What makes Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows) by Mekong Delta notable?

'Dances of Death' is significant for its ambitious structure and conceptual depth, receiving praise from critics for its intricate arrangements and thematic complexity. The album helped cement Mekong Delta's status within the progressive metal genre, influencing subsequent bands with its innovative approach to songwriting in a time when thrash was dominating the metal landscape. By 1990, Mekong Delta was already establishing their presence in the progressive metal scene with 'Dances of Death' as their third studio album. Following their self-titled debut in 1986 and the critically well-received 'The Principle of Doubt' in 1989, this album further solidified their artistic direction while showcasing their unique blend of classical influences and heavy metal.

How many songs are on Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows)?

Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows) has 4 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Dances of Death (and Other Walking Shadows)

Mekong Delta · 1990

38 min · 4 tracks · progressive metal

A complex tapestry of progressive and thrash metal featuring dynamic shifts and intricate compositions that challenge conventional song structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dances of Death: Introduction / Eruption / Beyond the Gates / Outburst / Days of Betrayal / Restless / Sanctuary / Finale — This nearly twenty-minute epic encapsulates the album's thematic explorations and showcases the band's technical prowess through shifting tempos and moods, making it a quintessential representation of their sound.
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Transgressor — With its tight structure and aggressive delivery, this track exemplifies Mekong Delta's ability to seamlessly blend thrash elements with progressive intricacies, appealing to a broad metal audience.
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True Believers — This track features haunting melodies intertwined with complex rhythms, highlighting the band's lyrical depth while showcasing emotional intensity that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's ambitious structure and complex arrangements mark it as a notable entry in progressive metal.

What we noticed

The first track is a multi-part suite that spans over 10 minutes, featuring distinct sections that shift in tempo and intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Dances of Death: Introduction / Eruption / Beyond the Gates / Outburst / Days of Betrayal / Restless / Sanctuary / Finale 19:11
2 Transgressor 3:17
3 True Believers 5:25
4 Night on a Bare Mountain 10:24

What to play next

Listen next

The Principle of Doubt

1990

Go back to

The Music of Erich Zann

1988

Full Mekong Delta discography Artists like Mekong Delta

progressive metal thrash metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata