Equilibrium
Sagas
Band: Equilibrium BUY NOW!
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As 2007 drew to a close, signifying another solid if not overly exiting year in the world of metal, three promised releases in particular caught my attention and provided me with some expectation for a similar year in 2008. Two of these releases have already thundered into the shops and through our speakers to little acclaim thus far. These albums are the latest material recorded by fan favourites Children of Bodom and In Flames and more to the point, in my opinion, they were both utter crap as well as signifying to me that both of these prestigious bands finally have sold themselves out...it’s been coming! That leaves the full brunt of my hopes resting on the shoulders of the band I like to describe as ‘black metal’s answer to Blind Guardian!’ That’s right, after a long enough wait, German Viking’s Equilibrium are back and ready to make a valiant bid for the throne of ‘best band of 2008’. Following the wonder that is their insane debut, ‘Turis Fratyr’, would be a hard enough task, but have they succeeded in the much more immediate task at hand, fulfilling my remaining hopes? The answer is simple...hell yes.
With a long, mainly orchestral, introduction the band assert their strong intentions clearly and as for the rest, sit back and enjoy. Describing the music in the depth that I wish to will take up far too much of my time as well as yours, so reluctantly I am forced to stick to my absolute favourite songs. It has however, taken just as long to distinguish my favourite songs in amongst an album which has been beautifully and delicately packed with every delicacy imaginable from jaw-dropping guitar and keyboard solos to bouncing pagan riffs and awe inspiring tribal drumbeats. The single track which clearly stood far enough above the others was the fourth, ‘Unbesiegt’, which is easily recognisable as a masterpiece from the beginning, but by the time you reach halfway through it has turned into something much more unique, a certain gutsy change in style to replace the more dulcet opening. Anyhow...one of the main features of the album which helped to make it what it is, in my eyes, is the structure. It begins with a fantastic opening riff that could get a stone jumping and about a third of the way in changes style completely with a new sequence rivalling its predecessor with great style and presence. When we reach the two thirds mark the track pulls out its unique party piece; it seems to stop, and then begins building up once more with a mixture of styles from the first and second sections of the piece. This results in a fantastic medley and a finale which, in the many of times I have already listened to it, never once has failed to excite me beyond belief. The other song worthy of mention above the others is the 18 minute instrumental which ends the album impeccably. Frankly, and this goes for the entire album...it is incredible. Overall... the blend of traditional instruments, black metal style guitar, rhythmic drums and insane keyboards creates a truly astonishing work to be admired from all angles. Doubtless the best album to date from the folk/pagan metal genre, and maybe one of the best from any genre. I truly hope (although regretfully suspect otherwise) that Equilibrium gain the immortal status of bands such as Metallica because they deserve it more than any other band I know of. The effort that has gone into making this album must have been huge! If it is not already clear to you from the general tone of the review, I seriously recommend that you buy this album! For the first time in my life I am lost for words...I can find only one...epic! Lewis Klein
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