Recently the Swedish metal band Avatar brought their “Don’t Go Into The Forest” Tour to The Criterion in Oklahoma City. They brought the Italian metal band Fleshgod Apocalypse and the Texas death metal band Frozen Soul along for the ride. And oh what a ride it was!!
Frozen Soul delivered a crushing, no-frills assault that felt like being buried alive in a blizzard of riffs and raw aggression. From the moment they hit the stage, their signature old-school Texas death metal sound locked in—downtuned guitars grinding like glaciers, thunderous drums, and cavernous vocals that echoed through the venue with chilling intensity. The crowd fed off every punishing breakdown, turning the pit into a swirling storm of energy, while the band’s tight, relentless performance proved they’re more than just hype—they’re the real deal. No gimmicks, no wasted motion—just pure, bone-freezing brutality that left everyone in the room both exhausted and wanting more.
Fleshgod Apocalypse delivered a performance that felt less like a concert and more like witnessing a full-scale operatic war unfold on stage. From the first note, their seamless fusion of blistering death metal and sweeping classical arrangements filled the venue with an overwhelming wall of sound that was as precise as it was punishing. The combination of ferocious blast beats, intricate guitar work, and soaring orchestral elements created a dynamic experience that constantly shifted between chaos and elegance. Every member of the band performed with incredible intensity, yet maintained a level of technical mastery that left no doubt why they stand at the top of the symphonic death metal scene.
What truly set the night apart was just how awestruck I felt watching it all come together in real time. The addition of live piano and operatic vocals added a haunting beauty that elevated the brutality into something almost cinematic, and at moments it was hard to believe what I was hearing was happening live. The crowd stood just as mesmerized as they were energized, caught between headbanging and simply taking it all in. It wasn’t just a show—it was an experience that blurred the line between metal concert and orchestral performance, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note faded.
Avatar proved that a metal show can be just as much theater as it is music, delivering a performance that was wildly theatrical, tightly choreographed, and pleasantly over the top in all the best ways. From the moment they took the stage, it felt like stepping into a twisted carnival, with every movement, gesture, and transition perfectly timed to match their explosive sound. Frontman Johannes Eckerström commanded the crowd with a mix of sinister charm and showman swagger, guiding the audience through each song like a ringmaster leading a beautifully chaotic spectacle. The band’s precision was just as impressive as their presentation—massive riffs, pounding rhythms, and razor-sharp timing all working in sync with their dramatic stage presence.
What made the performance truly unforgettable was how effortlessly they balanced musicianship with pure entertainment. The choreography never felt forced—instead, it amplified the energy, turning every song into its own scene in a larger production. There were moments that felt almost absurd in their extravagance, yet it all worked so well that you couldn’t help but be drawn deeper into their world. It was the kind of show that had you headbanging one second and laughing in disbelief the next, completely captivated by how unapologetically over the top it all was. Avatar didn’t just play a set—they put on a spectacle, and it’s one that sticks with you long after the lights go down.
