The world is spinning faster these days. Chaos, division and destruction hang heavy in the air. But music has long been humanity’s most vital defense against the turbulent tides of time. A band whose very name is a plea for balance and unity, Equilibrium have been making life-affirming music for nearly 25 years, and as they return after a lengthy hiatus, the German legends are more committed than ever to spreading some positivity and hope to the masses.
As they prepare to release their seventh and greatest album to date, the mighty “Equinox”, creative mainstays René Berthiaume and Jessica Rösch stand proudly at the forefront of modern metal, ushering in an inspirational new era. With a brand new singer, Fabian Getto, leading the charge, “Equinox” is this band’s most distinctive and powerful statement to date.
“Equinox” showcases a band in full control of their sonic and spiritual world, with songs that bring their cherished trademarks and authentic instrumentation together with new technology, electronic elements and giant, stirring melodies that rip from the speakers like proclamations from ancient gods. From the joyous rush of recent singles “Gnosis” and the melo-death inspired “Bloodwood”, to the effortless, cross-pollinated mastery of “Earth Tongue”, “Legends” and the show-stopping “Nexus”, Equilibrium have never sounded more potent or passionate.
“Sometimes we struggle, when people ask us what style of music we play,” René admits. “If you just say it’s folk metal, it doesn’t really make sense. There was some pressure on the band after all this time, so this record had better not suck! [Laughs] We had an initial plan to release an EP last year, but it didn’t feel right. After all these years we need to come with an album to maximise the impact. This album really helped us to find our voice as a band. I think we can really build from this for the
future.”
“Equinox” was recorded and produced by Equilibrium themselves, with some significant help from an assortment of guest musicians – including ex-Eluveitie violinist Shir-Ran Yinon and members of Dutch Viking metal band Heidevolk - and particularly from studio guru and multi-instrumentalist Danny McCook, who oversaw the album’s mixing process.
Inspired by their experiences with other creatives, Equilibrium have also made the decision to embrace authenticity in every aspect of their art. “Equinox” is adorned with artwork created by Jessica Rösch with her own hands and without any input from A.I. or any other technology. The end result is stunning and speaks volumes about this band’s desire to keep things real.
In turbulent times, real art keeps us all grounded in the things that really matter. “Equinox” is a statement of intent from a band reborn. Equilibrium have made great music in the past, but never with this much fire and focus. Brimming with smart ideas, anthemic melodies and crushing, state-of-the-art modern metal with an organic, folk-fuelled twist, it kicks open this new chapter in the band’s story with an exhilarating, heartfelt flourish.
