Avatarium - S/T

(CD Album Review)

****
Candlemass mainman new project sees him more adventurous as ever...

Avatarium is the new project from Candlemass mastermind Leif Edling. Mixing Doom Metal with Folk and Prog Metal touches. A main factor in the sound is the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Jennie-Ann Smith. Opener 'Moonhorse' explodes with a massive slow riff, then goes into a Folky strumming while Jennie-Ann sings dreamy...well wierd peotry! It brings to mind Kate Bush or Tori Amos before exploding back into a epic Doom chorus.

The album follows a similar pattern for the next couple of tracks until the albums main treat kicks in with 'Boneflower' the song literally slithers into your sub conscious and you will be humming it in your sleep. It's a dark sexy track that's worth checking this album out for alone. 'Bird of Prey' is also a highlight, the chorus is worthy of Dio era Black Sabbath. Closing track 'Lady in the Lamp' is this lovely mellow song but kicks in during the last minute to give a massive climax.

Avatarium Is a great album if your a fan of Black Sabbath or Candlemass obviously you can't go wrong here Jennie-Ann Smith's vocals are to die for. It was well publicized that 'Psalms for the Dead' was to be Candlemass' last album which I doubt but if so I'd be happy if this became his new focus. If it's only to be a side project then so be it but either way the music world would benefit from more music from this band.