Equilibrium

Description

Equilibrium is the seventh album by the American hard rock band Whitecross, released on R.E.X. Music in 1995. The album was recorded by Richie Biggs at The Bennett House in Franklin, and at OmniSound Studios and The Boardroom in Nashville, Tennessee; with Jimmie Lee Sloas producing. Whitecross features Scott Wenzel on lead vocals and guitar, Barry (Galosh) Graul on guitar and vocals, and a rhythm section consisting of Tracy Ferrie on bass and vocals and Michael Feighan on drums and vocals.

On Equilibrium, the band began to back away from the sleek, ’80s-styled heavy metal that had distinguished their earlier records, replacing it with a tougher sound that fit right into the mainstream of ’90s hard rock.

With ‘Equilibrium’, Whitecross seems to be emerging from its transitional period that saw original member Rex Carroll depart and Scott Wenzel take full control of the band. Whitecross shows it certainly bears at last one of the marks of a great band. Simply stated, it is the group’s ability to grow, to change, to transform if you will, without losing its identity.

Whitecross has left behind the vestiges of late ’80s metal and arena rock, both of which the band borrowed heavily from, and is moving into a more basic, rich yet enigmatic approach that is reminiscent of Seattle bands like Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains. But make no mistake, ‘Equilibrium’ contains full strength Whitecross.

‘Equilibrium’ pulses with life, from the powerful music statements to the scorching vocals by Scott Wenzel. The band plays with a confidence that seems to grow stronger each new song and each new album. The musical weight is carried by folks like gifted producer Jimmie Lee Sloas, Jerry McPherson, Billy Smiley and band member Barry Graul. Wenzel continues to handle most of the lyric writing chores (which continue to focus on an evangelistically directed message). Whitecross now swaggers with a supple strength, based not on technical mastery and finesse, but from heart-wrenching passion which pours through the music and the lyrics.

Whitecross has made an essential journey, going from a one trick pony to potential thoroughbred status. [Devlin Donaldson, CCM, October 1995]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/equilibrium/518120875)

CD tracklist:

01. Faraway Places
02. Rubberneck
03. Collide
04. This One
05. Fallen
06. The Balance
07. Plowed Me Down
08. Now
09. Full Crucifixion
10. Windows

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by R.E.X. Music.

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