by Arta Gailuma
— Photojournalist —
With no fancy setup, just acoustic guitar and a harmonica, playing some Irish folk-influenced melodies, first on the stage tonight was Dylan Walshe- Irish singer-songwriter based these days in Nashville, Tennessee. Having recently self-released his debut studio record All Manner Of Ways, Dylan is on the road with Avatar spreading his name internationally. Undeniably a great talent, but, do have to say, a rather interesting choice as supporting act for the crazy fun madness that is Avatar.
Next, the stage was taken by The Mahones- Canadian Irish punk rockers who after a two-year hiatus we’re back in 2018 with not only one but whole 4 releases including the new studio album Love+ Death+ Redemption and the other three being unplugged, punk covers and Spotify only release The Irish Songs. Their The Pogues and Dropkick Murphys influenced Irish punk works well and the catchy tunes are perfect for singing along.
Birmingham was the second stop in Avatar’s two months long UK and European tour. Luckily, the “King Of All Kings Who Have Ever Had the Audacity to Call Themselves Kings” has educated “the people of Earth on their way to Citizenship” quite well and the largest room of O2 Institute was packed full tonight.
With fans screaming in excitement, a golden chair was rising high behind Avatar’s drum set with the King himself sitting there and waving to his Citizens. We are talking here about a band for whom performance and theatrics are as important as the music. And there was no shortage of entertainment- bands charismatic frontman Johannes Eckerström was ruling the stage in his clown-esque make-up and tirelessly interacting with the crowd.
Tonight’s set was a good mix of old and new pieces including songs from Avatar’s latest album Avatar Country which saw its release in January 2018.
At the finale, on the first tunes of “The King Welcomes You to Avatar Country” the stage was filling with soap bubbles and the night was finished with hailing the apocalypse.
An excellent show, full of energy, theatrics, and beautiful lighting!
As a proud citizen of Avatar country, I can only say one thing, ‘Glory to our King!’
Band:
Jonas “Kungen” Jarlsby- guitars
Johannes Eckerström- lead vocals
Henrik Sandelin- bass, backing vocals
Tim Öhrström- guitars, backing vocals
John Alfredsson- drums
Avatar Concert Photo Gallery
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Setlist:
A Statue of the King
Legend of the King
Paint Me Red
King’s Harvest
Bloody Anger
For the Swarm
Get in Line
Tsar Bomba
Tower
The Eagle Has Landed
Let It Burn
King After King
Reload
Smells Like a Freakshow
Torn Apart
The King Welcomes You to Avatar Country
Hail the Apocalypse
Visit the band online:
www.avatarmetal.com
www.facebook.com/avatarmetal/
www.facebook.com/The Mahones/
www.dylanwalshe.com
www.facebook.com/Dylan Walshe/
