2nd August 2026

Review “i” by EQS

Hailing from Kolkata India, EQS (Eris Quod Sum) was founded in 2018 by composer, vocalist and lyricist Piqu as an avant-garde Metal band with 90’s influences. Taking their name from a Latin phrase often used on gravestones “Eram quod es, eris quod sum” which translates to “I was what you are, you will be what I am” adding to the quirky nature of the image the quartet portray. Their ongoing mission to revive Metal from the overused tropes of modern DJent and Metalcore seems a futile one but we can have some fun trying, can’t we?

<a href="https://eqspress.bandcamp.com/album/i">i by EQS</a>The 90’s Metal influences run deep with opening cut “East Coker IV“, a blend of Creed inspired clean choruses and harsh, raspy dry throated verses mixed with Nu-Metal riffs and the eclectic and eccentric influence of Mike Patton making for an intriguing burnt offering. Sure the clean vocals are a little rough around the edges and the synth moments feel a little unnecessary but the zesty nature of the beast makes it fun. “Au Revoir” continues the pattern in a fashion reminiscent of “Are You Kidding Me? No.” era Destrage, the inventive drum patterns and slick riffs adding to the quirky lyrical narrative. There is even time to shoehorn in a little Jazz in the closing moments before an unhinged final verse that just crazy good fun.

Violins and grunge flavours introduce “Dear Boy” before the guitars pick up to give the track a bit of bounce and greater energy. Just when you think you have it figured out, a Jazz orientated flourish drops into Progressive Metal in an almighty left turn, fleeting harsh vocals leading into a System Of A Down like bridge. Bold and brave, the fact that this is still a cohesive listen with a good flow to it that doesn’t lose any of its energy feels like an accomplishment. Last but by no means least “Lioness and Billy Goat” has a nice picking pattern introduction with a Alice In Chains vibe as Piqu offers a Layne Staley style voice. You can sense that the mirror is going to be smashed however, it’s just a matter of when, not if and after three minutes the guitars and harsh vocals come crashing down in barnstorming fashion. It’s the insanity of this that makes it good because its clever and fun, every move going against the grain of what you’d expect simply because they can [7/10]

Track Listing

1. East Coker IV
2. Au Revoir
3. Dear Boy
4. Lioness and Billy Goat

“i” by EQS is out 13th April 2026 and is available over at bandcamp