![equinox – journey into oblivion [re-release]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Equinox-Journey-into-Oblivion-Re-Release-cover.jpg "Equinox – Journey into Oblivion [Re-Release]")
Info
- Band(s): Equinox
- Label(s): Gurgling Gore, VIC Records
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, Cassette, CD, Re-Release
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: March 2, 2025
- Author(s): Dungeon Shaker
Equinox’s 2003 release, ‘Journey Into Oblivion’ is not one I had really listened to much before getting to write this review. And after diving into it a bit, it’s grown on me. ‘Journey into Oblivion’ is the second and final full-length from the relatively short-lived project and has now been remastered and re-released, which will hopefully bring some more attention to this very underappreciated band.
Equinox fits into the Black/Death Metal realm with most of their material being much more Death Metal with just a splash of Black Metal. This album is filled to the brim with riffs that show a huge reverence for bands like Bathory, Sodom, Possessed and Celtic Frost. With influence like that it’s hard to not get hooked. All the varied elements to the song writing make for a very dynamic and diverse listen that doesn’t get stale. Some moments its grooves that could have come straight from ‘Morbid Tales’. Other times its melodic tremolo riffing, synths and squealing guitar solos. All built upon that ageless, Florida Death Metal skeleton.
Since this is a re-release, there are a few things different from the original. The cover artwork has stayed the same which is great but there used to be a great cover of ‘Seance’ by Possessed to wrap up the album which has not returned. But instead, they included a 1994 promo demo (‘Come Forth the Haunting’, ‘Divine Ascension’, ‘Return to Mystery’) and ‘The Basement Sessions 1993’ (‘Beyond’, ‘Battle Tide’). The ’94 demo tracks really flaunt the Celtic Frost influence. Yeah I know I’ve brought that up a few times but just give it a listen and you’ll see what I mean. The overall pace is slower than their later material, but they do it very well and keep it exciting with great riff variation. ‘The Basement Sessions 1993’ is as raw as they come. I guess you could assume as much since they were most likely recorded in a basement in 1993, but these are some great tracks that are steeped in the early Death Metal stench. Very Thrash adjacent with some surprisingly dexterous solos set in-between sections of trudging *cough* Celtic Frost grooves.
Because ‘Journey Into Oblivion’ and Equinox as a whole were a bit late to the party, they have seemingly been lost to time, not receiving a whole lot of attention. Making these albums accessible again will surely bring around some newfound love for the music these guys have expertly crafted. So, if you’re into those sort of fringe Death Metal classics like Nocturnus or Evil Incarnate, do yourself a favor and check out Equinox.
Gurgling Gore
- Country: USA
- Style: Death Metal
- Links: Homepage, Instagram, Bandcamp
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VIC Records
- Country: Netherlands
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Thrash Metal, Other
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube
