In a time when the world must take a break from live concerts and events to keep our peers safe, there are few ways for bands to keep their connection with the fans alive. Melodic Death Metal quintet Avatar, however, have found an effective way around that – one in which they not only perform multiple livestreams of full shows but have their fans select the songs they play. Thus, Avatar Ages was born.
The finale show of the virtual tour, Age of Memories, included songs from their first two albums Thoughts Of No Tomorrow and Schlacht, as well as their full self-titled album front to back. The sixteen-song setlist was almost entirely made up of songs Avatar hasn’t performed in over a decade. This combined with the staging arrangements made for a nostalgic concert that fans will never forget.
The stream begins with vocalist Johannes Eckerström lying on a couch, speaking into a mic about the band’s early days in the rehearsal room. He reminisces briefly about them practicing in their underwear because the room had no ventilation, and how they would practice in the dark until they could play with their eyes closed. He leaps off the couch to join the rest of the band in a set designed in the style of one of those rehearsal rooms, complete with black walls, red doors, retro carpets and band posters. They instantly jump into the opening song, ‘Schlacht’, and the first act of the performance begins in a captivating yet laid-back tone.
I was immediately impressed by Eckerström’s vocal stamina – the entire show he maintained his barbaric screams without ever sounding worn out. On top of this, the conversing among the instruments was impeccable. Through every dynamic change, every harmonized guitar riff, every drum fill, and blast beat, I could feel the band’s togetherness as if they had some kind of Heavy Metal telepathy.
About twenty-five minutes in, the stream shifted to a slideshow of old photos and clips of the band from past tours while a brewing electronic beat played. It then faded to black, and the band’s name presented in lights one letter at a time. Avatar was now in their classic stage setup with flashing lights and fog machines. This was a powerful way to transition into Act Two for their full self-titled album, using the staging to symbolize how far they’ve come since their early days.
Eckerström’s signature shriek-singing shines so flawlessly for songs like ‘Reload’ and ‘Roadkill’, I almost expected it to start summoning spirits. Guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström contribute passionate melodies and stirring shreds all throughout without missing a note. The most emotionally compelling section of the whole show was closer ‘Lullaby (Death All Over)’. A song that includes haunting vocal harmonies, enthralling guitar riffs, and an unforgettable piano ending provides the perfect finish for a glorious Death Metal performance. Eckerström plays the piano surrounded by a veil of fog, and then walks offset. The band continues on playing an extended outro as the credits start to roll.
After pulling it off so well under the circumstances dealt, Avatar Ages will go down in Death Metal history. We can only hope that other bands will follow their example and play full concerts of fan-voted old songs. Whether in person or virtually, it is a fantastic way to break the barrier that separates artists and their audiences – and if they can put on half as good of a show as Avatar, there would be no drawback.
COLLEEN KANOWSKY