Yeah, that first Avatarium was album of the year for me when it came out. I'm digging the new one, though....it's not as heavy/doomy as the first, with a lot more Hammond B3, but it's still pretty cool. There's a lot of old Uriah Heep in this stuff.
One of my favourite bands. Just about a week ago, I saw them live on their first headliner tour (and for the fifth time in total). To get a good impression of what they are like live, I recommend to check out their performance at this year's Rock Hard Festival which was recorded by a German TV station and can be streamed (in good quality) here:
They are live even better than on their studio albums. As regards the new album, my favourite songs are "The January Sea", "Ghostlight" and "The Master Thief". I recommend the digipak-version which also comes along with a DVD of their concert at the Hammer of Doom Festival 2014.
This new release is a little different from the first two....definitely a band progressing their sound. A bit less doomy, but still makes for a terrific Uriah Heep album....I dig it.
"...On November 22, doom metal wizards Avatarium return with their dark gospel to open another chapter of their hauntingly beautiful otherworld. Only two years after taking fans by storm with Hurricanes And Halos, the Swedes announce the completion of their fourth full-length release. The Fire I Long For sees them return to their epic doom roots whilst paying their respects to rock legends like Rainbow, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors...."
Wow - Just listened to the first album. Great stuff!! Really good description of Sabbath + Airplane, both of which I was around for. What's your recommendation for subsequent CDs??