XYSTUS is a Dutch Progressive heavy-metal band formed in 1999 by drummer Ivo Van DIJK and guitarist-vocalist Bas DOLMANS. They enlisted bassist Mark BREKELMANS and second guitarist Bob WITSMA. Through the course of releasing two albums, 2004's "Receiving Tomorrow" and 2006's "Surreal", the band built up a buzz and fanbase in The Netherlands. The musicians even contacted the Utrechtsch Studenten Concert (The country's oldest symphony orchestra), in order to record the rock opera "Equilibrio". Conceived as both an actual stage production and studio recording, is was performed to four sold out audiences in July 2008. Over four thousand people witnessed the opera. Sensory is proud to release the studio recording of "Equilibrio", which features key scenes from the opera. The story revolves around a wanderer named Diegu (Bas DOLMANS) who finds himself caught between the forces of Good and Evil, the power mad ruler Primos (John VOOIJS) and the altruistic rebel Avelin (Michelle SPLIETELHOF). Primos makes a pact with Death (George OSTHOEK) to take over the world. After unsuccessful efforts by Diegu to mediate between Avelin and Primos, the latter ends up with complete power and the world is thrown out of balance. Diegu is summoned by the goddess Lady Sophia (Simone SIMONS). She watches over Earth and entrusts Diegu with the job of reuniting Primos and Avelin in order to restore the balance between Good and Evil again.