Since the beginning of Metal, in the late 60s, the members of famous bands always liked to put ideas that would not fit on their principal works on parallel projects or another bands. And of course it became a sweet headache to some musicians, because both their principal bands and their solo careers or parallel bands work nicely. Of course they tried (and still try, even now) to conciliate both bands. And that's the case from Leif Edling (CANDLEMASS' bassist) and Lars Sköld (TIAMAT drummer), because their work in AVATARIUM is so good that it can become as great as their bands. And maybe "Girl With the Raven Mask" can make the band more known on Metal scene worldwide.

It's a mix between Doom Metal, with some aspects from traditional Heavy Metal, and some touches from Stoner Rock (due the excellent work from Carl Westholm), but always sounding heavy and elegant due the excellent voice of Jennie-Ann Smith. Yes, the band is excellent, doing a very good work, with an all-personal insight and a 60s/70s touch.

Marcus Jidell    (producer, engineering), David Castillo (engineering, mixing), Jens Bogren (mastering) and other guys were the team who worked behind the scenes to give the album this very good sound quality, clean and sounding very heavy and tender. It's a very good work, indeed.

Their songs are very good, all of them, but the energetic and powerful "Girl With the Raven Mask" (a song full of weight and strength, showing a very good work from bass and drums, and fine guitar riffs as well), the introspective melodies found on "The January Sea" (wow, what a wonderful work from the vocals and keyboards! And there are aggressive moments as well, showing the power of the guitars again), the elaborated "Ghostlight" (full of great harmonies, a powerful work from the vocals and great orchestrations), and the excellent and outstanding "Iron Mule" (a song rich in rhythmic changes, showing that bass and drums are doing a fine job).

This album is really something that warms our souls.<