It’s been almost exactly three years since Avatar were in Sydney on their first ever visit where they blew us away. So I know that I’m ready to see one of the best bands I’ve EVER seen live once again.
Pyrefly who stepped up last minute last tour are back and I’m looking forward to watching how far they’ve come. Ripping it up with their heavy riffs and even getting into the crowd to start and join in a circle pit was something else. Now they’re giving us their version of Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ which is heavy, and pretty damn cool. Definitely a band with some big songs and a big positive attitude. I dig them!
Here we go!! Time for the main event.
The rain pours as the lights go out and the cheers get louder. The lantern leads the way as the band take the stage. Into ‘Captain Goat’ and what a cool opener. It’s that slower yet heavy perfect choice to start things off, it’s a dark and broody almost shanty but what this band does with it is exceptional, and you just know this sets the scene for the night and we are ready for what’s to come. The robes come off and with some amazing choreographed head banging they absolutely tear into ‘Let it Burn’ and man this is awesome. This band is so good and I apologize I’m sure I’ll say that a number of times tonight. They get their well deserved praise early on before launching into the ridiculously heavy ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ with arms waving and this crowd in the palm of their hand. A massive extended outro was insanely good and now Johannes is getting the crowd warmed up with some vocal warmups. He’s classic. “Yes indeed the circus has come to town” and damn ‘In the Airwaves’ when that melodic chorus hit was killer. Jonas stays on stage to start ‘Bloody Angel’ as the rest of the band return to the stage this beast kicks in. This is one of my favourite Avatar tracks and they are delivering. That was brilliant.
It’s Tim’s turn as he starts ‘Death and Glitz’ and this band is so impressive, they are so tight it’s insane. Johannes is just that perfect front man, he’s an entertainer and he’s just that good. Special props for Banana eating cymbal helmet guy in this one. More hair whipping for ‘Get in Line’ and that was outstanding watching the crowd enjoy this one. Oh man ‘Colossus’ was a monster and this band can do no wrong tonight, or ever, they’re just that good. ‘Torn Apart’ is next and this band is just so much fun to watch, there’s so much going on, and when this one slows down and Johannes takes a drink from his petrol can he’s ready to play this one out. A keyboard makes its way to front of stage as Johannes turns this into a lounge with his smooth playing, some amazing quick wit and professing his love for Australia and Sweden. He then starts ‘Howling at the Waves’ for the slowest song of the night which was a nice break from the intensity we’ve had so far, and now my favourite ‘The Dirt I’m Buried In’ and that did not disappoint. What a song that is and it seems the crowd feel the same as me as they belted this one back to the stage. That is just one hell of a song and one that will never leave the setlist.
The band leave the stage and as a single red balloon floats across the stage they return for the title track of their latest album ‘Don’t Go in the Forest’ and hearing this live is so damn good. What a song, you know this one will also remain a staple. With a “Thank You” they leave the stage leaving only drummer John up there to start ‘Tonight We Must Be Warriors’ and this big anthemic track is perfectly suited this late in the set. With a completely warranted “10 more songs” chant the band return to give us the crowd favourite ‘Crying Fire’ and thankfully so, this is brilliant. The melodic soaring chorus takes this dong to so many levels it’s a treat to hear. Johannes is back discussing the encore and what’s left and a promise of 2 more songs in a negotiation down from the 10 we all requested and after some more hilarity we get ‘Smells Like a Freakshow’ and how can this night keep getting better? Like this I guess. What a song and this heavy one just tears it up. With one last song it’s time for ‘Hail the Apocalypse’ and this is heavy, like actually HEAVY in capitals (extra heavy) with a killer solo and just an outstanding way to close this show. The band leave with a “1 more song” chant from us and Johannes in pure form chants “no more songs” as he’s walking off just for that final laugh from us all. They return only for a bow and deserved praise.
Avatar are easily, and I mean like 2+2 = 4 easily one of the best live bands you’ll EVER see. That was next level tonight and Avatar remain a band I will never miss when they make it down here. Not sure what’s in the water in Sweden but whatever it is it’s allowed a band like Avatar to exist and be absolutely fucking amazing.
Hey other bands, this is how you do it. You should all go and see an Avatar show, you might get a few tips. Absolute mayhem and perfection.
Essential Information
Venue: The Manning Bar, Sydney
Date: August 29, 2026
Support: Pyrefly
Presented By: ThePhoenix.au
Website: www.avatarmetal.com
Set List:
Captain Goat
Let It Burn
The Eagle Has Landed
In the Airwaves
Bloody Angel
Death and Glitz
Get in Line
Colossus
Torn Apart
Howling at the Waves
The Dirt I’m Buried In
Don’t Go in the Forest
Tonight We Must Be Warriors
Crying Fire
Smells Like a Freakshow
Hail the Apocalypse
