4.5 superb

Jom STAFF | July 14th 08

A short history and geography lesson: Bavaria is the largest present-day state in Germany, where Pope Benedict XVI, BMW, and Levi Strauss call home. Where there was once massive bloodshed between medieval civilizations, peace reigns, and so does the beer. In 1516, the Duke of Bavaria instituted the Reinheitsgebot purity law, which stated - with pride - that the only three ingredients EVER allowed in beer are water, barley, and hops. In a land of sacred natural surroundings, medieval castles, baroque cathedrals, and small towns, Equilibrium need not travel far to draw influences into their work. With 'Sagas,' Equilibrium's Nuclear Blast debut, the quintet exemplifies pride in their homeland. All their songs are entirely in German, as are their song titles, which illustrate a purer, poetically-aged, and more romantic version of the language. With lyrical themes revolving around Germanic folklore, the Bavarian landscape, and mythology, the folk/viking/pagan sound has been amazingly bolstered from the already-great 'Turis Fratyr.' The album comes with three dramatic instrumental tracks. All three are highlights on the record, to be sure, but the album's closer, "Mana," is a 16+ minute juggernaut. Album opener "Prolog auf Erden" is absolutely stellar, sounding like fanfare to a joust. The album is dominated by harsh vocals, beautiful guitar arrangements (e.g. "Blut im Auge," "Ruf in den Wind," and "Verrat" are three prime examples, although the entire album is littered with them). The drumming is exemplary, but the album's greatest highlight is the orchestra and choir, which sounds like all of Bavaria is performing or singing. All told, 'Sagas' is an absolute stunner. If you're looking for that folk/pagan/viking sound I touched on earlier in this sound-off, or want to seek out bands that sound like genre trailblazers Ensiferum, Finntroll, Turisas, or Eluveitie, you cannot possibly go wrong with Equilibrium's 'Sagas.' 4 Bumps | Bump

4.5 superb	Baeleron | September 19th 08
A step up from their previous album, this one is awesome almost all the way through. My only complaint is that unlike apparently every other person in the world, I find that Mana becomes a bit tedious after the first 5 minutes especially when the flute kicks into high gear. But thankfully the rest of the album is pure gold, and a strong candidate for album of the year. Bump

4.5 superb

AngelPhoenix | July 21st 08

This album is basically perfect. Track for track, minute for minute, Equilibrium showers you with blazing riffage, exciting drumming, solid bass work, killer vocals, and as if that weren't enough, slap a gigantic helping of folk-influenced/themed orchestral sections that alternate between featuring in and blending with the instrumentation, and inspiring choruses/keys that lift the band's sound to a level attainable by few musicians. The first 7 tracks will be the most epic thing you've ever heard, and then the last 6 (the 16 minute instrumental closer being the crown jewel of this masterpiece) will blow that away. I've said enough. Get this. Like right the hell now. Bump

4.5 superb

myriadeye | July 15th 08

The only thing keeping this album from a perfect score is the "vocals" Death vocals are fine in marginality, but simply singing like they do throughout the entire vocals represents a lack of feeling/variety. Which is even more bothersome when the music is breathtaking and full of variety. I love change-ups the ability to go from Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Classic Rock, Speed Metal, and still containing a hell of a lot of melody is simply superb. I will say I wish there was a few more slower moments inbetween to build up suspense to the all-out speed endeavours. None the less though, still an above average/superior album for those interested in Progressive, Folk, Death, Forest, Doom, Thrash, Speed, and Classic Metal. The last song, the 16minute epic instrumental is worth purchasing the album alone and at a full body CD length this is beyond worth the money. Hopefully this band will be able to continue to expand and explore and continue there Progressive roots they have planted Bump