It was a nice new venue for both myself and Shells as we visited Southampton to witness a loaded three band bill. Combining self-confessed miserable band from the miserable city of Hull, Mastiff, with American tech-metal quartet Veil Of Maya and Swedish theatrical metallers Avatar we were in for as treat.
First up were Mastiff who were greeted by a rapidly filling 1865, quickly impressing the growing crowd with their brutal but catchy blend of hardcore riffs and vocals. As the set wore on the crowd response became more enthused, ultimately getting the circle pits and energetic moshing that their crushing set deserved, actively encouraged by vocalist Jim Hodge, who is an imposing presence stage front and centre.
Into the middle of this loaded three band lineup stepped Veil Of Maya. Whilst the undoubted talents of the were immediately on show, technical issues with a non-functioning microphone for the opening three songs of their set somewhat dulled the initial impact, despite vocalist Lukas Magyar doing his utmost to engage the by now near-capacity crowd and continuing to sing his lines, albeit with little audible evidence of this. Once the situation was rectified things stepped up a notch.
This band are ridiculously tight, with all of the musicians displaying wizard-like dexterity and mastery of their instruments, and even with no in-ear monitors functioning still, Lukas’ vocals were astonishing, ranging from beautiful cleans to guttural growls in an instant.
There is a suggestion that after six years there is more new music on the way from these guys. You really should check it out if so!
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And now, to the cream on top of tonight’s trifle – Avatar!
The sense of anticipation amongst the crowd was tangible as Avatar’s intro tape started and the arrived through clouds of dry ice. First on was drummer John Alfredsson, starting the show with an impressive display of robotic movements and rhythmic drum beats, building to a climax as the remaining ed him on stage.
Within the space of the opening track vocalist/ringmaster Johannes Eckerstrom had the crowd eating from the palm of his hands. This man has to be included in any discussion of the best showmen/frontmen in the metal scene today! His theatrical mannerisms accentuated by the facial make up he sports on stage. Johannes is more than capable of introducing songs by way of little stories and anecdotes, each one bringing the by now rabid throng further into Avatar’s world.
The band, and in particular Johannes made full use of the venue with him departing the stage, only to reappear on the balcony above the crowd, making balloon animals, complete with a trombone, which he proceeded to serenade the assembled masses with during “Puppet Show”. Later in the evening he emerged there once more to play a baby grand piano and perform solo, a handy distraction for the audience as a small drum kit was assembled stage front, enabling John to perform in full view (and standing) as Johannes returned to the stage.
Having concluded their set with a three song encore, and having serenaded the masses with classics from Hail The Apocalypse and a rapturously received “Smells Like A Freakshow”, all the way to more recent tracks such as “Colossus” and several tracks from their stunning new album, Dance,Devil, Dance (the title track kicked proceedings off), Avatar left to one of the wildest rounds of acclaim I have witnessed at a gig for a long time.
If there is any justice in the world the Swedes will be performing at considerably larger venues on their next run. They have the full package: great songs, great musicianship, great audience interaction, and the ultimate frontman/showman in Johannes Eckerstrom. Seriously, if you haven’t witnessed the majesty of an Avatar live show, you are missing one of the great shows of our time. Just see them!
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Words by Chris Pullen
Photos by Mark Shelley
