AVATARIUM album (reviews)AVATARIUM
Between You, God, The Devil And The Dead
AFM Records

It’s sobering when you realise that AVATARIUM’s eponymous debut was released nearly 12 years ago. What began as a side project for Leif Edling has now become something quite remarkable in sound and form. It still feels like yesterday that I first heard the powerful bluesy tones of Jennie-Ann Smith on “Moonhorse”. It’s even more impressive to realise that the band are now releasing album number six, and in “Between You, God, The Devil And The Dead”, AVATARIUM have once again delivered an absorbing and compelling record that draws you in, envelopes you in its delicious arms and refuses to let go.

It’s an album that has some instant hooks. “I See You Better In The Dark” has a beautifully addictive swagger that gets you singing along and whistling the riff for hours after. It’s a perfectly crafted track, utilising the band’s 70s vibes to the full. Smith is in majestic form throughout the album, whilst partner Marcus Jidell remains a powerhouse on guitar. Add in Jidell’s rich, thick keys and piano, as well as the solid rhythm section of drummer Andreas Habo Johansson and bassist Mats Rydström and it is a classy combination, now a complete and cohesive unit that seems to be intent on delivering some of their most impressive work to date.

Fans will already be familiar with “I See You Better In The Dark”, album opener “Long Black Waves” and the title track. All three have the familiar tones of AVATARIUM but all bring different strands to the party. “Long Black Waves” has the classic darkness that sets the anticipation levels at maximum. Smith’s stunning vocals are as evocative and enchanting as ever, sweeping with that deep bluesy tone that works so well with Jidell’s delicious guitar work.

The title track which ends the album is a different beast altogether. A solo piano begins the track, soon accompanied by Smith in what is probably her most intoxicating performance on the album. It’s this combination, with Jidell’s piano prominent in different parts of the album, that is one of the many delights to uncover. Drenched in crushing emotion, it’s a song that can really impact. Explore the meandering “Lovers Give A Kingdom To Each Other”, with its gentle psychedelic and Zeppelinesque tones for just one example. Jidell clarifies: “Now we’re older, we have new perspectives on life and music. I think one of the big things for this album, music-wise, is that I’ve started playing much more piano, so I’ve been composing for the album that way. There’s been a focus on classical music, so maybe the album is a little bit influenced by that”.

Between You, God, The Devil And The Dead” has evidently benefitted from a slow burn build up. It’s evident in the quality that there has been substantial craft and guile added to each of the songs as well as the overall high-level production and mixing. “We’ve been working on this album for one and a half years”, says Smith. “Of course, it has been at a slow pace because obviously we have a life together that includes other things as well! But these things take time, writing material that didn’t find its way to the album, and that’s just how it is”.

Although they have returned to their mellifluous doom style, there is no repetition of earlier formulas here. Each track presents something different, whether it be the hard rock style of “I See You Better In The Dark”, the atmospheric drama of first single “Long Black Waves”, the almost Dio/Sabbath era style on “Being With The Dead”, or the emotional “My Hair Is On Fire (But I’ll Take Your Hand)”. The latter sweeps the listener back to the earlier style of the band, such is the sheer intensity that is produced. It’s an early epic that sweeps the listener along with huge swathes of dramatic power.

And what of the intriguing title of this record? Well, you can be assured that despite the questions that it suggests, it’s not a concept album, but more about raising questions that have come through other routes. As Smith says, “It’s not a concept album! I’m not really into that kind of thing. But we’re both very interested in these existential questions. For me it’s a lucky accident that I got into the doom genre. It was not intentional on my part! But my whole life, I’ve been interested in these things, so to have this forum where we can dig into questions of life, death and its meaning is really inspiring. I work as a psychotherapist when I’m not doing Avatarium. I meet a lot of patients who deal with death anxiety, so it’s part of my everyday life, and these questions are constantly in my mind. It’s great to be able to connect with others through these deep and sometimes very difficult questions through music”.

Six albums, all different yet connected by some definitive similarities. “Between You, God, The Devil And The Dead” is exquisite in so many ways. Instantly recognisable, AVATARIUM’s latest release is a timeless classic. If there was any doubt that the band were still feeling their way, then this is the release to dispel everything that the doubters may throw at it. It’s impossible not to feel emotionally encased by it, and whilst it’s a brave statement in early January, one can’t help but feel that this release should feature come the end of 2025.

Paul Hutchings