👉 [Chronique – UK] – Avatarium – « Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead » (2025) par Harrag Melodica.

The Swedish Band Avatarium released their new studio album, titled « Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead », on January 24, 2025, via the label AFM Records.

Hi Everyone!

I’d like to take a moment to talk about the tracks that make up this new album.

Let’s start with the opening track, « Long Black Waves »...

This opening piece features heavy, dark riffs, characteristic of Doom Metal, enriched with touches of Bluesy Rock. The atmosphere is introspective, weighty, and captivating, offering a powerful introduction to the album.

« Long Black Waves » explores deep themes such as death, spirituality, and inner struggles, all wrapped in a rich, melodic Doom Metal atmosphere.

Jenny-Ann Smith’s voice embodies this « Long Black Wave »: it’s mysterious, dark, and enchanting.
« You are the Wind, I am the Sea… »
The lyrics reference the Gospels:
« Mathew, Mark, Luke and John,
God bless the bed that I lie on. »

Jenny-Ann Smith sings these lines like an incantation, evoking the four evangelists, witnesses to the birth of Christ.

I See You Better In The Dark

This track stands out with its energetic groove and catchy rhythm, infused with elements of 70s soul music, reminiscent of artists like Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, or even Aretha Franklin.

 These influences contrast with the dark tone of the rest of the album while maintaining the band’s essence.

The lyrics of the song begin like this:
« I have had a strange premonition,
I put my ear to the ground and carefully listen. »

During the filming of the music video, the band was plunged into complete darkness, a bold approach that resulted in incredibly natural visuals. The images, captured with mystical moments and blurred or masked faces, are beautifully staged by Johan Lundsten. He adds a fascinating visual dimension, almost cinematic in feel, leaving plenty of room for personal interpretation.

My Hair Is On Fire (But I’ll Take Your Hand)

This song exudes an intense atmosphere, reflecting considerable emotional depth. It evokes a slow funeral march, with heavy riffs and a somber mood.
The poignant lyrics resonate like a declaration of devotion :

« I am a goddess, I understand,
My hair is on fire but I’ll take your hand.
Life is so unfair, you can be sure,
I will protect you, like no one has before. »

The guitar solo, meanwhile, resembles a shooting star streaking across the darkness of the night, seemingly heading toward infinity without ever stopping.

Lovers Give A Kingdom To Each Other

This track is particularly interesting for several reasons. It’s a folk-inspired acoustic ballad with psychedelic accents, offering a gentle pause in the middle of the album. The song ends with a melodic and moving solo.
« Lovers Give A Kingdom To Each Other »showcases Avatarium’s ability to create deeply diverse songs. It’s a track that touches the heart directly and stays in your mind long after listening. The lyrics speak of a profound love, where two beings give everything to each other, even at the cost of their own inner kingdom.

Being With The Dead

This song combines elements of shamanic rituals, evoking the healing of the body and spirit. The percussion by Andreas Habo Johansson (the band’s drummer) reinforces this hypnotic atmosphere.
Marcus Jidell’s guitar work suggests a kind of dialogue or communion with animals and the plant world, as if seeking to convey comfort or a vibration to the afterlife.

Until Forever And Again

This track features the Hammond organ…
It might be shamanic—I can’t help but think of Jon Lord…

Notes From Underground

This instrumental piece starts with a darbuka, a traditional drum from the Maghreb, raising the question: Is Avatarium looking to incorporate sounds from other continents for the future of their music?
(Answer in the podcast interview)

Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead

The track closes the album on a poignant note. It begins as a piano ballad, with an emotive vocal performance by Jenny-Ann Smith, before evolving into a power ballad enhanced by a remarkable guitar solo.

« Between You, The Devil and The Dead »is an album that showcases Avatarium’s artistic maturity. It’s both accessible to new listeners and deeply satisfying for long-time fans. Jenny-Ann Smith’s voice is more captivating than ever, and the compositions are polished and emotional.
As you’ll have gathered, this title is a metaphor for the human condition, torn between good and evil, life and death, and the invisible forces that surround us.

Everything plays out in the mind and heart of each individual !!

Harrag Melodica 213Rock Show

Vinylestimes Classic Rock Radio

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Harrag

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