Avatar – Dance Devil Dance
Avatar – Dance Devil Dance
Black Waltz Records
Release Date: 17/02/23
Running Time: 42:00
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
I’ve always dismissed Avatar as a bit gimmicky. Frontman Johannes Eckerström’s sinister face paint never appealed. I’m not a big fan of the Joker style leer that looms large from every press photo. I’ll admit that watching a show from Wacken at a friend’s party a few years ago softened my opinion somewhat, but I’ve never sat down and listened to them in anger before. So, it was with some curiosity that I decided to give the band’s latest album, “Dance Devil Dance” a go.
It’s their ninth album so I’m late to the party. The Metal circus that the band have crafted over two decades has earnt them a huge following, mainly in mainland Europe, but they are also capable of selling out the Academy venues across the UK. So, what is the album about? Eckerström states: “I woke up to the truth one day. With my heart pounding, and a heavy breath, I knew for sure. I am Satan. The snake and forbidden fruit with a longing for knowledge, freedom, and agency. My feet were moving. I thought I was running, but I was dancing. A celebration. Yes, I am the Devil, and I believe that one day you can be the Devil too. It is my hope and ambition that this album will help you find your way there. As such, it’s a celebration of love, lust, and democracy.”
It’s the title track that opens the album. A stomping, driving march that combines the Industrial power of Rammstein with the hooks of Avenged Sevenfold, it’s an ideal first track and immediately warms you to the band, for it’s a furious rocker that leaves you gasping for more. The pounding of ‘Chimp Valley Mosh’ brings a Nu-Metal edge to the band’s sound, a pulsing bass throbs whilst Eckerström is bringing it large. If the band genuinely want to reconnect with the dark one, this is the way to do it.
It may be that this is the normal Avatar sound, but so far, I’m liking what I hear. The explosive ‘Valley of Disease’ carries a nasty edge, the kind of rusty blade that will do serious harm. The change in tempo and vocal delivery is unexpected, whilst the switch works well. It’s impossible to avoid nodding along to this song.
As “Dance Devil Dance” continues, it’s evident that their early influences included the Melo-Death of In Flames as well as Slipknot, Gojira, and the industrial vibes of Ministry, Killing Joke and Marilyn Manson. But there’s evidently a sound that is unique to Avatar, even if I’m not fully locked into it. ‘On the Beach’ maintains the tempo and is surely a crowd pleaser with its punishing bass riff and switch to an almost Funk segment. At times there’s a sinister undertone to the band’s music. The fusion of Rob Zombie and The Beach Boys on ‘Gotta Wanna Riot’ is both compelling and off putting at the same time.
What I will say is that Avatar gets the heart racing. High energy, up-tempo and a bit chaotic, the mix of styles brings them into a league of their own. Each track is different; there’s not formulaic by numbers writing going on here. There’s funk in ‘The Dirt I’m Buried In’, which is supported by thick chunky riffs and gang vocals, whilst the chainsaw guitar work on ‘Clouds Dipped in Chrome’ brings the band into semi-Death Metal territory.
With just a couple of tracks to go, I’m starting to appreciate why this band have such a fanatic following. They don’t get me wanting to try and find a ticket for their UK tour which kicks off imminently, but I’m certainly more at home to their sound than I thought I might be. To cap it all off, Avatar rope in Lzzy Hale for the finale, ‘Violence No Matter What’. Now, I’m one of the few people on the entire planet who doesn’t get her appeal, and despite the big riffs and the screaming vocals of both Hale and Eckerström, it’s not the strongest track on the album for me, with some irregular time changes and jarring direction.
I wonder if this is the review that anyone would want. Surely, Avatar is a marmite outfit. I’m not rushing out to seek out more, but I’m not turning it off either. That may be the worst thing for an artist and for that I’m sorry. I did enjoy this album though. If you love Avatar, I’m sure “Dance Devil Dance” will delight you. If you haven’t got involved, this might be the one to try. As the band say, “This is our best album yet. It is Avatar at our most laser-focused, at our most razor sharp. There’s no BS, no extra fat. Every track is a weapon and has a purpose. It’s all in the title, as this album is our angriest, horniest, and most spiritual release, all at once. It’s a must-hear”. I think I’ll leave you decide that.
‘The Dirt I’m Buried In’ Official Music Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Dance Devil Dance
02. Chimp Mosh Pit
03. Valley of Disease
04. On the Beach
05. Do you feel in Control
06. Gotta Wanna Riot
07. The Dirt I’m Buried In
08. Clouds Dipped in Chrome
09. Hazmat Suit
10. Train
11. Violence No Matter What (Ft Lzzy Hale)
LINE-UP:
Johannes Eckerström – Vocals
Jonas Jarlsby – Guitars
Tim Öhrström – Guitars
Henrik Sandelin – Bass
John Alfredsson – Drums
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Paul Hutchings and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
