Music

Rockquest's first ever instrumental winners release their debut single

Image by Dave Thomson

Rockquest winners in 2025, they shot to critical acclaim with rapid online audience growth following their success, and now releasing their debut single EQUILIBRIUM have it all going on.

'Rumination' is a genre defying instrumental track featuring jazz harmonies, progressive metal influences, and pop-rock inspired melodies. It captures the band in full force - driven yet precise.

Based in Ōtautahi, four-piece EQUILIBRIUM are the first ever instrumental group to take out the Smokefreerockquest national title. The music video was filmed by Imaginary Friends videographer Dave Thomson at Christchurch’s iconic Great Hall, providing a dramatic backdrop that is appropriate for the immensity of the music and ambition of their performance.

Only their first release of the block, the single carries the weight of their success to date. It could be a sign of what is to follow.

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