Avatarium: The Doom Metal Alchemists

Avatarium is a Swedish doom metal band known for blending heavy, melancholic riffs with progressive rock flourishes and ethereal vocals. Formed in 2012, the group has carved a distinct niche within the metal scene through a series of critically acclaimed albums that push the boundaries of the genre.

Early career

Avatarium was founded in Stockholm in 2012 by Leif Edling, the legendary bassist and main songwriter of doom metal pioneers Candlemass. Edling aimed to create a new project exploring classic doom metal sounds infused with 1970s progressive rock influences. The initial lineup was completed by guitarist Marcus Jidell, drummer Lars Sköld, keyboardist Carl Westholm, and most notably, vocalist Jennie-Ann Smith, whose powerful and soulful voice became the band's defining characteristic.

Breakthrough

The band's self-titled debut album, Avatarium, was released in 2013 through Nuclear Blast Records. The record was met with immediate praise for its authentic doom atmosphere and Smith's captivating performance, establishing Avatarium as a fresh force in the metal world. Their 2015 follow-up, The Girl with the Raven Mask, solidified their reputation, showcasing a more expansive and progressive songwriting approach that resonated deeply with fans of heavy, melodic music.

Key tracks

Moonhorse - The epic opening track from their debut, it perfectly introduced their signature blend of crushing doom riffs and haunting, melodic vocals.

The Girl with the Raven Mask - The title track from their second album exemplifies their evolution into more complex, narrative-driven progressive doom.

Lay Me Down - A standout track showcasing Jennie-Ann Smith's blues-tinged vocal delivery over a slow, heavy foundation.

Pearls and Coffins - This song highlights the band's ability to weave beautiful, melancholic melodies into a powerful doom metal framework.

Stars They Move - A later career track that illustrates their continued exploration of psychedelic and folk elements within their doom sound.

Following Leif Edling's gradual step back due to health reasons, the band continued as a cohesive unit with Jennie-Ann Smith and Marcus Jidell taking over primary songwriting duties. This shift was evident on subsequent albums like 2017's Hurricanes and Halos and 2019's The Fire I Long For, which further incorporated 70s rock and folk influences while retaining the core doom metal weight. Their most recent work, 2023's Death, Where Is Your Sting, continues this trajectory, presenting a dynamic and mature version of the Avatarium sound.

Fans of Avatarium's melancholic and melodic approach to heavy music often appreciate the work of similar Swedish acts. The foundational doom of Candlemass is an obvious precursor, given Leif Edling's involvement. The progressive and atmospheric metal of Opeth shares a similar adventurous spirit. The melodic sensibilities and powerful female vocals can be found in the work of The Night Flight Orchestra. The classic, riff-oriented doom metal of Witchcraft also occupies a related musical space.