Thanks to Riot Entertainment, I have been issued with a copy of Equilibrium's latest release Rekreatur for review. I have been a fan of their work ever since I first heard their track, 'Wingthors Hammer' from their 2005 album, 'Turis Fratyr'. In July 2010 I had the privilege of interviewing Andreas which you can view here. It's hard to pigeon-hole their music as it is so diverse, though one can expect to hear an assortment of death and black metal, soundtrack and film music, ambient and atmospheric music, folk and cultural music and just plain metal. For simplicities sake, I shall label it Avante Garde Metal.
In Heiligen Hallen - The introduction to this album is filled with atmosphere and one which is truly captivating. It starts out slow paced yet most alluring as it creates a momentous atmosphere. The keyboards add that epic movie soundtrack feel to it. The guitars crunch out an intense metal rhythm to bang your head to. The drums ensure your feet are tapping along to the music. The vocals are deathly with a black metal style, complimenting back up vocal. The music, in general, is very easy to escape with in your mind. You will find your imagination soaring and that is what makes this style of music so great! The translation for this title is 'In Hallowed Halls'.
Der Ewige Sieg - This next track starts off up tempo and continues onward with the previous tracks motivation. Its title is fitting to the music and translates to 'The Eternal Victory'. The guitar rhythms and melodies help you to enjoy the track without concentrating too much on the music; it's neither complex nor overdone, it's simply great music being executed well. One of the good things about this band is their music is always uplifting and this track is just that.
Verbrannte Erde - Here we have another epic musical entrance where you can find yourself amidst battle preparations; watching as the hordes slowly march to battle. It is musically glorious and your mind will attune to whatever the music tells it. Listen and soar as the keyboards create scenery, as the guitars create the marching hoardes, as the drums count their steps and as the vocals narrate their story. It is mind enhancing music and its title translates to 'Scorched Earth'. The sound engineering is pristine and the musical structure is brilliant.
Die Affeninsel - This next track starts out with a rather Caribbean / Jungle sounding introduction. The sounds created amidst this track are truly intriguing. It is quite like watching a documentary with monkeys playing about in the treetops. As they scramble around we have instead of the usual documentary music, metal blasting out! Funny enough, the title translates to 'Monkey Island'. It is nice to have metal as a soundtrack to your life and to be able to have it in any situation and these guys have simply thought outside the square and made a whole new metal aspect for us to enjoy and frolic with.
Der Wassermann -This next one translates to 'Aquarius' and is comprised of a more ambient style of introduction. It soon incorporates some atmospheric guitar and keyboard work. Soon enough we are graced by the death vocals. It harbours that uplifting sound they do so well along with a theatrical atmosphere. Its overall feel is like being on an island soaking in the sun and looking over the water. A soundtrack for your next island holiday perhaps?! It would definitely go down well on that Caribbean cruise, 70000 tons of metal!
Aus Ferner Zeit - This track translates to 'In Addition, From Time'. It is a lengthy track at 09:21 yet not the longest on this album. The vocals tend to be on the blacker side of things. The pace of the rhythmic guitar strumming is furious however all their music is pretty much in hyper mode. At about 03:44 female vocals appear with a sing along part for all to participate in. There is what could be a violin, accordion or similar being used which creates that villagers inn type feel. The overall feel to this track is that of travelling with an occasional respite. It's a great song to keep you alert during transit.
Fahrtwind - Yes, it does sound kind of funny but the title really means 'Wind'. Perhaps this is the origin of the English word Wind?! Who knows... The track starts off with the sound of a vehicle being started and very quickly becomes the next epic song. It gives you the impression of being out on the road and basically being free to roam wherever you choose but at great speeds. Fahrtwind is filled with keyboard effects and atmosphere as with every other song on this album. The guitar riffs are fun and easy to get in to. As complex as it may be in parts, it is also fairly smooth and enjoyable. You really just need to be able to let your mind go and fall into the music.
Wenn Erdreich Bricht - Translated, this means 'If The Soil Breaks'. It starts out with a simply guitar melody and chilling ambience. This soon turns into another epic, theatrical sounding piece. It is not a fast track like the others but it is just as intense in the way that it is powerful in its presentation. Vocally, they retain a rather monotonous sounding death vocal in most parts. The overall sound is explosive and would be amazing to see it performed live. At about 06:10 the chilling ambience returns and we are then met by some operatic female vocals to end the track with.
Kurzes Epos - This is the last and longest track on the album which is entitled 'Brief Epic' when translated. It blasts out an atmospheric, orchestral arrangement and continues to do so as this is in fact a purely instrumental piece. All you can do is sit back and let your mind soar.
In essence, this is a brilliantly sculptured album. It is filled with theatrical ambience, uplifting rhythms, an assortment of instrumental effects and simply makes a great soundtrack to life. The music Equilibrium creates is mind enhancing and meant for the imagination. If you are after something to get you out of that relentless, dull mood then this is the music you need to put that spark back into your day. The CD I received is purely a promotional CD so there is no cover to discuss,
nor any other content which I can reveal. As for recommendations, I can only suggest you put down your books,
turn off the TV and computer and place this album into your CD player, turn up the volume
and let your mind express the epic story that this music has to offer.
LINKS
Equilibrium Myspace
Equilibrium Website
Buy Equilibrium
Review by Déa di Morté © 19 October 2010
All pictures courtesy of Nuclear Blast and Equilibrium