Avatar, Devin Townsend, Dance With the Dead, '68

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Johan Carlen

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Theatrical Swedish headbangers Avatar (pictured) have been traveling the globe in support of 2018’s Avatar Country — an over-the-top, unconventional concept album that blurs power metal majesty with death metal brutality. Don’t expect this veteran band to ignore its older material, though; as documented on the just-released The King Live in Paris, recent sets include fan favorites such as “Let it Burn.” If you can, arrive early for musical chameleon Devin Townsend, who has dipped his big, bald head into gritty extreme metal, bombastic prog rock, compelling country music, and ambient noise. For this tour, the Canadian is unplugging and playing an acoustic set that may very well convince you to pick up his new album, Empath. Also with Dance with the Dead and ’68.

94.1 WJJO & Revolver Present

Avatar Country World Tour

with Devin Townsend, Dance With The Dead, '68

NOTE: Doors are now at 6 pm and the show at 7 pm

$25 ADV / $28 DOS General Admission. Reserved Seating Available.

press release: From the Royal Court of Avatar Country on February 5 in the Year of the King (2019): In the midst of a mostly sold out European trek, AVATAR has announced their return to North America on the aptly named “Avatar Country World Tour 2019” Presented by Revolver Magazine.

“As we’ve stated in the past, we are reaching the end of the road for the Avatar Country saga,” says vocalist Johannes Eckerström. “And if you want to see us in all our Royal Glory in tribute to the King, this might very well be your last chance. We will make sure to go out with a bang!”  

The band is thrilled to announce that the legendary singer/songwriter and producer Devin Townsend will serve as direct support performing a full acoustic set. Southern California’s Dance With The Dead and Atlanta mainstays 68’ will open the show.  

“This tour is extra special to us and me personally as we’ve not only amazing hand-picked openers to showcase what we think deserves more eyes and ears in ’68 and Dance with the Dead, but we also have the extreme pleasure and privilege to share the stage with Devin Townsend at an exciting phase of his career.”  

“I am a life long fan, and I genuinely feel that people who appreciate our willingness to experiment and walk that extra mile to be true to our vision and integrity have Mr. Townsend to thank for a lot. It will be a bucket list experience for me, and I hope we get to share it with as many people as possible.”  

Avatar released their seventh, and most Royal, full length, Avatar Country last year via Entertainment One. The LP debuted at #2 Indie, #4 Hard Music, #8 Rock, and #25 on the Billboard 200 Chart.

Critics praised the release as well. NEW NOISE MAGAZINE said Avatar Country was "the culmination of the group’s evolution into a singular powerhouse, a trip into the heart of what makes metal so distinctively powerful."

LOUDWIRE called the opening track "Glory To Our King" sounds like "it could’ve come straight off of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club, a warm and over the top introduction to the rest of the album." And finally, METAL INJECTION called Avatar Country "a wonderful ride."

"THE KING WELCOMES YOU TO AVATAR COUNTRY" WATCH

"A STATUE OF THE KING" WATCH

"THE KING WANTS YOU" WATCH

"The opening track 'Glory to Our King' sounds like it could’ve come straight off of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club, a warm and over the top introduction to the rest of the album." LOUDWIRE

"Avatar’s music and their stage performance is ‘Metal Theater,’ and they not only fall into this category – this album defines it." TATTOO.COM

"Avatar has only gotten weirder, wackier and more ambitious, not only pushing the over-the-top, operatic boundaries of their sound but also creating a whole imaginary ‘country’ in the process." REVOLVER

"The Swedish oddballs have risen to the challenge of creating a follow-up that’s just as barmy." METAL HAMMER

"'Avatar Country' is a wonderful ride." METAL INJECTION

"This royalty-themed release features plenty of the usual theatrics and bombast from the Gothenburg quintet, but with stronger songwriting to shore up their conceptual side." ROCK SOUND

"If Avatar Country isn't recognized as a multi-faceted metallic gem, forget government: Your current hard-rock tastes might need to be overthrown." ALTPRESS

"Avatar Country is the culmination of the group’s evolution into a singular powerhouse, a trip into the heart of what makes metal so distinctively powerful." NEW NOISE MAGAZINE

"AVATAR's career has blossomed as its allowed its adventurous spirit to wander." BLABBERMOUTH