EQUILIBRIUM
Equinox
NUCLEAR BLAST
German folk metallers bring back their tub of modern polish
Metal musicians should be applauded for trying to push beyond the confines of certain subgenres, but it’s not without great peril. Equilibrium alienated many with 2019’s Renegades, leaving behind their usual folk metal pomp and leaning towards electronic metalcore – and they have no qualms about continuing to do so with its follow-up. The overtly poppy aggression of Awakening and Legends are a more distinct cheese. The Eastern-tinged Gnosis and ceremony of Anderswelt still deliver plenty of stirring bombast, but suffer from moments of silly over-exuberance. While new vocalist Fabi delivers anthemic belligerence, it’s the more blissful Borrowed Waters that sees the band at their most competent. You’ll either consider Equinox enormous fun or excruciatingly confusing. ■■■■■■■■■■