Fantastical Swedish alt-metal juggernaut Avatar are busy in the studio right now, working on the highly anticipated follow-up to 2018’s conceptual opus Avatar Country. For fans eagerly awaiting the in-progress LP, the band has given them something of an epic stop-gap offering: the YouTube premiere to their new narrative short film Legend of Avatar Country: A Metal Odyssey, which fleshes out the story told in the latter album. The 40-minute movie — which was directed by the group’s go-to music video director, Johan Carlén — was made with the help of a crowdfunded budget of $188,259, raised via Kickstarter. Avatar describe it thusly in the YouTube description: “The mighty tale of your favorite band and their adventures in Avatar Country, made possible through the backing and support of our beloved Citizens!” Watch below.
For those fans looking to catch the band live in person, Avatar have a few dates lined for 2020 so far, including three shows this month in Russia with history-loving power-metal crew Sabaton as well as a sure-to-be massive gig at the Paris La Defense Arena in July opening for none other than NWOBHM pioneers Iron Maiden. See the group’s currently confirmed concert schedule below.
Avatar live dates:
03/11 Novosibirsk, RUS – Dvorets Kul’tury Zheleznod-orozhnikov (feat. Sabaton)
03/13 Moscow, RUS – Adrenaline Stadium (feat. Sabaton)
03/14 Sankt-Peterburg, RUS – A2 Green Concert (feat. Sabaton)
07/11 Nanterre, FRA – Paris La Defense Arena (with Iron Maiden)
07/13 Zurich, SWI – Hallenstadion
07/16 Oshkosh, WI – Rock USA
07/17 Grand Rapids, MI – Upheaval Festival
07/18 Cadott, WI – Rock Fest
08/01 Dovzhanka, UKR – Faine Misto
08/05 Goteborg, SWE – Banana Pier
