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AvatarSwedish metal band
Date of Birth: 01.01.2001
Country:  Sweden |
Content:
- Inception and Early Releases (2001-2010)
- Black Waltz and Hail The Apocalypse (2011-2015)
- Feathers & Flesh (2016-2018)
- Avatar Country (2018-2020)
- Hunter Gatherer (2020-Present)
- Musical Style and Influences
- Current Lineup
Inception and Early Releases (2001-2010)
Formed in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2001 by drummer John Alfredsson and guitarist Jonas Jarlsby, Avatar released two demos and two singles before dropping their debut album, "Thoughts of No Tomorrow," in 2006. Their second album, "Schlacht," arrived in October 2007, reaching No. 27 on the Swedish charts. In Flames guitarist Björn Gelotte contributed a guitar solo to the track "Letters From Neverend." Following their third self-titled album in November 2009, peaking at No. 36 in Sweden, Avatar signed with Sony Music in January 2010.
Black Waltz and Hail The Apocalypse (2011-2015)
Guitarist Simon Andersson departed in December 2011, and Tim Öhrström joined as his replacement. Avatar's fourth album, "Black Waltz," was released in Europe on January 25, 2012, reaching No. 25 in Sweden. This album marked the inception of frontman Johannes Eckerström's signature "clown" face paint. In support of "Black Waltz," Avatar embarked on their first US tour alongside Lacuna Coil and Sevendust in February 2013.
In August 2013, Avatar stepped in as a replacement for Device on Avenged Sevenfold's tour. Subsequently, the band spent a month in Thailand recording their fifth album, "Hail The Apocalypse," which hit shelves on May 13, 2014. The single "Vultures Fly" was accompanied by a music video, and the album topped several charts. Avatar headlined US and European tours and performed at festivals like Rock on the Range 2014 and Louder Than Life.
Feathers & Flesh (2016-2018)
In December 2015, Avatar commenced writing their next studio album. "Feathers & Flesh" was announced on March 6 and released on May 13, 2016. The concept album tells a tale of an owl waging war against the world and reached No. 88 on the Billboard 200.
Avatar Country (2018-2020)
Avatar's seventh album, "Avatar Country," dropped on January 12, 2018.
Hunter Gatherer (2020-Present)
On May 5, 2020, Avatar announced the release date and title of their upcoming album, "Hunter Gatherer." The first single, "Silence in the Age of Apes," was released on May 14, followed by "God of Sick Dreams" on June 11 and "Colossus" on July 9. "Hunter Gatherer" was released on August 7.
Musical Style and Influences
Avatar's early sound was rooted in Gothenburg melodic death metal, but from their third album onwards, they have experimented extensively. Their music now blends elements of groove metal, melodic death metal, and avant-garde metal. The band cites The Haunted, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Meshuggah, Gojira, Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend, and ABBA as influences.
Current Lineup
Johannes Eckerström - vocals (2002-present)Jonas Jarlsby - guitar (2001-present)
Tim Öhrström - guitar (2011-present)
Henrik Sandelin - bass guitar (2003-present)
John Alfredsson - drums (2001-present)
