Review Summary: Yet another instance of Avatarium's consistent high quality in action
Much like how 2017’s Hurricanes and Haloes saw Avatarium diving deeper into their seventies rock influences, their fifth album spends its time exploring the dark folk aspects of their sound. The dusky aura that marked the Swedes’ last couple outings is given full space to breathe here and the heavier riff-driven segments happening with less frequency suggest a near complete move away from their doom metal roots. The electric guitars are used more for tone painting alongside the keyboards and strings, allowing the vocals and acoustic work to take center stage.
But like the other shifts that Avatarium has undergone in their decade of activity, the approach is natural and nicely highlights their strengths as musicians. The vocals are the band’s biggest asset as always, a now signature sultry alto serving as the leading focus without getting too domineering. The guitars also do well to fluctuate with the moods at hand and the extra instrumentation is tastefully incorporated, especially the violin and cello. The worst I can say is that the rhythm section still doesn’t feel particularly standout, but the drums still get their spots to put in some extra muscle.
The songwriting might also be a little more nebulous than usual, focusing more on atmosphere than direct hooks. The psych-folk elements shine the most on the album’s front half with “A Love Like Ours” starting off on a somber slow burn, the title track following with a more upbeat stride, and “Stockholm” has an almost vignette feel with its cycling builds and rustic vibe. Things get heavier in the back half, coming closer to the vibe of 2019’s The Fire I Long For, with some aggressive chugging on “God is Silent” and “Nocturne.” The closing “Transcendent” is also a nice addition, bringing back the folk in a restrained denouement.
Death, Where is Your String may take a little extra time getting used to compared to Avatarium’s other albums, but it’s yet another instance of the band’s consistent high quality in action. The more folk-oriented approach is a sensible move and only heightens the group’s chemistry, making for some stellar textures throughout. It’s hard to tell where this album stands in comparison to the others, especially with the songwriting having more of a grower feel than usual. But knowing my tendency to appreciate their work even more after reviewing it, this could very well end up being one of their best.
