"In a Mirror Darkly" offers an almost schizophrenic view of Mekong Delta's abstract spirit and compelling imagination, as several components of many scopes-somatic and spiritual-mesh together. Classical influences, represented in the narrative and some song arrangements, while giving a fluid sense of connectivity among the record's chapters, are unified by the group's prog-driven interpretation of thrash metal. The opposite natures naturally incite creative havoc, but Mekong Delta's structuring style makes these tracks feel cohesive and fulfilling, not crowded or overdone; nothing new to zealots of the band, of course. The joys budding from the wide and complex measures forge an album of depth and magnificent imagination, as captured by Mekong Delta's standard of awe-inspiring tunes.

There's a nice continuity among songs that are rather individualistic. "Introduction + Ouverture" and "Inside the Outside of the Inside" are instrumentals favoring a progressive metal outlook heavy with Rush-esque themes and eccentric structuring. On a technical level, these tracks show the multifaceted approach of the faction operating smoothly despite a conundrum of comings and goings within. "The Sliver in God's Eye" is more ethereal and laid-back; an atmospheric, ballad-like staple I find enjoyable. I'm geared to favor the prog-styled thrashers, naturally. "Mutant Messiah" and "Janus" are busy and wild, frenetically transmitting the complex fabrics of Mekong Delta's progressive elements at the intensity and haste of thrashing madness. The riffs link the best of both worlds together, the rhythm section is detailed and blazing with life, and Martin LeMar kills it ten times over. This, folks, is what the Mekong Delta experience is all about.