AVATAR - Don't Go Into The Forest

'Don't Go Into the Forest', the latest release from Sweden's favourite metal circus Avatar, is a dark fairytale full of riffs, theatrics, and a hint of madness. It's large, odd, and distinctly Avatar.

The scene is perfectly set by the opening song, 'Tonight We Must Be Warriors.' It feels like a curtain-raiser before mayhem breaks out thanks to marching drums, layered chants, and a battle-cry vibe. The thumping outro immerses you in their world, and it's cinematic.

After that regal opener, 'In the Airwaves' comes next, bringing the heavy right into overdrive. Avatar has always enjoyed a good left turn, and this one is no exception. Flowing from that surge, 'Captain Goat' comes next with its swaggering groove and Viking-style melodies, drawing heavily from the band's Scandinavian heritage.

'Don't Go Into the Forest' the album's title track, is eerie, but extremely catchy, like the band's own warning label. While 'Death and Glitz', as the name suggests, is a glam-meets-doom stomp that sounds like boogie night at the end of the world.

With layered clean vocals on the chorus, heavy screams and crunchy riffs, 'Abduction Song' returns to heavier territory dabbling in the extra-terrestrial. Then there’s 'Howling at the Waves,' one of the most surprising moments on the record. Johannes Eckerström’s clean vocals are front and centre, carried by piano and orchestral touches. It’s lush and dramatic, and then of course, they throw in some synths just to remind you this is still Avatar.

'Dead and Gone and Back Again' revives the iconic Avatar sound, complete with stomping riffs, carnival menace, and a memorable hook. 'Take This Heart and Burn It' turns the heat back up with pure aggression and a deep chuggy bass, while 'Magic Lantern' closes things out in a haze of wah-pedal weirdness.

Overall, Don’t Go Into the Forest is another reminder that Avatar doesn’t fit into anyone’s neat metal box. It’s heavy, theatrical, and surprisingly adventurous. Equal parts death and glitter, and exactly the kind of chaos you’d expect from these Swedish ringmasters.

'Don't Go Into the Forest' will be released on 31st October!