Review Summary: Avatar crafts a near perfect 6th studio album, with many changes and musical improvements from their previous work.
*NOTE* Yes, this is a track by track review. I understand they are not the most desired, but please don't give me flack for that. I'm sure you could write a much better review than me, and I look forward to reading it and seeing your opinion if you post one!
"There goes the summer."
Feathers & Flesh is the sixth studio album from Swedish metal act Avatar, yet this marks their third entry into the 'mainstream' market. It also stands as the groups first concept album, a risky move for many bands.
Avatar teased us for a while, tallying up a massive five singles from this fourteen track album (sixteen if you buy the deluxe edition). As usual, their sound has changed somewhat as they seemingly go for a more raw, undoctored sound (the band avoided using synthesizers and sound editing programs in this latest offering).
'Regret' is a great kick start to the album. Setting the tone for the album, its a slow burn that rolls into a far heavier sound than that we are used to with the past two Avatar releases. Its short, sweet and serves as a nightmarish lullaby for this fable.
The next song was released alongside Regret as one of the early singles. 'House of Eternal Hunt' throws the listener right into the deep end with exceptionally melodic guitar riffs and a blisteringly fast drum track. To me, the track serves as a real call to arms.
'The Eagle has Landed' is the probably the song with the most "funk" on the album. And it so happens to be the only Avatar song my flatmate actually likes (and man, does he like it). The chorus is where this song really shines, with a sort of metal variation on a polka. Just like the last track (and much of the album), this song is riff heavy, and the unplugged variant third chorus really adds something special to the song. One of my favorites on the album.
Ah, finally a song that wasn't given to us early! 'New Land' brings back some of those classic screams from Johannes that were slightly lacking in Hail the Apocalypse. There's a great vocal presence in this track, a nice mix of soft and harsh singing. And the choir call and repeat mid way through was a unexpected, yet welcome addition. [9/10]
This little piggy not good enough for you? This little beast should suffice. "Tooth, Beak & Claw" reminds us that this album is a twisted fable. The song is punchy, and is the first track where the bass guitar really shines. A very different vocal sound from Johannes too.
"For the Swarm" is so short, but nails every detail with precision. This track really echos the busy lifestyle of bees (as per the album artwork). The repetition of riffs and vocals in the song is really representative of the life of these small creatures. They work the same routine day in, day out. It just goes to show the thought put into the album.
I think "Fiddlers Farewell" is my favourite on the album, and it's actually the softest track. For the first minute of the album, the instruments seem to avoid each other - the drums only play when the guitars have ceased. The vocals remain soft for the most part, but still maintain the haunting presence as always. This is a stellar ballad, and one that I hope will stand out for most on this album. It's placed halfway through the album and serves as a great comedown.
But not for long. As we jump back into the deep end with "One More Hill". The guitar riffs remind me of "Let it Burn" from The Black Waltz". Once again, the vocals complement all the other instruments and seem to be working with them, instead of trying to do their own thing. My only gripe is that the chorus does not seem as massive as I feel it could have been - but that's not a major issue. It does not take anything away from the song.
Track nine, "Black Waters" is a dark ditty, with distorted vocals and a good mix of clean and harsh guitars. It's a nice song, but I wish it was slightly faster and more upbeat.
I was so shocked when "Never Ending Night" came on. This sounds far too upbeat and positive to be a song by Avatar. It's weird. But I love it. The backing harmonies make this song stand out as the albums' one true anthem. It may not be the busiest song, but it makes up for that with the great change in style and pace. And once more, those stadium style chants are just perfection.
"Pray the Sun Away" opens with a deliciously fast and grimy bass. The song has a fair few changes in pace and is another fairly funky song in places - particularly when singing about the eagle... coincidence? And around the half way point, I could have sworn I was listening to a Mike Patton song. The song is ever changing, with so many interesting parts to listen out for.
"When the Snow Lies Red" has soft parts and heavy parts, which seems to be a real trait on this album. The soft parts really remind me of just how beautiful Johannes voice can be, calling back to "Tower" from their last album. A really great song.
The penultimate song "Raven Wine" is yet to grow on me. I'm sure I'll get into it soon enough, but aside from the (stellar) chorus, this song does not bring much to the table in my opinion. It a little too slow in parts for me, which is something I don't say often.
"Sky Burial". Avatar always do well with their final songs, and this album is no exception. It's softer than Tower, which is saying something. The first 40 seconds are Johannes softly singing the opening lines from "Regret", and when I say softly... unaccompanied by any instrumentation, its rather creepy with headphones. After this, the other instruments slowly enter - and its a wonderful selection. From bells to an organ, the soundscape is almost symphonic at time (yes, there are strings too). The marching drums echo a military-esque funeral service and run through the majority of the song (making for the simplest drums on the album) . The track never raises its voice - good thing too. Its a real auditory delight, and the perfect end to the album.
