Review AVATARIUM “Between You, the Devil and the Dead”

Avatarium is one of the bands I have been able to follow from the very beginning, including their first show outside of Sweden. The band played at the legendary festival in The Netherlands in April 2014 and impressed with a seven song setlist.

At that time the band released their debut album and now, almost eleven years later, we can welcome longplayer number six. “Between You, the Devil and the Dead” is the rather long title of an album that contains eight new songs from the Swedes.

What started in 2012 as a side project of Candlemass icon Leif Edling has turned into a band that consistently releases great albums, and the latest one is no exception. “Between You, the Devil and the Dead” contains songs that are fueled by melancholy and at the same time unfold a heaviness that is reminiscent of the earlier days.

Avatarium is the creative outlet for Jeannie-Ann Smith and Marcus Jidell. Both provide the key elements of Avatarium’s sound. There are the outstanding vocals of Jeannie-Ann and the furious riffs of Jidell, which shape the sound of “Between You, the Devil and the Dead” from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter if we listen to the dark “Long Black Waves”, which immediately reminds us of the debut album with its doomy riff. The classic rock influences are still present (“I See You Better in the Dark”), but the band gives more space to the heavier and doom-driven sound that echoes in songs like the mighty “Being with the Dead”. The latter is a real doom monster with a mighty riff that forms a counterpoint to Jeannie-Ann’s crystal clear vocals. This contrast is a major aspect of Avatarium’s success, and no other band connects the dots as well as the Stockholm-based powerhouse.

The full spectrum of Avatarium’s sound is displayed on the fantastic “My Hair is on Fire (But I’ll Take Your Head)”. The piano-based opening and soulful vocals lead to an explosive chorus that could have come from the band’s debut. Same approach but different is what “Lovers Give a Kingdom to Each Other” expresses. This time it’s the acoustic guitar that leads the way and the heavy eruptions are not present. What is common is the emotional power the song exudes.

A song that shows the range of Avatarium’s sound is “Notes from Underground”. The three-minute instrumental showcases Jindell’s great guitar playing as well as the classic rock influences. At least I had to think of bands like Rainbow while listening to the song, before it gets heavier in the second half. Almost a bit Metallica-like then, but still 100% Avatarium.

The album ends with the title track. “Between You, the Devil and the Dead” starts with the gentle sound of a piano and it is a goosebump moment when Jeannie-Ann’s voice joins in. The song spreads its dark vibe without relying on heavy doom riffs. It’s more a subtle and emotional heaviness that fills the room.

“Between You, the Devil and the Dead” is the next milestone for Avatarium as the album combines a lot of what we have heard from the band before. Still connected to their roots and trademark sound, the Swedes always surprise with a new interpretation of it. “Between You, the Devil and the Dead” is a very well done doom rock/metal album from a band that knows how to deliver emotions through great composition. There is a lot to explore on this great album.