Review Summary: This album moves in the same direction as the last, with more exciting riffs and dynamic vocals - and I would hate for that to change.
Swedish metal band Avatar seems to have gripped the world by storm… almost.
I must admit, I only really got into Avatar mid-September of last year (2013). This was the moment I found out that they were to open the show for the European Avenged Sevenfold tour. I listened to their previous album 'Black Waltz' so much; I felt I was one of the only Avatar new-comers at the tour able to sing along to all the songs. And it looks like their appearance at the gigs paid off, with a massive following of their latest album 'Hail the apocalypse'.
I won't make this a long review; I'll just outline the album as a whole.
The album opens with the single and album time 'Hail the apocalypse'. This is for me, one of the strongest songs on the album in terms of guitar effects and riffs - it's heavy and has great hooks. The beginning is so sudden; it's almost a surprise for anyone who has not previously heard their first single. The strange thing is, that I fell this song is actually stronger in the verses (and lacks a little in chorus, aside from "HAIL THE APOCALYPSE"!).
The second song, 'What I don't know' is a little slower, yet hold ups a progressive marching beat. The track 'Puppet Show' carry's on in a similar fashion, and is much more "hockey-pokey". It's a head-banger... but not the type you'd be expecting. I can't say that I like all songs - 'Tsar Bomba' just doesn't cut the mark for me (although the opening riff is pretty catchy) - it just seems a little empty and heartless.
The last song that I feel really stands out is the perfect album closer 'Tower'. It's different to the other songs on this album- much of it is whispered, and the quiet keyboard sounds accompany. In fact, this is the one I fell asleep to, with my headphones still stuck on my head... until we reach the middle, where I was violently jerked back to reality. The chanting begins, and then come the heavy sounds. However, this soon returns to how the track began, and the listener is lulled yet again into security.
Another notable song on the album is 'Something in My Way', a Nirvana cover. However, as I don't listen to them much, I would not be able to make the comparisons... it sounds damn good though, I’ll tell you that.
All in all, a very promising new album, and one that will surely bring in new fans from all over the globe. The drums, guitars and vocals are near perfect, which leaves us with the question... what can they provide with their next release?
