EQUILIBRIUM: Renegades (ALTERNATIVE METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Since its debut in folk metal fifteen years ago, Equilibrium has evolved well: "Armageddon" released in 2016 showed a formation that was moving away from the genre to more modern and rhythmic horizons. René Berthiaume is still here and has put together a line-up with a new bass player and singer in clear voice and a new keyboard player.

The new record is called "Renegades" and is in line with his predecessor. René continue to propose a kind of alternative metal with a dance side for a striking result, far from the folk of yesteryear. This mixture of genres, certainly a commercial one, works well. By putting aside your prejudices with an open mind, you can only adhere to certain very effective titles.

'Path Of Destiny' is one of them with this dance side, a rap passage, catchy clear vocals and a little growl for the metal aspect. "Hyper Rain" and "Himmel Und Feueur" are in the same dance metal vein, The first one benefiting from Julie Elven's singing presence for an energetic result. There is also 'Renegades - A Lost Generation' and 'Moonlight' also catchy with the keyboard in the front line but with a more metallic touch in a metalcore spirit.

Because Equilibirum is still a metal band, some tracks are still heavy. 'Tornado' and 'Kawaakari - The Periphery Of The Mind' are in a melodic death vein not far from a recent "In Flames". The mixture between growl and clear vocals is effective. The guitars are finally more presents with a good sense of melody. 'Final Tear' is the heaviest and darkest track on the album. It surprises almost in the middle of this dancing ensemble with a very deathly tone, notably by a growl often furious.

Like "Amaranth" or "Beast In Black", Equilibrium is totally free and sets himself no limits. If we have the right to find it too commercial, we must recognize that this "Renegades" is very effective. - Official website

EQUILIBRIUM

RENEGADES

NUCLEAR BLAST

ALTERNATIVE METAL