Avatarium – Between You, God, The Devil and the Dead Review

Avatarium Returns with Masterful 6th Album...

 

Gothic/Doom

AFM Records

Release Date – January 24th 2025

 

Line Up:

Jennie-Ann Smith – Vocals

Marcus Jidell – Guitar

Mats Rydstrom – Bass

Andreas Habo Johansson – Drums

 

Tracklist:

Long Black Waves

I See You Better In The Dark

My Hair Is On Fire (But I’ll Take Your Hand)

Lovers Give A Kingdom To Each Other

Being With The Dead

Until Forever Again

Notes From Underground

Between You, God, The Devil and the Dead

 

 

Since their debut in 2013, Avatarium has consistently delivered powerful music. Originally founded by Leif Edling of Candlemass, they quickly gained legendary status. Edling’s departure due to health reasons left the band in the capable hands of guitarist Marcus Jidell, who also produced and mixed this new offering.

The album kicks off with the solid doom of “Long Black Waves,” setting the mood perfectly. Jennie-Ann Smith’s vocals continue to impress, smooth and melodic, perfectly complementing the dark vibes. A wonderful warm organ line adds a touch of 60s influence. “I See You Better In The Dark” ups the pace with a driving groove, showcasing Jidell’s impressive guitar work.

My Hair Is On Fire (But I’ll Take Your Hand)” opens with a plaintive piano line, building into a melodic doom epic that rolls and tumbles with waves of dark noise before culminating in a smoky climax.

Lovers Give A Kingdom To Each Other” features an acoustic start reminiscent of Tony Iommi’s early Sabbath work. The song takes a jazzy turn with lively guitar lines and background vibes, while Smith delivers a heart-wrenching torch song.

Being With The Dead” unleashes heavy riffs and a powerful drum intro from Andreas Habo Johansson. “Until Forever And Again” is more foreboding, with a monumental keyboard line and reverb-drenched vocals. The instrumental “Notes From Underground” offers a brief Eastern-inspired interlude before the title track concludes the album with another beautifully melancholic piano line and Smith’s soul-baring vocals.

Avatarium transcends the label of “doom metal.” They seamlessly blend various elements, creating a unique and captivating sound. This album is a masterpiece, deserving of careful listening and appreciation.

I highly recommend checking out this record.

 

Written by: Smudge

Ratings: 9/10

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