Mekong Delta – Lurking Fear
AFM Records - 2007
By Adam McAuley
Lurking Fear is an exercise in slightly dissonant-sounding thrash. We can sense some parallels to bands like
Megadeth circa
Rust in Peace in the complex riff patterns, and others like
Voivod in the mechanical sound, but
Mekong Delta manage to churn out a unique brand of thrash, limited only by their own boundaries. Rapid time changes and plenty of standout staccato riffing characterize this album, and a respectable sound that is often overlooked in the face of greater bands.
The release displays impassioned performances showing a band with more relevance now than ever, who can craft a satisfyingly complex performance. The vocals are a slight step down from the instrumental performance, as they come off closer to wailing than tuneful singing - just as Dave Mustaine can bring down
Megadeth’s music to some extent. The vocal lines get lost and scattered up amongst the musical landscapes, losing definition. But again, the instrumental work is a high point, with plenty of counterpoint and dual lines to be found, which creates a jarring and compelling listen. Being a cohesive work - slightly unusual for a thrash album - it is difficult to choose a standout track on
Lurking Fear, and this proves a solid album. Nothing spectacular but worth checking out for thrash fans.
Official Mekong Delta Website
Official AFM Records Website
