Equilibrium - Sagas - review
Equilibrium - Sagas - review
Tracklist
Disc I01. Prolog Auf Erden
02. Wurzelbert
03. Blut Im Auge
04. Unbesiegt
05. Verrat
06. Snüffel
07. Heimwärts
08. Heiderauche
09. Die Weide Und Der Fluß
10. Des Sängers Fluch
11. Ruf In Den Wind
12. Dämmerung
13. Mana
Disc II [Bonus DVD]
On Stage:
01. Zürich 2006
02. Essen 2005
03. Winternachtstraum 2006
04. Party.San 2007
05. Tiny Time Travel
Treasure Trove:
06. Equilibrium In Legoland
07. Nach Dem Winter 2002
08. Blut Im Auge 2002
+ Studio Report
+ Backstage
+ Online Material
+ Photogallery
A review by
Baz Anderson July 02, 2008
Equilibrium previously brought us a fun, bouncy, folk metal experience to prance about to without thinking much about it. This time Equilibrium bring us more of the same multi-layered instrument jiggery-pokery but with a real magical spirit that holds the album together with a majestic ribbon. There is so much going on this album, so many different instruments that all band together to create beautiful melodies and the mental imagery of roaming free in some enchanted woodland. Indeed the woodwind instruments play a large part on "Sagas", as Ulrich Herkenhoff of the Lord Of The Rings soundtrack features playing the pan flute. The album is not one of single direction; instead the album branches out and covers more areas breathing new life into the music like the roots of a tree reaching out underground for nourishment. Not only does the album have a fair number of the compulsory high-speed, galloping double bass drum tracks with an infectious bounce and feel-good nature about them such as "Blut Im Auge" and the insanely catchy "Heimwärts" - but this time Equilibrium also pay careful attention to the slower songs by means of adding an exquisite earthly ambience and the finer details of the album. "Wurzelbert" kicks the album into full swing and sends a message across showing more solidarity to the band and the song writing in particular, "Unbesiegt" also is not a relatively fast song, although still upbeat, and with such a charm on the side of the woodwind starting off the song makes for one of the many great highlights of "Sagas".
Such wizardry is rare; "Sagas" brings a genuine breath of fresh air into folk metal and can easily pass as being one of the greatest albums of the genre to date. If anything can be said against it, it is not an easy pill to swallow as its duration is over a staggering eighty minutes. When you consider the quality at hand this is hardly a problem however. Musical ups and downs, fast songs, slower - mid-paced songs, and not to mention the last track of the album, a sublime near-eighteen minute instrumental masterpiece all cement "Sagas" as an instant classic. Last track "Mana" takes the listener on a mystical adventure through the woodland glades, complete with real sounds of nature, it is an epic and emotional journey in itself that will leave you speechless in its magnificent awe afterwards. It is not often an album so magical, so musically picturesque and complete with such a natural, green, organic spirit rears its head, but "Sagas" is one of these real gems that just need to be heard to be believed.
Written on 02.07.2008 by
Written on 02.07.2008 by
Member of Staff since 2006
Rating:
7.4
7.4
|
Rating:
7.4 |
Equilibrium are one of the most promising young folk metal bands out there - at least for most people. I myself wasn't that impressed with Turis Fratyr, it was enjoyable but it sounded a bit to much like Menhir and many other more underground German Folk/Pagan bands mixed with Finntroll. But now they are back and have gathered everything they can, to bring one epic masterpiece who will surely convince all critics! Read more ›› |
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 Posts: 2751 |
Posts: 2751
Amazing review Baz!  This album shows just how much Equilibrium have matured, even with the loss of three members they have developed their style to perfection. I like how dark some of the songs are, it gives a good balance to their happy-bouncy style. The melodies of "Unbesiegt" are incredible, I sense a hint of Latin influence? And ZZ Top?! That riff came out of nowhere...
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Posts: 825
There is no album with such rating since the day that ratings changes in metalstorm. I didn't know if this album was going to be so good even after hearing so much hype, but now I'm going to do it. The debut was very good, but too generic. Let's see how Sagas is.
---- My account on other musical pages: http://www.last.fm/user/Pozito/ http://rateyourmusic.com/~Talvi
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Posts: 9720
I wouldn't have thought I'd be going to say this, but I fully agree! I wouldn't give it a 10, but that's just me who hasn't even dished out 20 10's in total. "Turis Fratyr" was awesome already, but grew stale after a while and once I got to know the rest of the German pagan metal scene I've considered Equilibrium quite overrated actually. But with this album they are definitely reconquering the throne! And "Unbesiegt" just owns! CALYPSO METAL!! \m/
---- All life begins with Nu and ends with Nu... This is the truth! This is my belief! ...At least for now. - The Mystery of Life, Vol. 841 Ch. 26
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If there wasn't this review I would never discover this band... So thanks!  Their both albums are just amazing, I just have finished with listening. 
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Posts: 878
nice review! I have only listened to it one time but I think the album is really amazing and it's going to be this year masterpiece!
---- The Land Is Silent... Before The Storm!
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Posts: 2198
This album is a very interesting folk metal experience. One of the best folk metal album that I have heard by far. This album is more mature and especially varied. Also the Limited Edition packaging is really beautiful, finishing this sound perfection. I forgot, very nice review Barry.
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Posts: 948
I'm pretty curious, so I might check this one out. Some guy recommended this one to me, and I guess he was right.
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| gmadjara
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Posts: 266  |
Posts: 266
The biggest album of pagan folk of this year with Forefather's one!!!!
---- http://enumaelis.blogspot.com/
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Posts: 19
Apparently im buying this album. Ive heard a couple of tracks already and was quite impressed. Thanks for the review.
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Best album until now in this year.
---- "The evil that man do lives on."
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Very good review  On SAGAS; for me, one of the best Folk Metal albums ever, number 1 of the year on this genre, and second of all genres [ayreon's being 1 for me] GREAT! pure awesomeness
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Posts: 3857
This album is beautiful. It is one of those albums that is truly inspiring. I get excited just thinking about listening the song Mana just one more time...
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Posts: 95 |
Posts: 95
OMG, this is out! I cant belive that is better than "Turis Fratyr". I mean, how can you beat that awesomnes??
---- His is a name the world will never forget... He is Dargor! -Rhapsody-
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Posts: 8004
I haven't listened to this album enough to form a concrete and long-lasting opinion, but I think it often sounds uncannily like Nocte Obducta. Especially the vocals.
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Posts: 1721
Great album. I haven't listened to it much(maybe 10 times) but I know I will love it. It's better than their first album was. and longer which is important to me. I hope i'll see them live in November.
----  -FOLK METAL HUNGARY-
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Posts: 124
Best of year. Hands down.
---- I will kill you so hard you will die to death.
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Posts: 1721
recently my favourite sonf from Sagas is Mana! :O
---- -FOLK METAL HUNGARY-
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Posts: 2574
I listened to it twice and I am still not convinced by the "greatness" of this album. The song that outraged me was "Unbesiegt." It's just too cheesy. The intro reminded me of Shakira I guess  . And the song that stood out for me was "Snüffel." So far 7/10.
---- Savor what you feel and what you see Things that may not seem important now But may be tomorrow R.I.P. Chuck Schuldiner Satan was a Backstreet Boy
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Posts: 1721 Written by K✞ulu on 23.08.2008 at 19:33 I advise you to listen to it some more times!
---- -FOLK METAL HUNGARY-
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Posts: 2574 Written by Janne on 23.08.2008 at 19:41 I probably will, but I don't think that's gonna be soon. There are some many albums waiting to get a listen. And listening to it the second time was already a struggle (I saw 9.6 from Baz and thought I should give it another try), particularly because it's so long.
---- Savor what you feel and what you see Things that may not seem important now But may be tomorrow R.I.P. Chuck Schuldiner Satan was a Backstreet Boy
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Posts: 1721 Written by K✞ulu on 23.08.2008 at 19:51 yeah, it very long. I've listened to it more than 20 times, but it's still hard to listen to it from the begining to the end. I usually listen to sagas in 2 parts.
---- -FOLK METAL HUNGARY-
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Posts: 2574 Written by Janne on 23.08.2008 at 20:13 The first time I was listening to it I was thinking when it would end and I had no patience left to listen to the last song Mana. And just one more thing. No matter how many times I listen to it, I still may not like it. It's all a matter of tastes, you know.
---- Savor what you feel and what you see Things that may not seem important now But may be tomorrow R.I.P. Chuck Schuldiner Satan was a Backstreet Boy
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Posts: 1721 Written by K✞ulu on 23.08.2008 at 20:22 I know that feeling...
---- -FOLK METAL HUNGARY-
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Posts: 795
And i wish it will be longer if it will be possible. After the Mana ends i wont more, and i always listen album from the beggining till the end. The best album this year , no doubt.
---- the riddle wants to be...
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