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Xystus > Equilibrio > Reviews > GuntherTheUndying
Xystus - Equilibrio

Balance Perfected - 100%

GuntherTheUndying, November 30th, 2008

Comrades, welcome to musical history. You probably haven’t heard of Xystus before, as the faction was highly obscure; that is, until they tapped a rock opera with over one-hundred musicians contributing to the sole project. A zesty gambit, I must say, but don’t turn away in horror; the release is quite an opposite of pessimistic prophecies. This intense result has overweighed its worth as an album, into an actual person humanity better respect, or else everyone will have some teeth-soup for lunch, so watch it. Keeping threats aside, “Equilibrio” is one of the finest items I’ve ever had the honor of hearing. Power metal, an orchestra, five singers, and a lyrical concept so cool you’ll have bricks in your trousers? Yes, I’ll take it.

Be sure to bring some diapers in case you hate that feeling, because it shall happen many times. Now I don’t know much about symphonic music, but I do understand what makes it interesting, and that’s what this record obtains without fault. As interesting as it sounds, the orchestra compresses the spine of “Equilibrio” with galactic rings from various tools working perfectly in unison. The barrage never ceases, and everything remains fresh and entertaining. I’m no expert on this kind of music, in case you didn’t get the memo. The variety, though, between cuts like “The Traveler” and “God of Symmetry” is simply outstanding, especially when experiencing the whole effort clashing magically with these unusual instruments. At day’s end, we’ve got violins, French horns, trumpets, and a shitload of other pieces found in this incredible symphony.

Prior to this recording, Xystus was a full-blown power metal band, yet those roots within the group remain tenderly sweet throughout this experimental apparatus. The riffs, even though clashing into the symphony, are primarily mid-paced and speedy cuts of golden proportions that shriek of old-school genocide done by thy guitar. Also, those drums are fantastic! Always using those bass pedals and applying slick patterns underneath these unique formulas with steady support that just won’t quit! More so, Xystus does not let the symphony interfere with their metallic presence. But sweet symphonies, ballsy riffs, hammering percussion, beautiful keyboards, and wonderful musicianship all play a consistent role in manufacturing “Equilibrio” without leaving any promise behind. There really isn’t a need for wild guitar work or anything typically aiding an effort, because “Equilibrio” already has its own methods of mysticism that work on spellbinding territories. A tornado…it’s blowing me away…and it’s awesome! Not that an actual tornado is fun, of course.

The interesting objective, however, is achieved throughout the album’s wonderful concept, which includes five characters played by a pentagon of varied vocalists: Xystus’ Bas Dolmans, Simone Simons of Epica fame, two famous musical actors dubbed Michelle Splietelhof and John Vooijs, with George Oosthoek continuing his growling madness as the tale’s nemesis. Together sharing the microphone, these five vocalists are fantastic, singing operatic versus with valorous might, or while applying melancholic notes when growls overlap the operatic atmosphere for a singing experience unlike anything I’ve heard. Four singers and a growler? Sounds like a sitcom on ABC, or perhaps, an incredible album!

It’s so gripping though, because narrative passages, alternating singers of several diverse areas, musical backgrounds, and the lyrical concept all play essential parts in making this album work. I’d say “Equilibrio” reminds me of a clock that turns forever: Xystus starts with the orchestra on all fronts, then the hand ticks, and in comes a vocalist; once it moves again, new materials emerge until the listen ends, at its final second, always providing something new each and every moment. Everything (and I mean everything) works in that continuum, with symphonic gold and bulls-eye perfection. Kids doing meth are retreated; Xystus has the good stuff!

I honestly could never emphasize the sheer power and abstract magic obtained by “Equilibrio,” because simple words cannot power Xystus’ dynamic experiment without failing to hold on to all positives; indeed, this record is too good for human ears. The sensational concept falls into Heaven’s hands through its otherworldly gamble, and Xystus has undisputedly reached their finest hour through this unconventional experiment, played out perfectly, in every way imaginable. Yes, you may have a hard digesting it at first, but do not put that record down; once “Equilibrio” settles in, a personal haven will await you, stacked with goodies and an infinity of enjoyment. Comrades, we’ve received a grain of utopia.

This review was written for: www.Thrashpit.com