Houston's music scene was set ablaze on the night of September 19, 2023, as the Swedish metal giants, Avatar, took over the stage at Rise Rooftop. With their theatrical performances and infectious energy, Avatar left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to witness this unforgettable concert. Supported by opening acts The Native Howl and Orbit Culture, the night promised an electrifying journey through the realms of heavy music.

    The evening began with a thunderous performance by The Native Howl. Hailing from Michigan, this eclectic band seamlessly blended elements of folk, bluegrass, and metal to create a sound that was both unique and irresistible. Their banjo-infused riffs and soaring harmonies brought a fresh and invigorating energy to the stage. Songs like "Thunderhead" and "Into the Darkness" showcased their diverse musical influences, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause. The Native Howl's high-octane set was the perfect appetizer for the metal feast that awaited.

    Next up was Orbit Culture, a Swedish melodic death metal band that brought an intense and relentless onslaught of heavy music. Their precision and technical prowess were on full display as they delivered a blistering set that left the crowd in awe. Tracks like "Redfog" and "The Shadowing" showcased their ability to seamlessly blend melodic and aggressive elements within their music. The audience's energy surged with each crushing riff and guttural roar, setting the stage for Avatar's grand entrance.

    As the clock struck 9:30 PM, the anticipation reached its peak. The lights dimmed, and the crowd's roars crescendoed into a deafening cacophony. The members of Avatar made their dramatic entrance onto the stage, each dressed in their signature theatrical attire, resembling a macabre circus of metal.

    Avatar's stage presence was nothing short of mesmerizing. Lead vocalist Johannes Eckerström, with his charismatic and eccentric persona, commanded the audience's attention from the very first note. His theatricality was amplified by his costume changes, which ranged from a sinister ringmaster to a bone-chilling carnival barker.

    Avatar's musical prowess was on full display throughout the night. Their intricate guitar work, thunderous basslines, and precise drumming created a sonic assault that was both powerful and exhilarating. The band effortlessly transitioned between their diverse discography, from the melodic "The Eagle Has Landed" to the bone-crushing "Hail the Apocalypse."

    One of the standout aspects of the evening was the band's interaction with the crowd. Eckerström had an uncanny ability to connect with the audience, making everyone feel like an active participant in the show. He often engaged in witty banter and encouraged crowd sing-alongs, fostering a sense of unity among the fans. At one point in the show he even made a surprise entrance from the upper balcony to make a bloon dog whie he presented to a young fan in attendence below him on the stage level.

    The visual elements of the concert were equally impressive. The stage setup featured a towering carnival backdrop, complete with a menacing, grinning clown face. The lighting and pyrotechnics added a layer of intensity to the performance, creating a surreal and immersive experience for the audience.

    Several moments stood out as highlights of the night, including the eerie opening of "Black Waltz," which featured Johannes risinbg out of a gift bow with helium filled baloons, the adrenaline-pumping "A Statue of the King," and the epic finale with "Hail The Apocalypse." Avatar's rendition of these tracks was nothing short of mind-blowing.

    In conclusion, Avatar's concert at Rise Rooftop was a tour de force of metal music and theatricality. With opening acts, The Native Howl and Orbit Culture, setting the stage for Avatar's performance, it was an evening filled with headbanging, moshing, and unforgettable moments that will be etched in the memories of those in attendance. Avatar proved once again that they are masters of their craft, delivering a performance that was both musically exceptional and visually captivating. For anyone who missed this show, it's safe to say that they missed out on a night of pure metal mayhem.


Avatar Setlist:
Dance Devil Dance
The Eagle Has Landed
Valley of Disease
Chimp Mosh Pit
Paint Me Red
Bloody Angel
For the Swarm
Puppet Show
When the Snow Lies Red
Do You Feel in Control (Guitar Duel at end of song)
Black Waltz (Johannes coming out of gift box for intro)
Tower (Johannes on piano)
Colossus (played with cocktail drum kit)
Play Video (played with cocktail drum kit)
A Statue of the King

Encore:
The Dirt I'm Buried In
Smells Like a Freakshow
Hail the Apocalypse