This page is unveiling the secrets on The line-up and the history of the group "Mekong Delta" which was to be "the best kept secret in the world". The project participants decided to keep everything about the band a secret.
Mekong Delta is a progressive thrash metal band from Germany that formed in 1985. The band's name comes from the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam, which was the site of many battles during the Vietnam War. Mekong Delta's music is known for its technical complexity, intricate arrangements, and use of classical music elements.
The band's founding members were Rolf Stein, a guitarist who had previously played in a number of local bands, and Jörg Michael, a drummer who had played in the German metal band Grave Digger. The two musicians met through a mutual friend and decided to form a new band together. They were soon joined by bassist Peter Sjöberg and keyboardist Reiner Kelch, and the lineup was completed with the addition of vocalist Wolfgang Borgmann.
Mekong Delta's debut album, "Mekong Delta," was released in 1987. The album was well-received by critics and fans, and it established the band's reputation as a technical and musical powerhouse. The band's second album, "The Music of Erich Zann," was released in 1988, and it featured even more complex and ambitious arrangements.
Over the years, Mekong Delta has undergone a number of lineup changes, with Stein and Kelch being the only constant members. The band has released a total of 14 studio albums, as well as several live albums and compilations. Some of their most notable albums include "Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows)" (1990), "Visions Fugitives" (1994), and "In a Mirror Darkly" (2014).
Mekong Delta's music is characterized by its use of classical music elements, such as symphonic arrangements and complex time signatures. The band's compositions are often quite long, with multiple sections and intricate instrumental interplay. The band's lyrics are often philosophical or science-fiction inspired, and they deal with topics such as time, perception, and the human condition.
Despite their technical virtuosity and innovative approach, Mekong Delta has never achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their peers in the metal world. However, they have maintained a dedicated fan base over the years, and their influence can be heard in the work of other progressive metal bands.
information on the original band-members (1985-1989) of "Mekong Delta".
Keil - Vocals. Keil (real-name: Wolfgang Borgmann) - singer with the German Speed/Thrash metal band "Mekong Delta" from 1987 until 1990.
Björn Eklund - Bass, Producer
The real name of "Bjorn Eklund" is Ralph Hubert
Ralph "Ralf" Hubert Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, a versatile talent whose impact on heavy metal, both as a producer and a musician, remains indelible. Learn all about him.
Gordon Perkins - Drums
Gordon Perkins (real-name: Jörg Michael) Drums, best known as drummer in "Axi Rudi Pell", "Headhunter", "Mekong Delta", "X-Mas Project".
Rolf Stein - Guitar
Rolf Stein (real-name: Frank Fricke) a German guitarist who has played in a couple German Top Heavy Metal bands: 1981-1988 Living Death , 1987-1989 Mekong Delta, 1991 U.D.O. and in 1985 and 1995 in X-Mas Project.
Vincent St. Johns - Guitar
Vincent St. Johns (real-name: Reiner Kelch) - Guitarist and brother of "Dieter Kelch" has played guitar in two top German Heavy Metal bands: "Living Death" and "Mekong Delta".
AAARRG 4 , 1987 , Germany
Mekong Delta's self-titled 1987 debut, a German progressive thrash metal masterpiece, fused technical prowess with classical influences, challenging metal norms. Created by Ralph Hubert, Uwe Baltrusch, Peter Haas, and Wolfgang Borgmann, the album's intricate compositions and exotic themes set it apart. With avant-garde flair and precise musicianship, Mekong Delta's innovative sound marked a significant milestone in the evolution of thrash metal, leaving an enduring impact on the genre.
MEKONG DELTA (Self-Titled) 12" Vinyl LP
AAARRG 11 , 1988 , Germany
Explore the genesis of Mekong Delta's iconic "Music of Erich Zann" 12" Vinyl LP. Emerging from the 1980s German Speed/Thrash metal scene, the band, led by producer and bassist Ralph Hubert (Björn Eklund), drew inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's tale. The album's complex compositions and thematic depth, showcased on the expansive canvas of vinyl, solidify its status as a genre-defying masterpiece with a lasting influence.
Music of Erich Zann 12" Vinyl LP
AAARRG 17 , 1989 , Germany
Mekong Delta's 1989 "Toccata" 12" vinyl maxi-single, produced by Ralph Hubert, marked a pivotal moment in German Thrash metal. Released on White Label AAARRG 17, it showcased the band's fusion of classical elements with technical precision. The strategic choice of the vinyl format and collaboration with a renowned producer underscored the band's commitment to pushing musical boundaries, solidifying its place in the dynamic metal landscape of the late 1980s.
Toccata 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single
AAARRG ARG 23/034 , 1990 , Germany
"Dances Of Death" (1990), a seminal album by German Speed/Thrash Metal band Mekong Delta, remains a collector's treasure with its 12" vinyl EP and merchandising postcard. The creation history unveils a groundbreaking approach to thrash metal, blending technical prowess with thematic depth. The album's visual and lyrical elements, coupled with its innovative format, solidify its status as a trailblazer in the metal genre, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of thrash.
Dances with the Death 12" Vinyl LP