The heavy metal ânâ roll, dark, madcap visionaries collectively known as AVATAR â vocalist Johannes Eckerström (vocals), guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Ăhrström, bassist Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson â have unleashed yet another track from their upcoming magnum opus and ninth album âDance Devil Danceâ, out Febriuary 17 via Black Waltz Records, distributed by Thirty Tigers. The epic masterwork is available for pre-order HERE.
Today, they have shared the video for âThe Dirt Iâm Buried In.â Follow the band through a gloriously creepy walk through the woods and while performing. Youâll even encounter some rock ânâ roll werewolves.Â
âOur new album is designed to make you move and to move you,â says Eckerström. âWe destroyed all doubt with âValley of Disease.â We blew the competition off the mountain with âDance Devil Dance.â Now the world is ours, and yours with us. The stage is set all thatâs left to do is give in and join the circus. This is âThe Dirt Iâm Buried In.â You are welcome.â
The album will be released in multiple vinyl configurations. The configurations can be seen below.
Clouds Dipped in Chrome Super Deluxe Vinyl: Includes: Metal O-Card with embossed Avatar emblem. 2 pocket silver board gatefold vinyl with platinum Dance Devil Dance vinyl. 24 page photo book. Autographed 5Ă7 Postcard.
Hazmat Suit Deluxe Vinyl: Includes Embossed Gatefold with 3 color A SIDE / B SIDE Dance Devil Dance vinyl, Five 11Ă11 Photo Prints of each band member w/lyrics, Autographed 5Ă7 Postcard.
Dance Devil Dance Standard Vinyl: Includes: Embossed gatefold jacket with red opaque Dance Devil Dance vinyl, Five 11Ă11 Photo Prints of each band member.
Additionally, the band has shared the album track listing, including the powerhouse track âViolence No Matter What,â featuring a duet from Lzzy Hale of Halestorm.
âDance Devil Danceâ Tracklisting:
- Dance Devil Dance
- Chimp Mosh Pit
- Valley Of Disease
- On The Beach
- Do You Feel In Control
- Gotta Wanna Riot
- The Dirt Iâm Buried In
- Clouds Dipped In Chrome
- Hazmat Suit
- Train
- Violence No Matter What (Duet w/ Lzzy Hale)
âDance Devil Danceâ 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 âHail The Apocalypseâ, a role he reprised on âFeathers & Fleshâ before taking the wheel as producer on âAvatar Countryâ and âHunter Gathererâ.
AVATAR says: âYou always hear bands say, âThis is our best album yet.â This is our best album yet. It is AVATAR at our most laser focused, at our most razor sharp. Thereâs no B.S., no extra fat. Every track is a weapon and has a purpose. Itâs all in the title, as this album is our angriest, horniest and most spiritual release, all at once. Itâs a must-hear.â
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.
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 â 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 â 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.