Given the recent explosion of Folk Metal, we are seeing two things beginning to happen, both for the good and the bad. For the bad, the first copycat bands are beginning to peek out of the cracks and crevices of the genre. The good, however, far outweighs that as a plethora of previously obscure and unrecognized Folk Metal bands are getting signed to the larger Metal labels and being given a chance to strut their stuff for a much larger audience. Germany's EQUILIBRIUM is one of the best examples of the good. Recently releasing their second album, "Sagas", on Nuclear Blast, EQUILIBRIUM bring the listener an outstanding musical offering that will not soon be forgotten by anyone.

First of all, tell us a bit about your new album "Sagas" and how you feel it sets itself apart from all the other Folk/Pagan Metal albums that are getting released these days.

"Well, it took only 3 1/2 years to do this album. A lot of energy flew into it and I think one can hear this: 80 minutes, a CD full 'til it was under the roof, and no B-Rolls on it, haha! Yes, 'Sagas' is a little apart from many other albums of this genre, but I think this isn't a problem."

How does EQUILIBRIUM go about writing and constructing a song?

"95% of the songwriting is done by René, our guitarist. He is a musician with heart and soul! Normally he writes the whole song, including bass, keys and drums using MIDI and samplers, and then he shows it to us. This is the point where we can do a little work on the song, modifying the drums for example. I take the song and listen to it over and over again, try to find the lyrical story behind the music, a story that fits in the music. Then we meet again, and I show my ideas."

How did the production process go for you all?

"Well, my part was quickly done - if you talk about the vocals. It took only two days this spring. The drums were recorded almost one year ago, the guitars during the last year, over and over again. René's part was not so easy: he had to arrange all the keys, had to do the mixing and finally the production and mastering. I think he was very lucky when it was finally done."

What are your favorite tracks off the album and why?

"Depends on my mood. Normally 'Unbesiegt' (Unconquered) and 'Mana'. 'Unbesiegt' just kicks ass, it's a propeller-headbang song! 'Mana' is a song you only can enjoy if you have time. But it works well, taking you onto a journey through the whole world, from north to south, from day to night. A great song!"

Can we expect there to be a North American release of your previous album, "Turis Fratyr"?

"What the fuck ... it is not released in North America????? I didn't know this. Well, this fact makes me hate our former label Black Attakk a little bit more. They are so stupid. But good news: we got the rights on the album back. So if we can make a deal with Nuclear Blast, I am sure they will take care of this breach."

What are your expectations from the upcoming Heidenfest tour?

"Do you really want to know?!?!?! Beer, Metal, party ... all those things one's dreaming of before his first tour. But I am a little concerned about my clothes ... I guess they won't see a washing machine for a loooong time."

Can we expect to see EQUILIBRIUM tour North America in the near future, possibly as a part of next year's installment of the Paganfest tour?

"We did have an offer to play three weeks before the European Heidenfest Tour in the USA. Unfortunately, there's no chance to get three weeks more time off of work and studies. Maybe next year!"

What has your experience with Nuclear Blast been so far?

"As you can see after my curse on our former label (see above): great! They really do a good job, promotion and stuff like that. And: they brought 'Sagas' to the USA!"

What German cultural traditions are most important to you personally and how do you try to incorporate them into song writing?

"Harharhar, now I have to mention one tradition: here in Bavaria, where I live, there is a special kind of tobacco - for the nose. You can't get it in the rest of Germany, but here you can find it everywhere, in every gas station, even in the country side. We call it lovingly 'Farmer's Cocaine'. But it's just tobacco. I wrote a lyric about this: 'Snüffel' - this is another caring word for this brown powder."

What are your thoughts of the recent explosion in popularity of the Folk, Pagan and Viking Metal subgenres?

"I am very relaxed on this. The hard core of Metal has existed before this wave and I am sure that it will exist still after the wave has gone. As long as all the metalheads have fun, everything is fine."

What are your thoughts on the recent rise of National Socialism in the Metal community, specifically in eastern Europe and the former Soviet countries?

"Well, indeed, this is getting to be more and more of a problem. And it goes hand in hand with stupid accusations bands like MOONSORROW or TYR being confronted with in the near past. Some people can't see the border between de-facto nazi bands and those playing pagan or Viking Metal stuff." [FIN]