An expectant crowd gathered at KK’s Steel Mill, ready for a night of music from different parts of the Metal spectrum featuring the epic Avatar, ably supported by Veil Of Maya and Mastiff.
Avatar / Veil Of Maya / Mastiff
KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton – 22 February 2023
Words and Photography: Andy Shaw
Avatar
The main course of the evening’s delectation were Avatar. Their shows are part performance piece, part theatrical performance, but 100% Metal show. The grease-painted Swedish Death/Industrial/Progressive Metal ensemble does not disappoint.
Their stage set was two-tier, and the band emerged through entrances onto a smoke-filled stage and opened with the title track of their latest album Dance Devil Dance. Johannes Eckerström is the perfect frontman for this band, with his striking make-up, his repartee with the crowd and his stunning vocals.
They ripped through the first part of the set, starting with The Eagle Has Landed, then a couple of new songs, Valley Of Disease and the brilliant Chimp Mosh Pit. Before Scream Until You Wake, Bloody Angel and For The Swarm.
Next was Puppet Show, during which Johannes left the stage only to appear on the top of the bar in a different part of the arena, where he proceeded to create a dog from a balloon. He then reached down for his trombone and began to play. The KK’s crowd, already in a state of excitement, were sent into fever pitched state.
Johannes returned to the stage for When The Snow Lies Red, and before the next song, Johannes said, “tonight feels good feels special. Feels nice. Is the music working for you? Do you feel dangerous? Do you feel sexy? Do You Feel In Control?”
Guitarists Jonas ‘Kungen’ Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, and Henrik Sandelin, bass, were a spectacular sight, headbanging throughout and playing some amazing music. A brilliant guitar duel led straight into Black Waltz. When Johannes reappeared, he was holding a bunch of balloons and paraded around singing and bursting them. Throughout the evening the crowd loved every minute.
The band left the stage leaving only Eckerström and a piano. Before starting Tower, he said, “Can’t say it enough, tonight is incredible.” His piano playing was awesome, and Tower was brilliant.
Colossus was next, followed by Let It Burn. After Let It Burn finished, we were left with drummer John Alfredsson on stage, and he fired a couple of confetti guns into the crowd.
The set finished with A Statue Of The King, and Avatar left the stage. Returning, Johannes said, “correct me if I am wrong, but I think it’s our first time here. I try to wrap my head around that you are interested and give a fuck. Thank you for giving it meaning by you giving a fuck about us in your life.”
The show ended with The Dirt I’m Buried, an amazing Smells Like A Freakshow and finally, Hail The Apocalypse. What an incredible night with a wonderful band who certainly knows how to deliver.
Veil Of Maya
Second up were Veil of Maya, an American metalcore band from Chicago, whose set consisted mainly of newer songs and a big sprinkling of music from their latest album, Godhead. They start with Viscera, which sets the stall for the next forty minutes of action.
Whistleblower next, followed by Leeloo and then Overthrow, all songs showing the dexterity of Lukas Magyar from growls to soaring vocals. The KK crowd were enjoying the set.
Next were Lisbeth and Punisher. Guitarist Marc Okubo was a striking figure and brilliant foil for Magyar. A quartet of singles followed, Godhead, Synthwave Vegan, Outsider and Outrun before Veil Of Maya finished the set with Mikasa. A good well received, competent set from a tight band.
Mastiff
First up were Mastiff from Hull, who call themselves “A miserable band from a miserable town,” and they brought their brand of Metalcore to the plate. They started with three songs from their latest album, Leave Me The Ashes Of The Earth in Fail, Midnight Creeper and Beige Sabbath.
This had their set off to a barnstorming start and gave them the chance to perform their brand of Metal to an audience that probably would not normally listen to Extreme Metal. But KK’s Crowd loved it. Vermin was next up, followed by a couple of new songs, Pitiful and Acid Breather.
Jim Hodge, with over 30 years of experience in the music industry, was a brilliant frontman and a powerful presence both physically and vocally. The set ended with another three from their latest album, Endless, Scalped And Salted and Repulse—a brilliant start to the evening.
