In a brand new interview with Wayne Carle Jr. of the 95 WIIL Rock (WIIL-FM) radio station in Wisconsin, vocalist Johannes Eckerström of Swedish metallers AVATAR spoke concerning the band’s upcoming July/August 2025 European tour because the assist act for IRON MAIDEN after beforehand opening for the British heavy steel legends for 3 exhibits in Brazil in August/September 2022. Johannes mentioned (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Yeah, it is a full month [of dates we are doing with IRON MAIDEN this time] as a result of these days they play each different day. I believe they’ve earned that pacing. As a result of we received to do it for a bit there in Brazil, I believe now I really feel type of free to simply take pleasure in it purely. As a result of the primary time round, that is essentially the most nervous I have been occurring stage since — I do not bear in mind when — since in all probability earlier than existed even. And I believe that has one thing to [do with]… It was simply the fandom, of us being followers and the function that IRON MAIDEN play on this planet of steel past what we consider them, however what everyone thinks of them, I suppose. And in addition it was in Brazil, which is such an IRON MAIDEN place. So it was an intimidation that we felt — quite a lot of issues suddenly, and it grew to become extremely emotional and subsequently nice. And as soon as we survived that first present and other people didn’t throw rocks and it was an excellent time, we have been type of capable of take pleasure in the remainder of it and begin to get into the groove of claiming possession of your time on stage.”
He continued: “That is the problem with one thing like that. Sure, it is nice to go on tour along with your heroes which have impressed you a lot and all the pieces, however that can also be this chance for the band to be seen and heard, and also you type of need to recover from your self somewhat bit and, yeah, declare possession, as a result of that’s type of the way you just be sure you will deserve the chance you’ve got been given. And I believe I am extra there now already, as a result of we received to try this trial run… That is much less of a query of, like, how do you even do this? I type of have an thought now. So now simply we’ll take pleasure in it for what it’s.”
AVATAR launched a brand new single, “Captain Goat”, in Could. The music is taken from the band’s upcoming tenth studio album, which will likely be launched later within the yr.
AVATAR will embark on a U.S. tour this fall with assist from ALIEN WEAPONRY and SPIRITWORLD. Moreover, there’s a four-date run supporting METALLICA in spring/summer time 2026, together with AVATAR‘s largest present ever in Mexico Metropolis.
Johannes shaped AVATAR in 2001. The band’s lineup has remained nearly the identical ever since, save for guitarist Tim Öhrström, who entered the fray simply over a decade later. AVATAR additionally consists of guitarist Jonas Jarlsby, bassist Henrik Sandelin and drummer John Alfredsson.
AVATAR‘s newest album, “Dance Satan Dance”, got here out in 2023. The LP featured a visitor look by Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM on the music “Violence No Matter What”. The document additionally included the only “The Grime I am Buried In”, which hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
Photograph by Johan Carlén