgang Borgmann<br>Jochen Schröder<br>Frank Fricke<br>Reiner Kelch<br>Georg Syrmbos<br>[[Peavy Wagner|Peter "Peavy" Wagner]]<br>Jörg Michael<br>[[Uli Kusch]]<br>Peter Haas<br>Doug Lee<br>Uwe Baltrusch<br>Peter Lake<br>Leo Szpigiel<br>Benedikt Zimniak
| child = yes
| header1 =
| headerstyle = background:#b0c4de
| data2 = [[File:Mekong Delta Logo.svg|180px]]
}}
}}
}}

'''Mekong Delta''' is a German [[thrash metal]] band formed in 1985 by Ralf Hubert with the goal to "musically outshine" all other independent releases at the time.

The band members initially kept their identities a secret, assuming that German musicians would not be accepted internationally. The band's debut album, ''Mekong Delta'', was released in 1987, followed by several other albums, lineup changes, and a hiatus. In 2007, they released the album ''Lurking Fear'', and in 2014, they released ''In a Mirror Darkly''.


== History ==
'''Mekong Delta''' is a German [[technical thrash metal]] band, formed in 1985.


The band was founded by a group of German metal musicians with the goal to 'musically outshine' all then-current, independent releases. The line-up and the history of the group was to be "the best kept secret in the world". The project participants decided to keep everything about the band a secret, assuming German musicians would not be accepted internationally. The initial name "Zardoz" was rejected, followed by the acceptance of the name "Mekong Delta", named after a [[mekong delta|riverbed]] in [[Vietnam]]. The entire project was started by Ralf Hubert, sound-engineer for [[Warlock (band)|Warlock]], [[Steeler (German band)|Steeler]] and [[Living Death (band)|Living Death]], and owner of the record label Aaarrg Music.
==History==
[[Image:Mekong Delta (band) 2011 05.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Ralph Hubert, founder of the band.]]
The band was founded by a group of German metal musicians with the goal to 'musically outshine' all then-current, independent releases. The line-up and the history of the group was to be "the best kept secret in the world". The project participants decided to keep everything about the band a secret, assuming German musicians would not be accepted internationally. The initial name "Zardoz" was rejected, followed by the acceptance of the name "Mekong Delta", named after a [[mekong delta|riverbed]] in [[Vietnam]]. The entire project was started by Ralf Hubert, sound-engineer for [[Warlock (band)|Warlock]], [[Steeler (German band)|Steeler]] and [[Living Death]], and owner of the record label Aaarrg Music.


The first demos are recorded with the following line-up:
The first demos were recorded with the following line-up:


* Jochen Schröder (ex-[[Rage (German band)|Rage]]) – guitar
* Jochen Schroeder (ex-Rage) – guitar
* [[Peavy Wagner]] ([[Rage (German band)|Rage]]) – bass
* [[Peavy Wagner]] (Rage) – bass
* Jörg Michael (ex-[[Rage (German band)|Rage]] and Paganini) – drums
* Jörg Michael (ex-Rage and Paganini) – drums
* Wolfgang Borgmann – vocals
* Wolfgang Borgmann – vocals


Jochen Schröder did not fit in and was soon replaced by [[Living Death]] guitarists Reiner Kelch and Frank Fricke. When Wagner later left the project, Hubert overtook the bass guitar duties. Since the band was deliberately shrouded in mystery, all participants assumed [[artist name]]s and the line-up of the debut album looked like this:
Jochen Schroeder did not fit in and was soon replaced by [[Living Death (band)|Living Death]] guitarists Reiner Kelch and Frank Fricke. When Wagner later left the project, Hubert overtook the bass guitar duties. Since the band was deliberately shrouded in mystery, all participants assumed artist names and the line-up of the debut album included:


* Björn Eklund (real name Ralf Hubert) on bass and acoustic guitar
* Björn Eklund (real name Ralf Hubert) on bass and acoustic guitar
Line 38: Line 47:
* Keil (real name Wolfgang Borgmann) on vocals
* Keil (real name Wolfgang Borgmann) on vocals


===Debut album===
=== Debut album ===
The debut album ''[[Mekong Delta (album)|Mekong Delta]]'' was released in 1987, produced by Ralf Hubert. Due to touring duties with his current band, Jörg Michael was replaced by [[Uli Kusch]] (using the name Patrick Duval) for the shortly thereafter following [[picture disc]] EP ''The Gnome''.
[[File:Mekong Delta (band) 2011 05.JPG|thumb|Ralph Hubert, founder of the band]]
The debut album ''Mekong Delta'' was released in 1987, produced by Ralf Hubert. Due to touring duties with his current band, Jörg Michael was replaced by [[Uli Kusch]] (using the name Patrick Duval) for the shortly thereafter following [[picture disc]] EP ''The Gnome''.


Mekong Delta returned to the studio around new year 1987–1988, and recorded the concept album ''[[The Music of Erich Zann (album)|The Music of Erich Zann]]'', with the same line-up, again produced by Hubert. Due to, or because of, the chosen obfuscated identities the band's big breakthrough did not happen. The album's title was taken from the story of the same name, ''[[The Music of Erich Zann]]'' by horror writer [[H. P. Lovecraft]]. Ralf Hubert has always been a big fan of Lovecraft's writings.<ref>Gary Hill. ''The Strange Sounds of Cthulhu: Music Inspired by the Writings of H. P. Lovecraft''. Published by Music Street Journal, 2006, pp. 57-60.</ref>
Mekong Delta returned to the studio around new year 1987–1988, and recorded the concept album ''The Music of Erich Zann'', with the same line-up, again produced by Hubert. Due to, or because of, the chosen obfuscated identities the band's big breakthrough did not happen. The album's title was taken from the story of the same name, ''[[The Music of Erich Zann]]'' by horror writer [[H.&nbsp;P. Lovecraft]]. Ralf Hubert has always been a big fan of Lovecraft's writings.<ref>Gary Hill. ''The Strange Sounds of Cthulhu: Music Inspired by the Writings of H. P. Lovecraft''. Published by Music Street Journal, 2006, pp. 57-60.</ref>


Reiner Kelch was replaced by Uwe Baltrusch, who used the name Mark Kaye, and at the end of 1988 Mekong Delta released the 12-inch EP ''Toccata'', and in the spring of 1989 ''[[The Principle of Doubt]]'' was released. Fricke then left the band to focus on other musical styles, and the group decided not to replace him, as Baltrusch was able to play all guitar parts himself.
Reiner Kelch was replaced by Uwe Baltrusch, who used the name Mark Kaye, and at the end of 1988 Mekong Delta released the 12-inch EP ''Toccata'', and in the spring of 1989 ''[[The Principle of Doubt]]'' was released. Fricke then left the band to focus on other musical styles, and the group decided not to replace him, as Baltrusch was able to play all guitar parts himself.


During this period the band composed "Rondo for Rockgroup", ultimately released as the suite "Dances of Death". While recording the album, Wolfgang Borgmann left the band because he couldn't identify himself with the material of this album. He was replaced by the American Doug Lee, former singer of the band Siren. This line-up finished recording the album ''[[Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows)]]''. The album included an arrangement of [[Modest Mussorgsky]]'s [[tone poem]] ''[[Night on Bald Mountain]]''. After recording this album, Jörg Michael left the band and was replaced by Swiss drummer Peter Haas.
During this period the band composed "Rondo for Rockgroup", ultimately released as the suite "Dances of Death". While recording the album, Wolfgang Borgmann left the band because he could not identify himself with the material of this album. He was replaced by the American Doug Lee, former singer of the band Siren. This line-up finished recording the album ''[[Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows)]]''. The album included an arrangement of [[Modest Mussorgsky]]'s [[tone poem]] ''[[Night on Bald Mountain]]''. After recording this album, Jörg Michael left the band and was replaced by Swiss drummer Peter Haas.


===Live performances===
=== Live performances ===
Around this time, the self-imposed mystery surrounding the project was fading and in October 1991 they started touring parts of [[Europe]], including the [[Netherlands]] and [[Germany]]. The CD ''Live at an Exhibition'' was recorded on the 13 October 1991 in Germany. Guitarist Georg Syrmbos was hired to be able to perform the songs live.
Around this time, the self-imposed mystery surrounding the project was fading and in October 1991 they started touring parts of Europe, including the [[Netherlands]] and [[Germany]]. The CD ''Live at an Exhibition'' was recorded on 13 October 1991 in Germany. Guitarist Georg Syrmbos was hired to be able to perform the songs live.


''[[Kaleidoscope (Mekong Delta album)|Kaleidoscope]]'', released in 1992, contains a cover version of "Dance on a Volcano" originally by prog-rock band [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]]. The 1993 collection ''Classics'' contains nearly all classical pieces Hubert arranged by the band. The only classical track missing on this album is "Sabre Dance", which can be found on the previous ''Kaleidoscope'' album.
''Kaleidoscope'', released in 1992, contains a cover version of "Dance on a Volcano" originally by prog-rock band [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]]. The 1993 collection ''Classics'' contains nearly all classical pieces Hubert arranged by the band. The only classical track missing on this album is "Sabre Dance", which can be found on the previous ''Kaleidoscope'' album.


In 1994 Mekong Delta released ''Visions Fugitives''. The compositions are somewhat similar to ''The Principle of Doubt'' and ''Dances of Death''. The album also contains a classically oriented six-part track.
In 1994 Mekong Delta released ''Visions Fugitives''. The compositions are somewhat similar to ''The Principle of Doubt'' and ''Dances of Death''. The album also contains a classically oriented six-part track.


After a two-year break the band released ''Pictures at an Exhibition'' in 1996. The album contained the title piece by classical composer [[Modest Mussorgsky|Modest Mussorgski]], arranged for the band. The track was included twice; the first 16 tracks are played by the band, while the last 16 tracks include the band and orchestra. Because the album is completely instrumental, Doug is not mentioned on the album. Shortly thereafter a CD-ROM was released including information about Mekong Delta, Modest Mussorgski and various fan-related info.
After a two-year break the band released ''Pictures at an Exhibition'' in 1996. The album contained the title piece by classical composer [[Modest Mussorgsky|Modest Mussorgski]], arranged for the band. The track was included twice; the first 16 tracks are played by the band, while the last 16 tracks include the band and orchestra. Because the album is completely instrumental, Doug is not mentioned on the album. Shortly thereafter a CD-ROM was released including information about Mekong Delta, Modest Mussorgski and various fan-related information.


===Hiatus and regrouping===
=== Hiatus and regrouping ===
[[Image:Mekong Delta (band) 2011 06.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Erik Adam H. Grösch.]]
[[File:Mekong Delta (band) 2011 06.JPG|thumb|Erik Adam H. Grösch]]
In 1997 and 1998 the first six studio albums were remixed by Erik Adam H. Grösch and Hubert and re-released. Some albums were sonically improved, others were hardly changed. After this the band went on a long hiatus. Rumors started circulating{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}} that Hubert had fled to [[Greece]] or [[Turkey]], or even that he had died. At the end of 2005 Hubert was brought in contact with guitarist Peter Lake from Swedish metal formation [[Theory in Practice]] and the project restarted. At first Peter Haas agreed to return as drummer of the project, but he later resigned. Erstwhile member Uli Kusch stepped in as drummer. A singer was being sought after and enough material seemed to be ready for a new album. Eventually, former Crows and Wolf Spider singer Leo Szpigiel was added to the line-up. This line-up recorded the album ''[[Lurking Fear]]'', which was released on August 31, 2007. (This was the second of the band's albums to be named after a story by [[H. P. Lovecraft]], the first being 1988's "The Music of Erich Zann"). Due to the busy time schedule of the members, planning tour dates became virtually impossible.
In 1997 and 1998 the first six studio albums were remixed by Erik Adam H. Grösch and Hubert and re-released. Some albums were sonically improved, others were hardly changed. After this the band went on a long hiatus. Rumors started circulating{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}} that Hubert had fled to [[Greece]] or [[Turkey]], or even that he had died. At the end of 2005 Hubert was brought in contact with guitarist Peter Lake from Swedish metal band Theory in Practice and the project restarted. At first Peter Haas agreed to return as drummer of the project, but he later resigned. Erstwhile member Uli Kusch stepped in as drummer. A singer was being sought after and enough material seemed to be ready for a new album. Eventually, former Crows and Wolf Spider singer Leo Szpigiel was added to the line-up. This line-up recorded the album ''[[Lurking Fear]]'', which was released on 31 August 2007. (This was the second of the band's albums to be named after a story by [[H. P. Lovecraft]], the first being 1988's "The Music of Erich Zann"). Due to the busy time schedule of the members, planning tour dates became infeasible.


Halfway through 2008, Ralf decided to look for members who were able to tour with the band. Very soon (thanks to Uli Kusch), Alexander Landenburg was recruited as the new drummer. Martin LeMar followed soon after to take care of the vocals. Benedict Zimniak and Erik Grösch were added as guitarists to complete the band. In 2009 plans were made to record a new studio album with the line-up that came to be and in June 2010 ''[[Wanderer on the Edge of Time]]'' was released. Also a video clip was made of the song "King with Broken Crown".
Halfway through 2008, Ralf decided to look for members who were able to tour with the band. Very soon (thanks to Uli Kusch), Alexander Landenburg was recruited as the new drummer. Martin LeMar followed soon after to take care of the vocals. Benedict Zimniak and Erik Grösch were added as guitarists to complete the band. In 2009 plans were made to record a new studio album with the line-up that came to be and in June 2010 ''[[Wanderer on the Edge of Time]]'' was released. Also a video clip was made of the song "King with Broken Crown".


On January 29, 2014 it was announced that Mekong Delta is going the release a new album on April 25 and it will be called ''[[In A Mirror Darkly]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mekongdelta.eu/wis/new-album-coming/|title=New album coming… |publisher=Mekong Delta|date=January 29, 2014|accessdate=January 29, 2014}}</ref>
On 29 January 2014 it was announced that Mekong Delta is going the release a new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mekongdelta.eu/wis/new-album-coming/|title=New album coming… |publisher=Mekong Delta|date=29 January 2014|accessdate=29 January 2014}}</ref> The album ''In A Mirror Darkly'' was released on 23 April of that year.


==Members==
== Members ==
===Line-up===
=== Current members ===
* Ralph Hubert bass (1985–present)
* Martin LeMar - Vocals (2008–present)
* Martin LeMar vocals (2008–present)
* Ralph Hubert - Bass (1985–present)
* Erik Adam H. Grösch - Guitars (2008–present)
* Erik Adam H. Grösch guitars (2008–present)
* Alex Landenburg - Drums (2008–present)
* Alex Landenburg drums (2008–present)
* Peter Lake – guitars (2006–2008, 2018–present)


===Past members===
=== Former members ===
;Vocals
* [[Peter "Peavy" Wagner]] (1985–1987)
* Wolfgang Borgmann (1987–1990)
* Doug Lee (1990–1994)
* Leo Szpigiel (2006–2008)


;Guitars
=== Vocals ===
* Jochen Schroeder (1985–1987)
* Peter "Peavy" Wagner - (1985-1987)
* Frank Fricke (1987–1989)
* Wolfgang Borgmann - (1987–1990)
* Doug Lee - (1990–1994)
* Reiner Kelch (1987–1988)
* Uwe Baltrusch (1989–1997)
* Leo Szpigiel - (2007–2008)
* Georg Syrmbos (1991)
* Benedikt Zimniak (2008–2014)


;Drums
=== Guitars ===
* [[Uli Kusch]] (2006–2008)
* Jochen Schröder - (1985-1987)
* [[Jörg Michael]] (1985–1991)
* Frank Fricke - (1987–1989)
* Peter Haas (1991–1997)
* Reiner Kelch - (1987–1988)
* Uwe Baltrusch - (1989–1997)
* Georg Syrmbos - (1991)
* Peter Lake - (2006–2007)
* Benedikt Zimniak - Guitars (2008–2013)


=== Drums ===
=== Timeline ===
* [[Uli Kusch]] - (1988, 2007-2008)
* Jörg Michael - (1985–1991)
* Peter Haas -(1991–2006)

===Timeline===
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{{#tag:timeline|
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ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1985
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Colors =
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id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitars
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:bars value:gray(0.95)
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Line 134: Line 142:
bar:Leo text:"Leo Szpigiel"
bar:Leo text:"Leo Szpigiel"
bar:Martin text:"Martin LeMar"
bar:Martin text:"Martin LeMar"
bar:Jochen text:"Jochen Schröder"
bar:Jochen text:"Jochen Schroeder"
bar:Reiner text:"Reiner Kelch"
bar:Reiner text:"Reiner Kelch"
bar:Frank text:"Frank Fricke"
bar:Frank text:"Frank Fricke"
bar:Uwe text:"Uwe Baltrusch"
bar:Uwe text:"Uwe Baltrusch"
bar:Georg text:"Georg Syrmbos"
bar:Peter2 text:"Peter Lake"
bar:Peter2 text:"Peter Lake"
bar:Benedikt text:"Benedikt Zimniak"
bar:Erik text:"Erik Adam H. Grösch"
bar:Erik text:"Erik Adam H. Grösch"
bar:Benedikt text:"Benedikt Zimniak"
bar:Ralph text:"Ralph Hubert"
bar:Ralph text:"Ralph Hubert"
bar:Jorg text:"Jörg Michael"
bar:Jorg text:"Jörg Michael"
bar:Uli text:"Uli Kusch"
bar:Peter3 text:"Peter Haas"
bar:Peter3 text:"Peter Haas"
bar:Uli text:"Uli Kusch"
bar:Alex text:"Alex Landenburg"
bar:Alex text:"Alex Landenburg"


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bar:Peter from:start till:03/01/1987 color:vocals
bar:Wolfgang from:03/01/1987 till:02/01/1990 color:vocals
bar:Wolfgang from:03/01/1987 till:03/01/1990 color:vocals
bar:Doug from:02/01/1990 till:10/01/1994 color:vocals
bar:Doug from:03/01/1990 till:06/01/1997 color:vocals
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bar:Peter2 from:02/01/2006 till:02/01/2008 color:guitar
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bar:Peter2 from:02/01/2018 till:end color:guitar
bar:Benedikt from:02/01/2008 till:06/01/2013 color:guitar
bar:Benedikt from:02/01/2008 till:02/01/2014 color:guitar
bar:Erik from:08/01/2008 till:end color:guitar
bar:Erik from:02/01/2008 till:end color:guitar
bar:Ralph from:01/01/1985 till:end color:bass
bar:Ralph from:start till:06/01/1997 color:bass
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bar:Ralph from:02/01/2006 till:end color:bass
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bar:Peter3 from:04/01/1991 till:06/01/1997 color:drums
bar:Peter3 from:04/01/1991 till:06/01/1997 color:drums
bar:Peter3 from:02/01/2006 till:10/01/2006 color:drums
bar:Uli from:02/01/2006 till:02/01/2008 color:drums
bar:Uli from:03/01/2007 till:08/01/2008 color:drums
bar:Alex from:02/01/2008 till:end color:drums
bar:Alex from:08/01/2008 till:end color:drums
}}
}}


==Discography==
== Discography ==


===Studio albums===
=== Studio albums ===
* ''Mekong Delta'' (1987)
* ''Mekong Delta'' (1987)
* ''The Music of Erich Zann'' (1988)
* ''The Music of Erich Zann'' (1988)
Line 183: Line 188:
* ''Visions Fugitives'' (1994)
* ''Visions Fugitives'' (1994)
* ''Pictures at an Exhibition'' (1996)
* ''Pictures at an Exhibition'' (1996)
* ''[[Lurking Fear]]'' (2007)
* ''Lurking Fear'' (2007)
* ''[[Wanderer on the Edge of Time]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Wanderer on the Edge of Time]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Intersections (Mekong Delta album)|Intersections]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Intersections (Mekong Delta album)|Intersections]]'' (2012)
* ''[[In a Mirror Darkly (Mekong Delta album)|In a Mirror Darkly]]'' (2014)
* ''In a Mirror Darkly'' (2014)
* ''Tales of a Future Past'' (2020)


===EPs and singles===
=== EPs and singles ===
* ''The Gnome'' (1988)
* ''The Gnome'' (1988)
* ''Toccata'' (1989)
* ''Toccata'' (1989)
* ''Dance on a Volcano'' (1993)


===Live albums===
=== Live albums ===
* ''Live at an Exhibition'' (1991)
* ''Live at an Exhibition'' (1991)
* ''Live in Frankfurt 1991'' (DVD) (2007)
* ''Live in Frankfurt 1991'' (DVD) (2007)


===Compilations===
=== Compilations ===
* ''Classics'' (1993)
* ''Classics'' (1993)
* ''The Principle of Doubt (Ambitions)'' (2005)
* ''The Principle of Doubt (Ambitions)'' (2005)
Line 203: Line 210:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.mekongdelta.eu Official website]
* {{official website|http://www.mekongdelta.eu}}
* {{Discogs artist}}

{{Mekong Delta}}
{{Mekong Delta}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1985 establishments in Germany]]
[[Category:German musical quintets]]
[[Category:German progressive metal musical groups]]
[[Category:German progressive metal musical groups]]
[[Category:German heavy metal musical groups]]
[[Category:German thrash metal musical groups]]
[[Category:German thrash metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]

Latest revision as of 14:05, 19 November 2024

Mekong Delta
"Kilkim žaibu XII" festival, Lithuania, 2011
"Kilkim žaibu XII" festival, Lithuania, 2011
Background information
OriginBerlin, Germany
GenresThrash metal, progressive metal
Years active1985–1997, 2006–present
LabelsAaarrg
MembersRalph Hubert
Martin LeMar
Erik Adam H. Grösch
Alex Landenburg
Peter Lake
Past membersWolfgang Borgmann
Jochen Schroeder
Frank Fricke
Reiner Kelch
Georg Syrmbos
Peter "Peavy" Wagner
Jörg Michael
Uli Kusch
Peter Haas
Doug Lee
Uwe Baltrusch
Leo Szpigiel
Benedikt Zimniak
Websitemekongdelta.eu

Mekong Delta is a German thrash metal band formed in 1985 by Ralf Hubert with the goal to "musically outshine" all other independent releases at the time.

The band members initially kept their identities a secret, assuming that German musicians would not be accepted internationally. The band's debut album, Mekong Delta, was released in 1987, followed by several other albums, lineup changes, and a hiatus. In 2007, they released the album Lurking Fear, and in 2014, they released In a Mirror Darkly.

History

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The band was founded by a group of German metal musicians with the goal to 'musically outshine' all then-current, independent releases. The line-up and the history of the group was to be "the best kept secret in the world". The project participants decided to keep everything about the band a secret, assuming German musicians would not be accepted internationally. The initial name "Zardoz" was rejected, followed by the acceptance of the name "Mekong Delta", named after a riverbed in Vietnam. The entire project was started by Ralf Hubert, sound-engineer for Warlock, Steeler and Living Death, and owner of the record label Aaarrg Music.

The first demos were recorded with the following line-up:

  • Jochen Schroeder (ex-Rage) – guitar
  • Peavy Wagner (Rage) – bass
  • Jörg Michael (ex-Rage and Paganini) – drums
  • Wolfgang Borgmann – vocals

Jochen Schroeder did not fit in and was soon replaced by Living Death guitarists Reiner Kelch and Frank Fricke. When Wagner later left the project, Hubert overtook the bass guitar duties. Since the band was deliberately shrouded in mystery, all participants assumed artist names and the line-up of the debut album included:

  • Björn Eklund (real name Ralf Hubert) on bass and acoustic guitar
  • Gordon Perkins (real name Jörg Michael) on drums and percussion
  • Rolf Stein (real name Frank Fricke) on guitar and backing vocals
  • Vincent St. Johns (real name Reiner Kelch) on guitar and backing vocals
  • Keil (real name Wolfgang Borgmann) on vocals

Debut album

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Ralph Hubert, founder of the band

The debut album Mekong Delta was released in 1987, produced by Ralf Hubert. Due to touring duties with his current band, Jörg Michael was replaced by Uli Kusch (using the name Patrick Duval) for the shortly thereafter following picture disc EP The Gnome.

Mekong Delta returned to the studio around new year 1987–1988, and recorded the concept album The Music of Erich Zann, with the same line-up, again produced by Hubert. Due to, or because of, the chosen obfuscated identities the band's big breakthrough did not happen. The album's title was taken from the story of the same name, The Music of Erich Zann by horror writer H. P. Lovecraft. Ralf Hubert has always been a big fan of Lovecraft's writings.[1]

Reiner Kelch was replaced by Uwe Baltrusch, who used the name Mark Kaye, and at the end of 1988 Mekong Delta released the 12-inch EP Toccata, and in the spring of 1989 The Principle of Doubt was released. Fricke then left the band to focus on other musical styles, and the group decided not to replace him, as Baltrusch was able to play all guitar parts himself.

During this period the band composed "Rondo for Rockgroup", ultimately released as the suite "Dances of Death". While recording the album, Wolfgang Borgmann left the band because he could not identify himself with the material of this album. He was replaced by the American Doug Lee, former singer of the band Siren. This line-up finished recording the album Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows). The album included an arrangement of Modest Mussorgsky's tone poem Night on Bald Mountain. After recording this album, Jörg Michael left the band and was replaced by Swiss drummer Peter Haas.

Live performances

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Around this time, the self-imposed mystery surrounding the project was fading and in October 1991 they started touring parts of Europe, including the Netherlands and Germany. The CD Live at an Exhibition was recorded on 13 October 1991 in Germany. Guitarist Georg Syrmbos was hired to be able to perform the songs live.

Kaleidoscope, released in 1992, contains a cover version of "Dance on a Volcano" originally by prog-rock band Genesis. The 1993 collection Classics contains nearly all classical pieces Hubert arranged by the band. The only classical track missing on this album is "Sabre Dance", which can be found on the previous Kaleidoscope album.

In 1994 Mekong Delta released Visions Fugitives. The compositions are somewhat similar to The Principle of Doubt and Dances of Death. The album also contains a classically oriented six-part track.

After a two-year break the band released Pictures at an Exhibition in 1996. The album contained the title piece by classical composer Modest Mussorgski, arranged for the band. The track was included twice; the first 16 tracks are played by the band, while the last 16 tracks include the band and orchestra. Because the album is completely instrumental, Doug is not mentioned on the album. Shortly thereafter a CD-ROM was released including information about Mekong Delta, Modest Mussorgski and various fan-related information.

Hiatus and regrouping

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Erik Adam H. Grösch

In 1997 and 1998 the first six studio albums were remixed by Erik Adam H. Grösch and Hubert and re-released. Some albums were sonically improved, others were hardly changed. After this the band went on a long hiatus. Rumors started circulating[citation needed] that Hubert had fled to Greece or Turkey, or even that he had died. At the end of 2005 Hubert was brought in contact with guitarist Peter Lake from Swedish metal band Theory in Practice and the project restarted. At first Peter Haas agreed to return as drummer of the project, but he later resigned. Erstwhile member Uli Kusch stepped in as drummer. A singer was being sought after and enough material seemed to be ready for a new album. Eventually, former Crows and Wolf Spider singer Leo Szpigiel was added to the line-up. This line-up recorded the album Lurking Fear, which was released on 31 August 2007. (This was the second of the band's albums to be named after a story by H. P. Lovecraft, the first being 1988's "The Music of Erich Zann"). Due to the busy time schedule of the members, planning tour dates became infeasible.

Halfway through 2008, Ralf decided to look for members who were able to tour with the band. Very soon (thanks to Uli Kusch), Alexander Landenburg was recruited as the new drummer. Martin LeMar followed soon after to take care of the vocals. Benedict Zimniak and Erik Grösch were added as guitarists to complete the band. In 2009 plans were made to record a new studio album with the line-up that came to be and in June 2010 Wanderer on the Edge of Time was released. Also a video clip was made of the song "King with Broken Crown".

On 29 January 2014 it was announced that Mekong Delta is going the release a new album.[2] The album In A Mirror Darkly was released on 23 April of that year.

Members

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Current members

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  • Ralph Hubert – bass (1985–present)
  • Martin LeMar – vocals (2008–present)
  • Erik Adam H. Grösch – guitars (2008–present)
  • Alex Landenburg – drums (2008–present)
  • Peter Lake – guitars (2006–2008, 2018–present)

Former members

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Vocals
  • Peter "Peavy" Wagner (1985–1987)
  • Wolfgang Borgmann (1987–1990)
  • Doug Lee (1990–1994)
  • Leo Szpigiel (2006–2008)
Guitars
  • Jochen Schroeder (1985–1987)
  • Frank Fricke (1987–1989)
  • Reiner Kelch (1987–1988)
  • Uwe Baltrusch (1989–1997)
  • Georg Syrmbos (1991)
  • Benedikt Zimniak (2008–2014)
Drums

Timeline

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Discography

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Studio albums

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EPs and singles

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  • The Gnome (1988)
  • Toccata (1989)
  • Dance on a Volcano (1993)

Live albums

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  • Live at an Exhibition (1991)
  • Live in Frankfurt 1991 (DVD) (2007)

Compilations

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  • Classics (1993)
  • The Principle of Doubt (Ambitions) (2005)

References

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  1. ^ Gary Hill. The Strange Sounds of Cthulhu: Music Inspired by the Writings of H. P. Lovecraft. Published by Music Street Journal, 2006, pp. 57-60.
  2. ^ "New album coming…". Mekong Delta. 29 January 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
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