Words / Photos – Mitch
Friday night in Melbourne a crowd waits eagerly outside the iconic venue 170 Russell Street for the first-ever Australian performance of Swedish metallers AVATAR. Fans are decked out in face paint and costumes in the spirit of AVATAR’s demented carnival antics.
At doors open fans made their way in to purchase merch and get ready for the evening’s opener, local band TERAMAZE. Not only is it hard being the opening band, but being the only support for a big act like AVATAR is a daunting task.
TERAMAZE brought some great energy to the stage, Vocalist Dean dressed like he is fresh out of Assasin’s Creed demonstrated his prowess as the band effortlessly blasted their brand of progressive melodic metal. Fans were treated to an 8-song set, opening with Saviour to Assasin, Transhumanist, Untide, Jackie Seth, The Heist, Sleeping Man, Take Your Shot, and closing out with fan favourite Battle.
With only a short break between bands, the venue is packed, As a bell begins to chime a chant breaks out ‘AVATAR, AVATAR, AVATAR‘. A roar of excitement as the band slowly marches onto the stage in full outfits. The drummer presents to each member of the band with their instrument before taking his place behind the kit.
Vocalist Johannes joins the stage as the band launches into their first track Dance Devil Dance. Adorned in his signature face paint, he truly embodies his character, moving with the energy of a deranged ringmaster. Fans are treated to songs The Eagle Has Landed and Valley and Disease before taking a moment to talk with the crowd. ‘I can’t believe the fun we going to have tonight is still legal’ then encourages everyone to start a filthy mosh for the next aptly named song Chimp Mosh Pit.
During the set, Johannes popped out into the audience at the back of the venue and proceeded to make balloon animals, gifting them to fans before launching into a trombone solo, everyone around was truely elated with his antics.
This being the band’s first, let alone headline tour in Australia was really special to them, they wanted to do something that was not only an Australian first but a world first ‘I hope we don’t fuck this up, please join us on THE BEACH‘.
It’s one thing listening to AVATAR’s records, yet their live show is truely a spectacle, The band has insane skills, their shredding guitar solos were completely mind-blowing. Do yourself a favour and make sure you check out AVATAR on their remaining tour dates, you will not regret it!
Thanks to the crew at 170 Russell Street for having us and as always a special thanks to Maric Media for arranging media access.
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
