In the last decade Swedish doom/hard rock maestros Avatarium successfully have been forging a darkly compelling sonic pathway that continues to shine with elegance and creativity on the latest studio effort “Between You, God, the Devil and The Dead”.
“Long Black Waves” sounds like a legitimate hymn to the enigmatic side of doom metal as murky guitar riffs efficiently build heavy rhythmic progressions but Avatarium also show a brooding melodic essence focusing on slow burning leads and deeply passionate vocals.
A stylish piano piece accompanied by Jennie-Ann Smith’s bewitching voice reveals the immersive melodic soul of “My Hair Is On Fire (But I’ll Take Your Hand)” while guitars can naturally mix tenebrous tonalities and virtuosity.
“Lovers Give A Kingdom To Each Other” almost feels like a melancholic ballad as the band unravels a mesmerizing vocal performance and warm bluesy acoustic passages floating gracefully through an otherworldly atmospheric realm.
“Being With The Dead” is a hymn to the band’s glorious classic doom roots as guitars confidently unleash towering riffs while the emotional quality of the chorus is rightfully emphasized by crestfallen melodic progressions.
Throughout “Until Forever And Again” you can clearly feel the heavy weight of the majestic riffage sincerely adorned by impeccable vocal harmonies that can even convey a decadently romantic mood.
The doom metal legacy is safe and sound within the gloomy world of “Between You, God, the Devil and The Dead” yet Avatarium never refrain from introducing diverse elements to skillfully maintain a refreshing songwriting approach.

Swedish doom metal band Avatarium bravely continues to shape a unique sonic identity on the fifth record “Death, Where Is Your Sting” focusing on an ideal blend of darkness and poetry.
The bittersweet romance of “A Love Like Ours” lingers through the elegant violins and the exquisite atmospheric tapestries while guitars create darkened slow burning melodic crescendos to complement Jennie-Ann Smith’s impeccable vocal performance.
On “Stockholm” the guitar riffs instantly acquire a traditional doom flair enhancing the eerie atmosphere in contrast with the deeply melancholic acoustic phrases and the heart wrenching vocal harmonies.
The mood becomes darker as “God Is Silent” focuses mainly on fierce doom laden rhythmic patterns fueled by the monolithic drumming and the heavy weight of the guitar riffs which ultimately lead to an extensive blistering solo.
“Nocturne” features a wilder rhythmic rampage highlighting the dominant role of the gritty guitars yet there is an inner melodic soul bound to emerge within the softer chorus and the harrowing solo.
The instrumental final track “Transcendent” spellbinds the listeners with wistful atmospheric arrangements and warm acoustic passages that will naturally evolve into a mournful doom rhythmic ensemble embellished by classical violins.
From beginning to end “Death, Where Is Your Sting” successfully showcases a diverse composition revolving around Jennie-Ann’s exceptional vocals as Avatarium aim to express profound emotions without forgetting their strong doom metal roots.