NASHVILLE, TN | After experiencing COVID-related setbacks last fall, Swedish metal lords Avatar restarted the Going Hunting tour in Nashville on January 18. To no one’s surprise, they were amazing.
Providing support for this tour is Boise, Idaho’s Magic Sword. As much of a multimedia entity as an electronic band (they release comic books along with their albums), they are known for their mysterious stage presence. Arriving on stage, The Keeper (keyboards), The Seer (the guitar), and The Weaver (drums) are shrouded in long robes, their only differentiating feature the slash of color across the masks hiding their faces.
In less capable hands, this combination could end up being tossed into to the novelty music bin. But these guys make it work. The music reflects the band’s affection for John Carpenter and other soundtracks to ’70s and ’80s films; it’s been likened to something you’d hear while watching Stranger Things on Netflix. In other words, it’s a lot of fun! The crowd cheered as The Keeper held up the magic sword during the set, picking up new fans as the glowing blade pierced the air.
Headliner Avatar took to the stage in front of an enthusiastic group of fans, many of whom wore makeup and costumes in tribute. Stone faced and gathered at the front of the stage, Avatar kicked off their set with the incredible “Colossus,” from 2020’s Hunter Gatherer. The band then unleashed their headbanging glory, blazing through a list of new songs from Hunter Gatherer and band classics, finishing everyone off with “Hail the Apocalypse.”
After I left the photo pit, I headed upstairs so I could watch the fans swirling below. It’s a devoted fanbase; many people were in line as early as 1pm outside the venue and others traveled from long distances. I’ll get straight to the point here—Avatar put on incredible live show and always dazzles.
To a photographer, they are a dream come true: colorful, charismatic, and entirely photogenic. Five men who have distinct personalities and roles to play yet form a tight, cohesive unit around their thundering Swedish metal. If there were any nerves about performing after a COVID-induced break, it didn’t show. Avatar were as well-oiled as ever. Oh my god, what a joy.
The Going Hunting tour is about to head out west for its remaining U.S. dates, wrapping up in Garden City, Idaho on February 2. Stay home only if you hate fun.
MAGIC SWORD
AVATAR SETLIST
Colossus
Let It Burn
Silence in the Age of Apes
Bloody Angel
Child
The Eagle Has Landed
Paint Me Red
A Secret Door
For the Swarm
Torn Apart
Gun
Going Hunting
Pigfucker
A Statue of the King
The King Welcomes You to Avatar Country
Encore:
Wormhole
Smells Like a Freakshow
Hail the Apocalypse
