Who Are Avatar? The Swedish Metal Band in Face Paint

Avatar are a Swedish metal band who treat every show like a piece of theatre. Here is a short look at where they came from and the records that made them.

How did Avatar start?

The band formed in 2001 in Mölndal, right next to Gothenburg, first under the name Lost Soul. Drummer John Alfredsson was there from the start, and so was guitarist Jonas "Kungen" Jarlsby. Singer Johannes Eckerström joined in 2002, bassist Henrik Sandelin in 2003 and guitarist Tim Öhrström in 2011.

What do they sound like?

Avatar grew out of melodic death metal and mix in groove and alternative metal. The debut album Thoughts of No Tomorrow came out in 2006, followed by Schlacht (2007), Avatar (2009) and Black Waltz (2012).

Which albums should I know?

Hail the Apocalypse (2014) brought the title track and "Bloody Angel". Feathers & Flesh followed in 2016. Avatar Country (2018) is a concept album where every song has "King" in its name, opening with "Glory to Our King"; the band said they wanted to see if they could do comedy. Hunter Gatherer (2020) went the other way: dark and serious.

And the latest records?

Dance Devil Dance (2023) opens with its title track and "Chimp Mosh Pit", and gave the band their first Billboard Mainstream Rock no. 1 with "The Dirt I'm Buried In". Their tenth album, Don't Go in the Forest, came out on 31 October 2025. Avatar have also opened for Metallica on the M72 tour.

Why the merch?

Face paint, a King, a ritual emblem: Avatar give their fans plenty to wear. Find your piece in the Avatar collection.