Equilibrium

Originally formed in 2001 with the intention of playing just one show, Germany's Equilibrium quickly changed their minds and, over time, joined scores of new millennium heavy metal bands (Windir, Turisas, Negura Bunget, Eluveitie, etc.) devoted to penning songs steeped in the cultural traditions, legends, and folklore of their homeland. In Equilibrium's case, this happens to be the historically significant state of Bavaria — home to the Black Forest, the Brothers Grimm, Oktoberfest...in short, almost limitless regional material with which to populate the group's symphonic brand of pagan-folk-black metal. This creative process began in earnest in 2003 via Equilibrium's first demo tape, and steadily gained momentum with a series of impressive club and festival performances, ultimately resulting in the release of 2005's debut album, Turis Fratyr, featuring the lineup of vocalist Helge Stang, guitarists René Berthiaume and Andreas Völkl, bassist Sandra Völkl, drummer Julius Koblitzek, and guest keyboard player Armin Dörfler. Three years later, Equilibrium were back with their sophomore adventure, Sagas, which kicked off a new relationship with Nuclear Blast Records, introduced new drummer Manuel DiCamillo, and carried on bringing traditional Bavarian elements into the world of extreme metal.