Album number six from the Swedish doom act Avatarium, Between You, God, The Devil and the Dead, picks right off where 2022's Death, Where Is Your Sting left off. This band has been so consistently good with brewing their brand of epic, bluesy, and oftentimes folky AND proggy doom, and this latest AFM Records release is no exception. In fact, I'd argue that this might be their strongest effort since Avatarium and The Girl With the Raven Mask, which started off their career.
"Long Black Waves" starts things off in fine fashion, complete with thick, crushing riffs, commanding Hammond organ, and Jennie-Ann Smith's wonderful bluesy drawl. "I See You Better in the Dark" is more of a straightforward heavy rock masher, and pretty damn catchy I might add, while "My Hair Is on Fire (But I'll Take Your Hand)" delivers the gothic, doomy, epic metal sounds this band is known for. Their penchant for dripping some folk flavors can be heard on the lush "Lovers Give a Kingdom to Each Other", and they come right back and hammer home the massive doom with "Being With the Dead", another crusher with some tremendous riffing from Marcus Jidell and Smith's soaring vocal attack. Rickard Nilsson's swirling organ works wonders on the menacing "Until Forever and Again", and "Notes From the Underground" recalls vintage Deep Purple and Rainbow, tossed with a little Black Sabbath, the keys so eerie, and Jidell invoking not only Tony Iommi but also Ritchie Blackmore. The dark and ominous title track closes, Smith's gentle vocal floating over some brooding riffs, plodding drums, keys, and a stunning guitar solo.
Avatarium have been on quite a roll since they burst on the scene back in 2013, and even though founder Leif Edling stepped away years ago to devote all his time to Candlemass, they haven't missed a beat and are stronger than ever. Essential stuff right here for any doom fan.
Track Listing
1)Long Black Waves
2) I See You Better in the Dark
3) My Hair Is on Fire (But I'll Take Your Hand)
4)Lovers Give a Kingdom to Each Other
5)Being with the Dead
6)Until Forever and Again
7)Notes from Underground
8)Between You, God, the Devil and the Dead
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