Heading one of the most diverse packages of the spring, the theatric metal showmen prove dazzling with Veil of Maya and Orbit Culture in tow.
Asserting their rank as some of the most proven showmen in contemporary heavy music, the ringmasters of Swedish theatric outfit Avatar showcased pure spectacle under their big top in Los Angeles to launch their Dance Devil Dance North American run.
Flanked by a diverse, dominant one-two with Veil of Maya and melo-metal countrymen Orbit Culture bolstering the run, Avatar cradled the capacity crowd in their clutch as ever song sent a charge through Los Angeles’ Belasco Theater.
Having recently completed their European leg of the same tour along with Veil of Maya, Kassogtha and Mastiff, it was apparent that Avatar was operating at their performative peak, blazing through a comprehensive set that included memorable live selections from their 2023 full length, Dance Devil Dance.
Unloading a live arsenal that included new cuts like “The Dirt I’m Buried In”, “Do You Feel Control?”, “Valley of Disease”, “Chimp Mosh Pit” and the title track, frontman Johannes Eckerström proved to be every bit of metal’s P.T. Barnum – relentless in his command and enthralling in his live execution.
As for Veil of Maya, the band is riding a groundswell of momentum en route to the May 12th arrival of their first album since 2017 with [m]other. Seamlessly melding newer offerings like “Synthwave Vegan” and “Red Fur” with enduring favorites like “Lisbeth” and “Whistleblower” – VoM underscored essential variety to the bill, while emphasizing a standard of showmanship requisite for the tour.
Such was case in Sweden’s Orbit Culture. Making the most of every minute of stagetime, the band kept the banter to a minimum, ripping through essentials like “North Star of Nija” and the latest showing, “Vultures of the North”. Demonstrating elite level musicianship and a brilliant balance of melody and metallic hulk, this was no phoned in opening set – rather a powerful precursor of the pummel that permeated throughout the night.
Check the remaining dates of Avatar’s Dance Devil Dance tour here, along with a gallery of images from photographer Maurice Nunez.
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