Avatar
Newport Music Hall
Columbus, Ohio
Avatar’s tour celebrating the release of their 9th studio album “Dance Devil Dance”. This was their final headlining concert at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio. Later in the show Johannes mentioned that this was their 200th show celebrating this new album.
Avatar rolled in to the Newport Music Hall, with the opener Mike’s Dead. It is no surprise to that this show was an electrifying spectacle that left the audience screaming for more. The Swedish heavy metal band, known for their theatrical performances and dynamic energy, transformed the historic venue into a whirlwind of headbanging, moshing, and exhilaration!
Opening with “Dance Devil Dance,” the band immediately set the tone for an intense evening. Frontman Johannes Eckerström commanded the stage with his signature painted face, evoking a twisted ringmaster vibe as he led the crowd through the band’s intoxicating setlist. His charisma was magnetic, his vocals alternating between deep growls and melodic singing is intoxicating, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.
The guitar work of Jonas “Kungen” Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström was a standout feature, seamlessly blending heavy riffs with intricate solos, while bassist Henrik Sandelin’s thunderous rhythms, combined with John Alfredsson’s relentless drumming, created a powerhouse of sound. Tracks like “The Eagle Has Landed” and “Let It Burn” had the crowd chanting and jumping, fully immersed in the music. I must also add at this point of the show, I was actually concerned for the safety of the venue! This was a sold out show! As people were bouncing and pumping their firsts in unison, I could feel the cement flooring literally bounce! I was leaning against a huge I-beam and just kept my fingers crossed.
The lighting and stage effects were nothing short of mesmerizing, enhancing the band’s dark, carnival-like aesthetic. The lightshow was synchronized perfectly with the music, adding layers of visual excitement to each song. The intimacy of Newport Music Hall, with its low ceiling and close-up view, made the experience feel like a metal circus in the heart of the city.
Mid-set, Eckerström took a moment to connect with the audience, reflecting on the band’s journey and expressing gratitude to the Columbus crowd for their energy. Johannes at this point took off the ringmaster’s coat of his stage costume, and he was left wearing a black shirt with his suspenders. He teasingly took the left suspender strap and enticingly took it halfway down his arm as he playfully looked at the crowd. The women started cooing and screaming out in delight! Johannes then snapped the strap back up onto his shoulder and gestured to his bare arms, and said: “THIS IS ALL THE SKIN YOU’RE GETTING TONIGHT!” The ladies in the crowd laughed and booed at the same time.
A couple more songs into the show, Johannes came out from the stand that was in front of the drum kit with ballons. He had his welcoming facial expressions of that psychotic clown you love! He had several balloons that handed out to the audience members. One person seemed to reject the balloon, and Johannes mad a sad face, and then popped the balloon, everyone laughed and cheered! Then he quickly hopped back onto the stage to continue on with the show. This genuine moment created a powerful bond between the band and their fans, making the night feel personal despite the chaos and intensity of the performance.
Closing with fan favorites like “Smells Like a Freakshow” and “Hail the Apocalypse,” Avatar left the stage with the crowd chanting for an encore. I have seen and photographed Avatar twice at this point, and I can say that they are easily one of the most entertaining bands that are actively touring! The energy that Johannes has, I seriously cannot understand how he can perform on that level of positivity and energy, night after night and city after city! It is unfathomable to me!
By the end of the night, Newport Music Hall was a sea of sweat, adrenaline, and satisfied metalheads. As we all filed out and scattered to various parking places, I overheard the sell out crowd rehashing their favorite parts of the show, and things that they cherished from the evening. I can say without hesitation, the night was a success, and it was unanimous that the show was phenomenal!
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