Equilibrium - Rekreatur

December 12, 2010

Reviewer: Peter

Release Date: June 18, 2010
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  In Heiligen Hallen
2.  Der Ewige Sieg
3.  Verbrannte Erde
4.  Die Affeninsel
5.  Der Wassermann
6.  Aus Verner Zeit
7.  Fahrtwind
8.  Wenn Erdreich Bricht
9.  Kurzes Epos

Total playing time:  62:01

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*Comments:

In the time since Sagas was released by Equilibrium, the band underwent some significant changes.  Exiting the band earlier this year were Helge Stang (vocals) and Manu Di Camillo (drums) and replacing them in the respective spots are Robse Dahn and Hati Refaeli.  The lineup changes happened in time for the band’s latest album Rekreateur.  The results indicate that the band should probably have waited a few more months before hitting the studio.

The transition in vocals is actually seamless in the sense that nothing has to be dramatically changed to make the compositions work on Rekreateur.  However, it just seems that the album is basically Sagas part II instead of something that could stand on its own.  Sure, the music is actually above average, with “Aus Verner Zeit” and the beginning of “Der Wassermann” showing some promise, even going as far as to show some range, but with nine tracks at just over an hour, getting through the album seems to be one big chore just to get through.  Not helping matters is the 13 mintue plus instrumental “Kurzes Epos.”  If the basic idea of a long instrumental to end the album sounds familiar to you in regards to the band, then it should, as Equilibrium had one to end their previous album Sagas.  For the most part, the elements on Sagas are pretty much on display on Rekreateur, showing some continuity, but the album will leave the listener wanting so much more.

The announcement of a new Equilibrium album for this year was a surprise to many, as the lineup changes would have given some indication that the band was going to wait until all the parts were caught up to speed.  The actual release of Rekreateur is an example of why most bands wait at least a year before deciding to go through with a new album.  Musically, it isn’t too bad, but there is a “cut and paste” feeling about it that just doesn’t connect with the listener well enough.  A transition album in every sense of the word, let’s hope Equilibrium learns from this to make a better album.