Adding some Tabasco to your Pina Colada - A review of Equilibrium's Renegades

Equilibrium has been going through changes throughout the past ten years but even by the band's experimental standards, the group's sixth record Renegades will almost certainly be received controversially by critics and fans alike. Brand new bassist Skar also performs clean vocals throughout the record. There are now two keyboard players, namely band leader and only founding member René Berthiaume and his girlfriend Skadi Rosehurst who has only just officially joined the band. The danceable and modern ''Hype Train'' features additional female vocals by Julie Elven. ''Path of Destiny'' features a German rap break performed by The Butcher Sisters. The band covered The Hooters' ''Johnny B''.

As you can see, there are a lot of things going on here. Some experiments do work surprisingly well. The clean vocals are a nice addition, especially since Robse's hoarse and low harsh vocals are fairly limited and have never equaled original singer Helge Stang with his passionate shouts. The additional keyboardist expands the band's soundscapes as several songs sound danceable and contemporary as the band leaves its epic folk roots almost completely behind. Among the better songs are the epic opener ''Renegades - A Lost Generation'' with its melodic guitar and keyboard work connecting to the band's predecessor Armageddon, the solid mixture of clean and harsh vocals in ''Tornado'' that slightly recalls gothic metal bands like Crematory and the upbeat ''Himmel und Feuer'' as the only song with entirely German lyrics that goes back to the band's first two records without sounding unimaginative. Especially the record's first half is really solid.

Other experiments just don't work and simply make you scratch your head. The additional female vocals in ''Hype Train'' are unspectacular and would only have worked with a more skilled or at least more unique singer. The German rap parts in''Path of Destiny'' are cringe-worthy and just don't fit into an otherwise solid epic symphonic metal song. This track sounds like a failed attempt at writing a nu metal song. The cover of The Hooters' ''Johnny B'' never equals the feeling of the brilliant original tune and especially the parts with harsh vocals are unintentionally amusing. The choice of this cover song also doesn't blend in with the other tracks dealing with mostly ecological and environmental issues.

At the end of the day, Equilibrium's Renegades leaves confused listeners behind scratching their heads. Despite its band name, this record doesn't sound even remotely balanced and is too experimental for its own good. Some outside help in the songwriting department might have helped the band deliver a more coherent and consistent effort. Still, an experimental record is better than copying the past glory of the first two albums in my book. The final result is hit and miss but with more positive than negative elements to mention. Its sheer diversity invites for multiple spins and is certainly very entertaining. At this point, one wouldn't be surprised if the next album were to incorporate free jazz elements with Mongolian throat singing but the band shouldn't forget that less is more.

Final rating: 75%