ALBUM REVIEW ~ AVATAR ~ 'DANCE DEVIL DANCE'

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Swedish Heavy Metal band Avatar is back with a vengeance with the release of Dance Devil Dance (February 17, 2023) on Black Waltz/Thirty Tigers. Produced by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Mr. Bungle, Amon Amarth) is the follow up to their last album Hunter Gatherer (2020). Avatar is known as a metal circus and the album takes the listener on a heavy, dark and adventurous ride with Johannes Eckerstrom (Vocals), John Alfredsson (Drums), Jonas Jarlsby (Guitar), Henrik Sandelin (Bass) and Tim Ohrstrom (Guitar).

The single “Dance Devil Dance,” is epic with a massive guitar sound and groovy drums. Eckerstrom’s vocal range is incredible, switching between low growls and powerful screams. A standout track is “Chimp Mosh Pit” with booming double bass drums and shredding guitars. “Valley of Disease” is a cool track with an electronic beat leading to heavy guitars as Eckerstrom’s hell-raising screams sing, “I am the problem. You are in danger, Run away from me..” The fun, raucous “Gotta Wanna Riot” is guaranteed to start a massive mosh pit at their shows. Metal to its core with Eckerstrom’s powerful vocals and excellent production “Clouds Dipped in Chrome” will have everyone raising metal horns high in the air.

Listening to Dance Devil Dance is a powerful experience. Avatar is not afraid to experiment artistically with grittiness and brutalness, making this album so beautiful in all its metal glory.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Meesha Walden