Originally scheduled in the significantly larger O2 Academy Islington before being downgraded to the cosy sister venue upstairs, Equilibrium's show in the capital is just one of multiple illustrations of the lack of interest in folk metal in the UK nowadays and substantiation for why such tours frequently evade the British Isles on extensive European treks. Nonetheless, the Bar Academy is undisputedly packed, particularly for a Monday night.
This positively-sized crowd are present for openers Nothgard. Formed in 2009 with two albums to their name, these Germans perform a hybrid of folk/melodic death metal with an incredibly poignant keyboard sound donating epic and colourful orchestration. Although the five-piece is armed with no less than three guitars, the poor sound makes these largely inaudible and the drums sound muddy. Easily and unfortunately, the taped keyboards are the most prominent in the mix and a live keyboard player undeniably would have improved the show. The audience warm to Nothgard admirably so and clearly derive solid entertainment from these melodic metallers.
Next up is Norwegian oddity Trollfest, bemusing and possibly confusing the crowd with their bizarre stage attire. Launching into the bouncy title track of this year's release 'Kaptein Kaos', this troupe of eight-strong Norwegians squeezed onto such a miniscule stage proceed to baffle the audience with an unorthodox take on folk metal with violin, accordion and strained, almost pained shrieks. Their sound is unique, drawing from the folk music of the Balkan states as well as Latino music and jazz. Although the audience's reaction is initially reserved, by second song 'Brumblebassen', the band has endeared the audience who respond with tides of headbanging and even dancing breaking out in the venue.
The setlist is unapologetically non-stop fun as Trollfest romp through new tracks such as 'Vulkan', 'Ave Maria' and 'Solskinnsmedisin' in addition to older ones 'Trinkentroll' and 'Villanden' while their warped cover of Britney Spears' 'Toxic' slaps a smile on the collective face of the crowd. The interaction with the audience is excellent for the drinking atmosphere, successfully managing to get sizeable portions of the venue quacking like ducks, barking like dogs and somehow cheering for every place except London. Closing with 'Helvetes Hunden GARM', Trollfest have certainly left an impression on those unfamiliar with them before and undoubtedly won over a great number of converts.
Headliners Equilibrium have a difficult task in trying to outperform Trollfest. Opening with 'Was Lange Währt' from new album 'Erdentempel' sees the audience roar with appreciation as heads start banging to the furious folk metal. Triumphant melodies are at the core of the Germans' music with a high degree of bombastic fun that adapts remarkably in the live environment, particularly with the excellent sound that they have been gifted with. However, being incredibly keyboard-centred, their metal feels lacking live in that all the keyboard and folk instrumentation parts are taped as opposed to having members playing the actual instruments.
The new album is fairly represented throughout their set with 'Waldshrein', 'Freiflug' and 'Uns'rer Flöten Klang' making an appearance tonight. Older songs include 'Met' and 'Wingthors Hammer', executed impeccably by this line up of Equilibrium where only one current member appeared on the first two albums. The members look sincerely grateful to have the opportunity to headline in London and are extremely gracious with an attitude that prioritises having a good time. The audience are equally appreciative, showcasing it with a spatter of mosh pits throughout their set.
'Unbeseigt' sees Equilibrium vacate the stage only to return for their encore as the crowd fails to disperse. 'Blutim Auge' from sophomore album 'Sagas' is served up and readily devoured by the attendees all too quickly and before soon, the end of the show arrives. The vast majority of the crowd appear to be grinning as they make their way for their exit.
Despite the venue being down-sized, Equilibrium could not have hoped for a better outcome tonight. London is a city that does not prioritise folk metal gigs over other subgenres of metal and the turn out for a Monday night was certainly encouraging. Perhaps this will be enough to encourage Equilibrium to return to these shores again.
FUTURE GIGS
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