Avatar at the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at Indiana State Fairgrounds on November 6, 2023

The Kiss of Death Tour

INDIANAPOLIS

Photos and Review by Laura Fox (LLFoxphotos)

Swedish metal band Avatar put on a performance at the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at Indiana State Fairgrounds that was, simply put, over the top. Currently on tour with New Year's Day in support of In This Moment and Ice Nine Kills, their show was more like a headlining show than a warmup act.

Lead singer Johannes Eckerström, resplendent in his signature Ringmaster-from-Hell red and black satin outfit, was spellbinding as he dramatically marched around the stage, often pausing for maximum effect. He alternately commanded, cajoled, teased, and even joked with the audience, who ate it all up.

There were a lot of first-timers there (myself included), and I can tell you Avatar left a lasting impression on all of us. The drama, the energy, the music, and the overall vibe was exhilirating and, dare I say, fun? I mean it's serious music, but there's definitely some tongue-in-cheek stuff going on in some of the lyrics, and the performance reflected that.

Avatar started their seven-song set with the title cut from their latest album, "Dance Devil Dance, " and ended it with their 2012 hit, "Smells Like a Freakshow." Although I was disappointed they didn't play "Avatar Country," I was happy they included "The Dirt I'm Buried In, which was named the Billboard Mainstream Rock Number 1 single just two months ago.