This weekend, German epic metal outfit EQUILIBRIUM announced unexpectedly the departure of founding members Sandra Van Eldik (bass) and Andreas Völkl (guitar).

Andreas and Sandra have released the following statements:

"Dear family, friends, fans and crew, I would like to tell you my decision, that my sister Sandra and I left the band Equilibrium. With all of you together, and more than a decade, I had the most beautiful concerts and tours, an exciting time in my life that I do not want to miss. Happieness and sorrow, lineup changes of all kinds, there was always something going on. René, Robse, Hati and crew, thank you for the nice time. I wish you all the best, go full blast! Every end is a new beginning. There will be a new band for me, which I will stay with you, musically and on stage. Best regards, Andi "
"Dear friends, family, crew and fans! Today is the day; for me the era of Equilibrium has come to an end. My brother Andi and I have decided to leave the band. In the past 13 years I got to learn a lot, had many ups and downs and I got to know a lot of people who enriched my life in many ways or have given me the opportunity to learn and grow. I would like to thank each and every one of you for all the energy, for the happy moments, feedback and support. I will keep it all in my heart for all times. René, Robse, Hati and crew. Thanks and all the best for you guys! For me it’s time to open new doors and find new challenges, for this it was necessary to leave behind the old and move on to something new. Thank you all!!! Sandra"

Mastermind René Berthiaume states: "Many years have passed now since Sandra, Andi and I founded this band and I can still remember very well the first sessions playing Metallica songs. I owe both of them great thanks because they helped me a lot to build up this band and they always stood by my side. So I was really surprised by their announcement to leave the band. But I know Sandra and Andi and I understand if they want to concentrate on other things in their life. They are out of the band now but not out of the world. And of course we are still friends!

My feelings are mixed: On the one hand I regret the departure of Sandra and Andi. On the other hand we are just before releasing an kick-ass new Equilibrium album and great shows. I'm someone who looks ahead and so we will intensively look for 2 musicians that fit into the band and will go the next steps with us in Equilibrium. To calm the concern of many fans: Equilibrium will continue as well as the music will not be affected in any way by this change inside the band."

Singer Robse adds: "After all these great tours and friendly intensive concert-adventures it strikes me deep in my heart to hear that my bandmates leave so suddenly and unexpected. Before I can make my comments I have to digest this shock first."

And Drummer Hati adds: "Last weekend was full with question marks and mixed feelings. Equilibrium had suffer a tremble, yet it is and will stay balanced! I would like to wish Sandra & Andi all the best with their future endeavours. I had the pleasure to work with you fine people and we did share a lot of moments together. will sure miss you guys... Rest assured that Rene, Robse and myself will continue the Equilibrium adventure and we are looking forward with positive and high expectations to what future holds."

Equilibrium will release their fourth studio album, Erdentempel, on June 6th via Nuclear Blast!

Guitarist, composer and lyricist René Berthiaume spent almost four years working on Erdentempel. The outcome is a very emotional and above all very personal album, that leads back to the roots of the band, without neglecting the bombast of the previous two records

The album was recorded, produced and mixed under the direction of René at Helion Studios and mastered at Finnvox-Studios. The cover artwork was done by Skadi van Terror.

Erdentempel tracklisting:

'Ankunft'

'Was Lange Währt'

'Waldschrein'

'Karawane'

'Uns'rer Flöten Klang'

'Freiflug'

'Heavy Chill'

'Wirtshaus Gaudi'

'Stein Meiner Ahnen'

'Wellengang'

'Apokalypse'

'The Unknown Episode'

René states: “Things finally get going again! The new album is done and we can hardly wait to share it with the world. The 12 titles are already a hint that it’s an extremely varied album. I have just listened to the album again, and I’ve never been so happy and excited after the completion of an album. The album really includes every facet of Equilibrium. We are also very proud of the cover artwork of Erdentempel. Skadi has been listening to the record most intensely, started to draw and this is the outcome. She really managed to put the content of the album into a picture! By the way, this time there is one song with English lyrics on the album. It is for all our fans who don’t speak German. So they can finally understand the lyircs while listening to it. The other songs are still in German, of course!"