Swedish metallers AVATAR will release their ninth album, “Dance Devil Dance”, on February 17 via Thirty Tigers. The NSFW and sanguine video for the LP’s title track can be seen below. The clip was directed by AVATAR‘s longtime director Johan Carlèn.
“I woke up to the truth one day,” says vocalist Johannes Eckerström. “With my heart pounding, and a heavy breath, I knew for sure. I am Satan. The snake and forbidden fruit with a longing for knowledge, freedom and agency. My feet were moving. I thought I was running, but I was dancing. A celebration. Yes, I am the Devil, and I believe that one day you can be the Devil too. It is my hope and ambition that this song will help you find your way there. As such, it’s a celebration of love, lust and democracy.”
Pre-order “Dance Devil Dance” HERE.
“Dance Devil Dance” was recorded in the Swedish wilderness, far away from all the perceived glamor of the big city and modern studios. Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, MR. BUNGLE, CROBOT, STONE SOUR, AMON AMARTH, URIAH HEEP) returned as producer. He first worked with AVATAR when he mixed “Hail The Apocalypse”, a role he reprised on “Feathers & Flesh” before taking the wheel as producer on “Avatar Country” and “Hunter Gatherer”.
AVATAR says: “You always hear bands say, ‘This is our best album yet.’ This is our best album yet. It is AVATAR at our most laser focused, at our most razor sharp. There’s no B.S., no extra fat. Every track is a weapon and has a purpose. It’s all in the title, as this album is our angriest, horniest and most spiritual release, all at once. It’s a must-hear.”
Last year, AVATAR announced its signing to Thirty Tigers and the launch of its own Black Waltz Records imprint. In addition, Eckerström and his band-mates unleashed four new songs which, according to the group, represented a taste of things to come.
“Dance Devil Dance” Album Artwork
AVATAR enjoyed quite a productive summer, traipsing North America on a successful headline tour. They next embarked on some of the biggest shows of the career — a trek with IRON MAIDEN, supporting the band in stadiums in Brazil. AVATAR also played arenas supporting SABATON. They secured slots at major festivals globally — Inkcarceration, Summer Breeze and Bloodstock Open Air, among others.
AVATAR added Veil of Maya in the UK and Europe this February and March 2023 on the Dance Devil Dance Tour. All dates are in the graphic below. More U.S. touring will be announced in due time.
