Swedish doom metal legends Avatarium return with their sixth full-length album, Between You, God, the Devil and the Dead”, recently released via AFM Records. This highly anticipated record takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, blending haunting melodies with masterful lyricism. We spoke with Jennie-Ann to dive deeper into the album’s production and lyrical themes.
So, Jennie-Ann, welcome back to Femme Metal Webzine! Thank you again for taking the time for this interview. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as the last time. How are you doing?
In Sweden, everything is fine! We’ve had a lot of snow here, but overall, things are good.
I’ve had the chance to listen to Avatarium ‘s “Between You, God, the Devil, and the Dead”, and I absolutely love the album. In the press release, Marcos mentioned that at one point, he thought you might never be able to finish it. What made the production so challenging?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it was difficult, but we weren’t working on it full-time. It took us about a year and a half to complete, and for me, finishing an album has always been a challenge. I’m very meticulous when it comes to lyrics—if it were up to me, we might never finish a record! Luckily, we have Marcus. He and I complement each other well. While I focus on the details, he keeps the process moving forward.
I understand being meticulous, but at some point, don’t you have to step back and say, “That’s it, it’s done”? Otherwise, there’s a risk of overanalyzing, which might lead to dissatisfaction.
Absolutely there’s always that risk. It’s easy to get caught up in small details, and that’s when having a good producer or wise collaborators becomes crucial. They help you recognize when something is finished and when it’s time to move on.
The Emotional Depth of Avatarium ’s Lyrics
One of the things I love about Avatarium—beyond the music—is the emotional depth of the lyrics. Do you ever feel that exploring such personal and existential themes might be too confronting, either for yourself or for the audience?
It could be, yes. But for me, writing lyrics is an art form—one that goes beyond poetry because it has to fit within a musical context. Rock and roll need attitude and edge, but the best lyrics also need meaning. I focus on what feels authentic and interesting to me.
I do navigate between personal experiences and fictional landscapes. As a songwriter, you have the freedom to explore that space between reality and imagination. While there are limits to what I write about, I don’t feel that my lyrics are ever too confronting—they remain poetic.
That makes sense. When I read your lyrics, they feel vivid, like they speak directly to me.
Thank you! That’s the greatest compliment I could receive.
“Long Black Waves” and Its Meaning
One of the singles, “Long Black Waves“, really intrigued me. What do those waves symbolize for you?
One of the things I love about lyrics is that they allow for personal interpretation. I have my own thoughts about the song, but I prefer listeners to find their own meaning. That said, if I were to explain it, Long Black Waves is about a recurring nightmare—a chaotic sea pulling you in, the fear of drowning, the overwhelming force of nature. It’s a common stressful dream, and the song, reflects a deeper question: Is there hope? Will I make it through?
That’s an interesting perspective. It’s something many people can relate to—this idea of struggling to stay afloat.
The Meaning Behind Between You, God, the Devil, and the Dead
The album’s title track, “Between You, God, the Devil, and the Dead”, feels like a profound reflection on human nature. It encapsulates different aspects of existence—faith, morality, and the inevitable end. Can you share more about the inspiration behind it?
This was actually the first song we wrote for the album. I usually keep a notebook filled with small ideas, and when Marcus and I went to the Swedish West Coast with our guitars to begin writing, this phrase came up early on.
The song explores the idea that we all carry secrets—things we fear are too difficult for others to handle. But often, when we finally open up, we realize they aren’t as terrifying as we thought. It’s about the necessity of secrets, the fear of sharing, and the freedom that comes with releasing them.
That’s a powerful theme. I also feel that your songwriting has evolved since the last album. It seems like you and Marcus have truly found the perfect way to collaborate.
Thank you! I think so too. We’re very fortunate to have this opportunity to create music together. Since we first met as colleagues before becoming a couple, we already knew how to work together professionally. That foundation has helped us navigate our roles as both partners in life and co-creators in music.
Balancing those roles isn’t always easy, but it has strengthened our relationship. Just like in marriage and parenthood, collaboration requires setting aside egos for the greater good.
Returning to Avatarium ’s Roots
Listening to this album, I also noticed elements that remind me of your first two records. It feels like a return to your roots. Was that intentional?
Yes, in many ways. Interestingly, some of the riffs on this album were written on the piano, which gave them a unique feel when translated to guitar. After spending years exploring different musical directions and playing live, we now have a clearer sense of what we enjoy performing on stage. That naturally influenced our songwriting.
That makes sense. The more you play, the more you refine your artistic vision. Unlike some bands that stick to the same formula for decades, Avatarium continues to evolve.
Exactly. There are bands—like AC/DC—who have perfected a formula that works for them, and that’s great. But Marcus and I are driven by curiosity. We don’t want to repeat ourselves; we want to explore new ideas.
Future Touring Plans for Avatarium
Your new album was released via AFM Records on 24th January. Do you have any plans for a tour?
Touring is more complicated for us because we have a six-year-old son, and we don’t want to be away from him for long periods. However, we do have some festivals booked this summer, and there are discussions about a short tour with another band. We’ll see what happens!
That’s completely understandable. Family comes first.
Absolutely. We’re fortunate to have found a balance between our music and our personal lives.
Thank you so much for your time, Jennie-Ann! I really appreciate the insight into your creative process. I wish you all the best with the album release and future projects!
Thank you! It was a pleasure talking to you.