It’s clear from the opening notes of Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead that Avatarium has long shed any notion of being a mere side project. Formed initially as a side venture by Candlemass bassist Leif Edling, the band’s impressive run, now spanning over a decade, proves that they have firmly established themselves as a dominant force within the modern doom and heavy metal scenes. Their sixth album is not just a continuation of their journey—it’s a powerful statement of their ever-growing evolution.
The band’s current lineup, which includes married duo Jennie-Ann Smith (vocals) and Marcus Jidell (guitar), alongside Mats Rydström (bass) and Andreas Habo Johansson (drums), has achieved a new level of creative synergy on this album. For Jidell, Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead marks a significant departure in the band’s approach, with the guitarist revealing that he has leaned heavily into playing the piano during the songwriting process. This classical influence, alongside the evolution of the band’s writing dynamic, has imbued the album with a darker, heavier vibe that strikes a balance between the signature heaviness of Avatarium’s earlier work and an even more somber, contemplative tone.
What stands out immediately is the way this record both reflects the band’s roots and propels them into new territory. While Avatarium’s previous albums have explored a blend of doom, progressive metal, and melancholic atmospheres, this one feels weightier and more introspective. Smith’s evocative and haunting vocals complement Jidell’s guitar work and the band’s expanded instrumentation, with piano elements adding a layer of elegance and classical flair, enriching the album’s emotional depth.
From the brooding atmospheres of tracks like “The Devil’s Garden” to the gripping intensity of the title track, Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead is a brilliant reflection of Avatarium’s ability to evolve without losing the core of what makes them unique. The album’s lyrics dive deep into existential themes, exploring the internal struggles between divine forces, personal demons, and the human condition, while the musical arrangements give room for reflection and catharsis.
Ultimately, Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead showcases Avatarium at the peak of their creativity. The record combines their established sound with fresh elements—richer, darker, and more immersive. While their founding member Edling may have departed, the band has proven they’re more than capable of standing on their own. With their songwriting chemistry stronger than ever, Avatarium continues to soar, adding another remarkable chapter to their already impressive catalog. This album will certainly resonate with fans old and new, solidifying Avatarium as one of the most compelling forces in modern doom and heavy metal.
Avatarium’s Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead is a striking testament to the band’s maturation and ever-evolving musicality. Throughout their journey, Avatarium has expertly combined heavy, doom-laden atmospheres with bluesy, soulful melodies—and this album is no exception. However, it takes things a step further, incorporating softer, more refined elements while still maintaining the weighty, evocative energy that fans have come to expect.
A key standout on this album is Jennie-Ann Smith’s vocal performance. Known for her unique combination of bluesy huskiness and operatic range, Smith continues to captivate on tracks like “I See You Better in the Dark.” Her voice effortlessly blends with the instrumental backdrop, which spans from gloomy, slow-paced passages to more energetic and hook-laden moments. The track captures the essence of Avatarium’s balance of melancholic doom with an energetic, vintage rock edge, evoking influences from late 60s and early 70s heavy metal and hard rock. Smith’s emotive delivery pairs seamlessly with the album’s dynamic instrumental range, creating an enduring impression.
Jidell’s virtuosic guitarwork shines throughout the album, adding a touch of fiery brilliance to the music. His solos and riffs are perfectly attuned to the mood of each song, whether he’s crafting energetic, rough-edged melodies or delivering smooth, melancholic lines. In concert with bassist Mats Rydström and drummer Andreas Habo Johansson, Jidell helps to construct arrangements that are both intricate and emotionally charged. The interplay between the instruments is fluid and inventive, drawing on gothic tones, rhythmic shifts, and classic heavy metal hooks.
Tracks like “Until Forever and Again” and “Being With The Dead” are prime examples of the band’s prowess at blending heavy doom with poignant emotional depth. With the help of evocative keyboard outbursts and haunting vocal harmonies, these songs convey a sense of gothic darkness, pulling listeners deeper into the album’s atmosphere. Avatarium continues to thrive in its ability to take familiar elements and elevate them, keeping their sound fresh and captivating with each successive track.
A particularly notable aspect of the album is how Avatarium delves into softer, more delicate territories without sacrificing the emotional intensity or authenticity of their music. “My Hair is On Fire (But I’ll Take Your Hand)” begins as a haunting piano ballad, with Smith’s dejected verses weaving an introspective story. The song gradually builds from the sparse melancholy of its opening into more aggressive, yet still deeply emotional, choruses, offering a seamless blend of contrasting sonic textures. The depth and sincerity in this track is a testament to the band’s ability to move between light and dark with ease.
The folk-influenced “Lovers Give a Kingdom to Each Other” is another example of Avatarium’s versatility. Acoustic guitars add a rustic, earthy touch, making the song feel intimate and grounded before transitioning back into their signature heavy sound. This exploration of diverse musical landscapes continues on the closing title track, “Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead,” which presents a stunning piano ballad that ties the album together with an emotionally devastating yet beautiful final statement. The song’s restrained sorrow and fragility offer a sense of closure, but it also leaves you longing for more, a perfect way to end the journey.
Overall, Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead stands as one of Avatarium’s finest works, displaying remarkable growth both in songwriting and instrumentation. Smith’s emotional delivery, paired with the band’s masterful execution, creates an album that is at once familiar and adventurous. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the band or new to their sound, this album is a testament to Avatarium’s ability to transcend genre boundaries while delivering music that is both deep and impactful. Fans of doom, heavy metal, and emotionally charged rock music will find plenty to love here, and with its intricate compositions and rich melodies, Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead is sure to resonate long after the last note fades.