Avatar - Hail The Apocalypse

I am not too sure how I stumbled upon these guys when they released their album "The Black Waltz", but it was a lasting impression I am forever grateful for.  One of the newest additions in the past few years for shock rock (for the most part) has rostered Sweden's Avatar.  A five piece group that has been adding new fans to their ranks [it seems] with every venue they hit.  Now debuting their fifth album, the guys have finally cracked the North American market wide open and are sure to create a ripple effect.

(Photo courtesy of Rober Villandiego)

Avatar currently consists of:

Johannes Eckerström - Vocals | John Alfredsson - Drums | Jonas Jarlsby- Guitar

Tim Öhrstrom - Guitar | Henrik Sandelin - Bass

Being that the film Avatar was released back in 2009, there wasn't much of a following for the in North America until after their 2012 release.  Most of the time I explained to people who these guys were, they thought I was referring to music from the film.  So finally these guys are starting the get the recognition they deserve over here after a few national tours, as well as jumping on some larger European tours with big name American bands (such as Avenged Sevenfold).  So unlike the film, there are no CGIs here...just metal!

You can check out some of their previous work I have covered during their time of promoting "The Black Waltz":

AFGM: Step Aside Cameron, A New Avatar Is In Town!

So now that you got a jist of who these guys are and what their image is like, you can appreciate the music video that the guys released for their first single off the new album.  Say hello to the self titled single "Hail The Apocalypse", seen below:



"This is our best video to date. I play your friendly neighborhood doomsday prophet. You get to follow me facing the unbelievers and their reactions when chaos ensues. Good times all around and we are using some really amazing special effects to blow up the planet. Oh, and it's done like a silent movie." -Eckerström

So for those interested in picking up a copy of the album, it will be released on May 13th, 2014 via eOne Music (May 16th, 2014 via Gain Music in Europe).

1. Hail The Apocalypse
2. What I Don't Know
3. Death Of Sound
4. Vultures Fly
5. Bloody Angel
6. Murderer
7. Tsar Bomba
8. Puppet Show
9. Get In Line
10. Something In the Way
11. Tower

The CD was recorded in Karma Sound Studios (Bang Saray, Thailand).  The effort was mixed by Jay Ruston (Stone Sour, Anthrax, Steel Panther) and mastered by Paul Logus (Volbeat, Clutch, Killswitch Engage).  You can also check out the band's newest music video for their single "Bloody Angel".



"'Bloody Angel' is about shame and guilt.  You look around and watch all the suffering and while you search for someone or something to blame, you end up in front of a mirror. Everything you touch, you break. Everyone you try to save you hurt and push further away." -Eckerström

Here's hoping that someone from that group (or management) reads this and get them booked for a Toronto venue STAT!