Since it’s the weekend and I told you all to expect it, here’s my review of Swedish heavy metal band Avatar’s newest release, Hunter Gatherer. Not even a full two years since the release of their previous album Avatar Country, I’d like to think that the pandemic had something to do with the quicker appearance of new music from this dynamic band. And for that I am happy.
Opening with their first single, “Silence in the Age of Apes,” also accompanied by a very interesting music video, this song did a great job of setting up the tone for the rest of the album. Where the last album used a fair amount of cowbell, there is certainly none on this outing, and for that you get a more technical and riff-heavy album. Sure, lead vocalist Johannes Eckerstrom screams a fair amount, but you also get to hear clean vocals, and he has a very nice voice.
This is displayed perfectly in the song, “A Secret Door,” easily my favorite song off the record. It’s switches between beautiful melodies and then the chorus cuts in and overwhelms your senses with the most unrelenting guitar riff. Another riff heavy song off the record, and probably my second favorite song, is “When All But Force Has Failed.” This song is brief compared to other tracks off the record, but it hits hard from the first note to the last and never lets up in both vocals and instrumentals. Alternatively, the song “Gun” is as close to a ballad as I’ve ever heard from the band. Primarily piano and Johannes’ vocals, this song is tender and heartbreaking. I would love to hear both of these tracks live, especially since they follow each other on the track list.
Not all ten tracks appealed to me, though. “Child” is perhaps my least favorite of the record mainly because the tone of his voice doesn’t really change at all during the song, and it’s in a key that sort of leads me to headache territory. But, only one song that doesn’t resonate with me at least a little bit off a record is still a huge feat. Overall, this is a wonderful entry in the heavy metal genre, and if this is your speed then totally give it a listen. Avatar are also one of those bands who doesn’t really deviate from a formula that works for them, so if you want some tried and true Avatar hits, then this is certainly for you.
Also, once concerts are a thing again in this world, you should definitely do yourself a favor and go check Avatar out in a live setting. They are high energy and give an amazing performance from start to finish. It’s clear they all want the full attention of the crowd at all times. Also present is a clear theme with each record, so I can’t wait to see how Hunter Gatherer is transformed to the stage.