Death, Where is Your Sting
Avatarium
From their EPK, "Death, Where Is Your Sting" was written over a two-year period, during the global pandemic. The band was forced to adjust to the routine of band members and people around them getting COVID, delaying and rescheduling writing and recording sessions as needed. It is a reference to the Corinthian letters from the Bible, with the idea that people will certainly relate to the songs on the record." The album has eight songs.
"A Love Like Ours" is the first. Sad, folky, and melancholy tones open the song. It picks up a little with the addition of the riff, and there are also some light electronic elements in the background. "Stockholm" features a heavier sound, but still with those ominous, Doomy tones. Some of the backing elements bring out the longing sound, as do the held vocals "ahhs." The title track has a little more of a traditional jaunt, with some hopeful tones. The chorus is also pretty catchy. "Psalm for the Living" is a charming song with emotive vocals and a delicate, poignant backdrop. It's has a very pretty sound.
"God is Silent" could be an atheist's or agnostic's take on the current state of affairs in the world. It certainly seems that way. A slow, grinding riff with heavy chunky bass notes hold down the bottom end. The riff then chugs along with the guitars going forward. "Mother, Can You Hear Me Now" is the meaty sound I was waiting for. The song lumbers forward slowly, with poignant vocals in the chorus, begging for some relief from the pain. The leads are also quite soulful, following the melody line with longing for what seems like days. "Nocturne" has a dark riff and more anger than despair. Jennie-Ann also takes a bit more aggressive approach with the vocals. The chorus is filled with melody, and a big punch in the face.
"Transcendent" closes the album. Solemn, acoustical tones open the song. Psychedelic layers are added until the main riff drops, heavy and contentious. Mellow violin notes play behind in support. The sound then abruptly drops to slow moving acoustic guitars to completion. "Death, Where is Your Sting" is a fairly original take on the Doom Metal genre. Many of the song wallow in darkness and tones of grey, but there are plenty of other diverse sounds in support. One of the things I like best about the album is that it is unpredictable in that sense. It's not a one-dimensional, Doom Metal album.
7 / 10
Good
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Death, Where is Your Sting" Track-listing:
1. A Love like Ours
2. Stockholm
3. Death, Where is Your Sting
4. Psalm for the Living
5. God Is Silent
6. Mother, Can You Hear Me Now
7. Nocturne
8. Transcendent
Avatarium Lineup:
Marcus Jidell - Guitars, Vocals, Piano, Cello, Keyboards
Jennie-Ann Smith - Vocals, Organ, Piano
Mats Rydström - Bass
Andreas Johansson - Drums, Percussion
More results...