Equilibrium

Mixing Norse mythology and pagan traditions with raging metal thunder and theatrical, fantasy themes, German folk-metal act Equilibrium gained a cult following across Europe, always reaching for a loud, bombastic and epic sound. Initially formed for a one-off show in Munich in 2001, the audience's reaction led to a demo record and support slots with local bands before their 2005 debut album 'Turis Fratyr' set a template for the band's huge, symphonic, almost medieval style.

With guitarist and songwriter Rene Berthiaume as the creative driving force and lead singer Helge Stang providing the growls and screams, they went on to sign to Nuclear Blast Records and released the acclaimed 'Sagas' in 2008. Stang left the band in 2010 and was replaced by Robse Dahn, and their mood grew darker and more eclectic on albums 'Rekreatur' and 'Erdentempel', even taking inspiration from computer games, traditional Celtic reels and street musicians in Peru. That diverse range of influences collided on their fifth studio record 'Armageddon' in 2016, where they sang in English for the first time, used quotes from Albert Einstein and even featured a flute played by an Ecuadorian busker. The album became Equilibrium's most successful work to date, reaching number five in the German charts and producing the band's big anthem 'Born to Be Epic'.