Avatar - Dance Devil Dance

There is no denying that Johannes Eckerström is one of the most dynamic voices in metal. There is nothing he can’t contort his voice into. His abilities, along with his evil band of clowns, have made Avatar a household name in metal.

Dance Devil Dance has a lot to hear, maybe a little to much! The first track that caught my attention was Valley of Disease. The track is a Slipknot like song with a NuMetal chant that builds a dilapidated bridge to an ear worm chorus, complete with whirling guitars and thunderous breakdowns. Catchy. This track would play well in a stadium setting.

For as good as Valley of Disease is, the very next track, On The Beach, is all over the place. One second it sounds like Red Hot Chili Peppers, the next it sounds like Rob Zombie. All I know is it certainly is not Avatar. Is that good? Not for me. But I am dumb as a rock!

Gotta Wanna Riot is one part Beach Boys, one part Queen, one part Andrew WK. The lack of identity will be a breath of fresh air for some. For me I had moments of bewilderment. Part of me loves that Avatar can remind me of such a wide swath of musicians. At the same time, it lacks a focus that allows me to take it seriously.

The Dirt I’m Buried In feels like the swamp boogie aura that comes with modern Rob Zombie, with clear The Who and KISS DNA mixed in. Not a bad song, but it lacks heaviness and focus. It is a radio rock song that is just ok!

Is Avatar a parody band? Is it a band to prove they can imitate anyone? I don’t know. Kudos for weaving the signatures of many dynamic bands into a metal album. Do I love it? No! Do I respect the album, absolutely! But for me the lack of focus and a clear identity left me confused and I wondering who Avatar is behind all that makeup?

7 out of 10. It feels like a concept album would be a fantastic playground for Avatar?

-Derek

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