MEKONG DELTA - S/T SELF-TITLED 12" Vinyl LP Album

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.

 

High Resolution Photo #1 mekong delta self-titled

"Mekong Delta" Album Description:

The self-titled debut album "Mekong Delta," released on 12" vinyl LP in 1987 and made in Germany, stands as a remarkable piece of musical history within the realm of progressive and technical thrash metal. The creation of this album marked a pivotal moment for the band and the broader metal scene, reflecting a fusion of diverse influences and showcasing the technical prowess of its members.

Mekong Delta, a German progressive thrash metal band formed in the mid-1980s, comprised musicians who were not only proficient in their respective instruments but also possessed a deep appreciation for intricate compositions and unconventional song structures. The self-titled album, released in 1987, captured the essence of their innovative approach to metal.

The genesis of the album can be traced back to the band's formation, which included Ralph Hubert (bass), Uwe Baltrusch (guitar), Peter Haas (drums), and Wolfgang Borgmann (vocals). Their choice of the name "Mekong Delta" itself hinted at the band's intent to explore uncharted musical territories, drawing inspiration from the exotic and mysterious landscapes of Southeast Asia.

The recording process took place in Germany, a hub for metal music in Europe, and the album showcased the technical proficiency of each band member. The intricate guitar work of Uwe Baltrusch, coupled with the intricate bass lines of Ralph Hubert, created a sonic tapestry that set Mekong Delta apart from their contemporaries. Peter Haas's precise drumming and Wolfgang Borgmann's distinctive vocals added further layers to the band's complex sound.

The release of the self-titled album in 1987 garnered attention not only for its musical complexity but also for its unique concept. Mekong Delta incorporated classical elements, particularly pieces by composers such as Bela Bartok and Sergei Prokofiev, into their thrash metal framework. This infusion of classical motifs into a metal context added an avant-garde dimension to their sound, pushing the boundaries of what was conventionally expected from the genre.

Music Genre:

  German Power Speed Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal

Album Production Information:

  The album: "MEKONG DELTA - S/T Self-Titled" was produced by: Ralph Hubert

Record Label Information:

  AAARRG 4
Packaging: This album "MEKONG DELTA - S/T Self-Titled" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Mekong Delta

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  1987 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: MEKONG DELTA - Mekong Delta (self-titled)
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • 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

    In the world of heavy metal history, certain individuals emerge as true architects of the genre's sonic landscape. One such luminary is Ralph "Ralf" Hubert, a versatile talent whose impact on heavy metal, both as a producer and a musician, remains indelible. Known for his pivotal role in shaping the Teutonic Metal sound of the 1980s, Hubert's multifaceted career spans across production, sound engineering, bass playing, and co-founding a record label.

    more...

    Ralph Hubert's journey into the realm of heavy metal began as a producer, sound engineer, and sound mixer. His adept skills were employed in crafting the albums of numerous iconic bands, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the metal scene during the genre's golden era. Bands such as Brainfever, Steeler, Fact , Warlock , and Living Death , among others, bear the imprint of Hubert's production prowess. His influence extended to an extensive roster, including Atlain , Stormwind , Darxon, Hunter, Lions Breed, Metal Sword, Overdose, Breaker, Mad Butcher, Carrie , Invader, Holy Moses , Siren, Target, Kreator, and Sacred Chao.

    It was during this era that Hubert's touch became synonymous with the Teutonic Metal sound, a subgenre characterized by its raw intensity, powerful riffing, and uncompromising attitude. As a producer and sound engineer, Hubert played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic identity of the 1980s metal scene, leaving an indelible mark that resonates to this day.

    Beyond his contributions behind the mixing console, Ralph Hubert also showcased his musical prowess as a bass player. Under the alias "Björn Eklund," he held down the low end with the influential band "Mekong Delta" from 1985 onwards. This collaboration allowed him to express his musicality and contribute to the band's unique sound. His bass-playing finesse further extended to other projects, including Schwarzarbeit and X-Mas Project, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

    Not content with merely influencing the musical landscape, Ralph Hubert ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship. In 1986, he co-founded "Aaarrg Records," a label that played a significant role in amplifying the voices of emerging metal acts. This endeavor solidified Hubert's status as not just a contributor to the metal scene but also as a catalyst for its growth and evolution.

  • 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".

Track Listing of: "MEKONG DELTA - S/T Self-Titled"

The Songs/tracks on "MEKONG DELTA - S/T Self-Titled" are

  1. Without Honour 03:47
  2. The Cure 03:39
  3. The Hut of the Baba Yaga 04:13
  4. Heroes Grief 04:42
  5. Kill the Enemy 03:51
  6. Nightmare Patrol 03:25
  7. Shivas Return 04:10
  8. Black Sabbath 04:04
  9. Back Home (In Hell) 03:43
Album cover photos of : MEKONG DELTA - S/T Self-Titled

High Resolution Photo #1 mekong delta self-titled

High Resolution Photo #2 mekong delta self-titled  

Photo of "MEKONG DELTA - S/T Self-Titled" 12" LP Record

High Resolution Photo #3 mekong delta self-titled

High Resolution Photo #4 mekong delta self-titled  

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

From the Mekong Delta: A Decade of Technical and Progressive Thrash Metal Mastery in the 1980s

Band Information:

  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.

MEKONG DELTA - S/T Self-Titled 12" LP
Thumbnail Of MEKONG DELTA - S/T Self-Titled album front cover

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.

Learn more
MEKONG DELTA - Music of Erich Zann 12" LP
Thumbnail Of MEKONG DELTA - Music of Erich Zann album front cover

 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.

Learn more
MEKONG DELTA - Toccata 12" Maxi-Single
Thumbnail of MEKONG DELTA - Toccata 12" Maxi-Single album cover

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.

Learn more
MEKONG DELTA - Dances with the Death 12" LP
Thumbnail of MEKONG DELTA - Dances with the Death

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.

Show Details