Avatar - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA

The Swedish invasion is underway! No, I’m not talking about affordable build-it-yourself furniture. Nor am I discussing the laughable, lovable, often misunderstood half-puppet/half-marionette chef. I’m talking about a maniacal metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden, that goes by the name Avatar. But before I delve into the main course, let me introduce you to a couple of appetizers that make the Avatar Country Tour a must-see for 2018.

Opening up the show was Hellzapoppin. Yup, that’s what they called themselves. Okay, so it doesn’t exactly flow off the tongue. But, given the performance I witnessed from these guys at the Studio Seven in Seattle on Sunday night, tongues are far too overrated. This troupe of circus side-show misfits perform acts on stage that just leave you there, mouth agape, for the entirety of their set. Hellzapoppin is not a musical act, well aside from the chicken dance… but I digress. Their “Cirque du What-The-Fuck” acts include fire-breathing, lots of foreign objects passed into and through the human body, magic, and acrobatics performed by side-show veteran Short E. Dangerously. If you are even the slightest bit squeamish, avert your eyes and maybe hit the bar for another round until The Brains take the stage.

The Brains, a self-proclaimed psychobilly rock band from Montreal, Canada, got center bill in this circus freakshow sandwich. The Brains, consisting of Pat Kadaver, Colin The Dead, and Rene D La Muerte brought the energy in the venue to the appropriate metal performance level. By the time they got to full speed, the Seattle audience was already well ahead of them, grooving and moshing right along. One unique element to The Brains’ performance is the use of a stand-up bass bringing in the bass line. Colin bashed right along with the band, groovin’ and throwing that bass around like it weighed nothing at all. The Brains’ horror-rock is sure to entertain.

Avatar took the stage with a tremendous amount of fanfare. The stage setup was simple, packing the small Studio Seven stage. The drum riser was placed high and in the center of the stage with an elaborate throne placed in front. Upon that throne sat Jonas “Kungen” Jarlsby, axe in hand. And, as per the history of the creation of Avatar Country, the strings of the king’s guitar were struck, and it was loud. Thus began the induction of Studio Seven in Seattle as each peasant became citizens of Avatar Country. While the king, seated on his mighty throne continued to shred, guitarist Tim Öhrström, bass player Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson joined in the festivities. The king’s court jester, Johannes Eckerström, with microphone in his right hand, scepter in his left, danced and sang for the people.

The king and his court played a powerful 18 song set filled with epic headbanging, monster guitar licks, and wicked vocals. There was no time for encores, just solid rock. Well, that and a bit of theater as well. This is one line-up that is guaranteed to entertain and should be on everyone’s “must-see” concert list for 2018.

… and the citizens of Avatar Country rejoiced.