If performance is an art form, then the Swedish metal band Avatar is a musical Picasso, blending elements of death metal, symphonic flare, and theatrics into a totally engrossing spectacle you can’t pull yourself away from.

Hot on the heels of their tenth full-length album, Don’t Go in the Forest, released just a matter of weeks ago, Avatar took over the stage at The Fillmore Silver Spring in the only way they could – dramatically!

Following blistering sets by Las Vegas “death-western” provocateurs Spirit World and New Zealand band Alien Weaponry whose heavy riffs and Māori-influenced songs got fans crowd surfing and moshing on the cramped dance floor.

As rows of eager concert goers, many wearing white and black face paint, eagerly awaited the start of the show, the sound of rain and thunder rumbled through the speakers. Bathed in blue, the stage swam in clouds of smoke until guitarists Kungen and Tim Öhrström, and bassist Henrik Sandelin along with drummer John Alfredsson flanked singer Johannes Eckerström – dressed in a cloak and carrying a lamp – glided to the front.

As the band performed the sea shanty-like dirge, “Captain Goat,” the drums which were in two separate pieces were moved together as Alfredsson appeared behind the riser. The sheer choreography of the thing was impressive. And that was only the beginning.

Going from the harmony-laden “Captain Goat” to the guttural thrash of “Silence in Age of Apes,” Eckerström let loose like a man possessed.

Never ones to play it safe, each song took on their own tone and theme. At one time it was monstrous thrash and then harmonizing guitar melodies surrounded by a circus feel only to change again to soaring vocal numbers. And sometimes all that happened in the same song.

Playfully ribbing the audience, Johannes Eckerström repeated “Are there any metalheads in the building?” With so many metalheads gathered under the same roof I guess we have no other choice… than TO PLAY FASTER!”

Donning his Hail The Apocalypse red coat, cane, and wide-brimmed hat, Eckerström came back to the stage prancing back and forth and head-banging with Kungen and Öhrström, and Sandelin.

Changing things up again, the lights went down as a smaller drum kit was erected on the stage and a piano was wheeled onto the stage. As the members of Avatar stood at the edge of the stage Eckerström sat at the piano for “Howling at the Waves” and “Tower.”

Check out the fabulous official video for “Don’t Go into the Forest” by Avatar:

Arguably the coolest part of the evening came when huge banners of Jonas “Kungen” Jarlsby dressed as the King of Avatar Country from the band’s Avatar Country album. Sitting on a gilded throng, Kugen played guitar as Eckerström teasingly played the fool.

Some of the biggest crowd reactions came near the end of Avatar’s regular set with the fantastic title song from the new album, “Don’t Go in the Forest,” and the anthemic “Tonight We Must Be Warriors.”

Avatar returned to encore with the growl of “Dance Devil Dance,” “Smells Like a Freakshow,” and “Hail the Apocalypse.”

There really are bands that have to be seen to be believed. Avatar are a band that combine incredible songs with equally impressive performances. In this age of increasingly artificial, computer-generated music having the opportunity to experience a show like the one Avatar crafts each night of their tour is one that can’t be taken for granted.

Avatar continue their US tour through December.

The setlist included:

Captain Goat
Silence in the Age of Apes
The Eagle Has Landed
In the Airwaves
Bloody Angel
Death and Glitz
Blod
Colossus
Howling at the Waves (Johannes On Piano)
Tower (Johannes On Piano)
Glory to Our King
Legend of the King
Let It Burn
Don’t Go in the Forest
The Dirt I’m Buried In
Tonight We Must Be Warriors

Encore:
Dance Devil Dance
Smells Like a Freakshow
Hail the Apocalypse

Take a look at more photos of Avatar performing at The Fillmore Silver Spring on November 23, 2025. All photos are copyright David LaMason:

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