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

Avatarium
Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead
Label: AFM Records
Out: January 24^th, 2024
Playing time: 42:45

Avatarium were formed in 2013, originally as a side project of Candlemass mastermind Leif Edling, who brought on board exceptional vocalist Jennie-Ann Smith and guitarist Marcus Jidell. Originally, the band filled a niche in Doom Metal.

(Avatarium) … become one of the most creative and unpredictable hard rock bands on the planet.

According to the press release. Following the leaving of Leif Edling (2017), the band is led by partners Jennie-Ann Smith and Marcus Jidell. Five studio albums, one live album and various EPs and singles have been released to date. Album number six ‘Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead’ will be released in January 2025.

The opener ‘Long Black Waves’ already disproves the above quote. What we hear here is Epic Doom that comes across as melancholic. The sound is characterised by the unique voice of Jennie-Ann Smith and the hard, deep riffs of guitarist Marcus Jidell. And then the master plays a strong guitar solo, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and booming bass. A Hammond wobbles briefly at the end. There are also deep, distorted guitar riffs in the somewhat faster ‘I See You Better In The Dark’. A Hammond can also be heard here. The refrain is catchy and easy to sing along to. Yes, there are hints of Hard Rock here, but not superficially. In ‘My Hair Is On Fire (But I ll Take Your Hand)’, Jennie-Ann’s voice seems fragile at times. However, she also has to fight against heavy riffs and becomes stronger. The song ends with heavy but calm electric piano sounds. ‘Lovers Give A Kingdom To Each Other’ offers a new sound colour, thanks to the acoustic guitars. Later on, these also sound slightly funky. In places, this leads to a slight folk edge. Only during the guitar solo towards the end are the guitars electrically amplified. ‘Being With The Dead’ is again characterised by harsh, heavy riffs and this time powerful vocals. And the refrain is catchy again. This song is likely to be a highlight of live performances, also thanks to the outstanding guitar solos. The guitar shrieks in parts and is thereby accompanied by rhythmic drums. A classic fade-out can be heard at the end. ‘Until Forever And Again’ takes us back to Epic Doom Metal. Here, too, a Hammond can be heard again and again alongside the melody-giving guitar. The harsh riffs go perfectly with the ethereal vocals.  The instrumental track ‘Notes From Underground’ also offers epic doom. There is a filigree guitar solo right at the beginning. But then the extremely hard riffs kick in again. The title track ‘Between You, God, The Devil And The Dead’ starts as a piano ballad. Jennie-Ann shows her seemingly fragile side again. But the musical range extends further. Right up to a power ballad with a great guitar solo. And a contemplative ending.

I have often emphasised singer Jennie-Ann Smith and guitarist Marcus Jidell. But the album ‘Between You, God, The Devil And The Dead’ lives from the harmonious interplay of all the musicians. Avatarium remain true to themselves and deliver outstanding Epic and Melancholic Doom, covering both Metal and Rock. And this triggers deep emotions in the listener. The songs are extremely varied. The musicians prove once again that sustained atmospheric Doom does not always have to be monotonous.

Avatarium – I See You Better In The Dark: https://youtu.be/VFKfPIV_aZc?si=odWuN_MCv_-HKeJn

Lineup:

Jennie-Ann Smith – Vocals
Marcus Jidell – Guitar
Andreas Habo Johansson – Drums, Percussion
Mats Rydström – Bass

Track list:

• 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 And Again
• Notes From Underground
• Between You, God, The Devil And The Dead