From late August to September, there was no absence of Metal shows to attend throughout North America. From Kamelot‘s fabled return to Electric Callboy‘s debut, Canada saw its fair share of sell out shows for fans who would never take concerts for granted again.
Naturally, this meant that the circus had to return, and the mighty Avatar never cease to bring an accompaniment of the strange and deranged to invade the big top! This time, openers The Native Howl from Michigan hopped onboard, alongside Sweden’s heavy hitters, Orbit Culture. With the variety and spectacle sure to be a jaw-dropper, fans wasted no time snatching up tickets until this, too, was a sell out show.
Making my way to the Phoenix in downtown Toronto on September 14th, I was excited to finally witness Orbit Culture in person. Missing their previous stop with In Flames, I hadn’t stopped kicking myself for missing them when they’d quickly snapped in as a growing favourite of mine over the years. With their release of Descent happening only a month prior, I was hopeful to hear both a mixture of old and new tracks that would get my blood pumping.
Of course, leave it to my buddy Miles to catch Niklas just outside the hall as I emerged from the washrooms before the show, not only giving me a chance to meet him but tell him how excited I was to finally see them live. This quick moment was not only a surprise, but something that pumped me up even more with how friendly and excited Niklas was to be there. To add, Orbit Culture‘s unofficial fifth member, Ben, running merch, and being an absolute delight to talk to, could only be described as genuine as we discussed random bits about the band to why Canadian currency looks the way it does.
Annnd we move on!
I had seen Avatar a number of times as they’re no strangers to the stage. Having first witnessed them open eons ago for In This Moment, I remember vividly how they stole the show with their absurdity and intensity. From circus-like outfits, to jerry can water bottles, this band blew fans away and quickly earned themselves a devoted fanbase in their very own land – Avatar country! However, for this event, I was dead-set on seeing Orbit Culture.
The Native Howl took the stage first, and having not heard of them nor any of their music before, I was intrigued by their ‘thrash grass’ proclamation. With a barefoot vocalist, a shield-maiden for a drummer, and a banjo, this band had all eyes on them for what I can only define simply as country meets metal. With absolute bombshell tracks, to a mix of Soggybottom Metallica, The Native Howl putout energy that was unmatched by anything I’d ever seen. Breakdown with a harmonica and you had yourself an experience that will never, and can never, be forgotten. I’ve now tacked a few of my favourites from this show onto my playlist, including “Harvester of Sorrow“!
When Orbit Culture finally hit the stage, I was overwhelmed to the point I was nearly in tears. Opening with “North Star of Nija“, the fire that erupted was matched only by Ben’s bouncing from beyond the barricade to the stage to capture each and every moment. “Descent” brought in the new taste, giving fans a taste of the heavy hitting that Orbit Culture is known for.
But, it was when “From the Inside” came crashing down that I got the chills. Leaving my jaw on the floor from the sheer power belted out from this band, I simply could not get enough. Even when they rolled into “Alienated” leaving no heart without rapid flex, I went wild to one of their heaviest tracks to date. With each and every note hit on “Strangler“, I was going ballistic; fans howled, and I held up my hand-made sign with pride.
We are ALL one with Orbit Culture!
“The Shadowing” kept the crowd on their toes, and I could hear the intrigue of new listeners at my back shifting from hmms to wows. One of my fav tracks polished off their set, with unrivaled fervor as I chanted “beware of the antlers!” to “Vultures of North“. The ending all came as a blur as Niklas tossed a guitar pick my way, though it initially bounced to the floor. Thankfully Richard came through, handing off another, and I was elated for the recognition my little sign had gained me. Two picks in hand, thanks to security’s respect, I gave one to my friend, still in awe of what I’d just been a part of. I’ll keep my hopes high for an eventual North American headline tour, but for now I simply wait until their return… in February.
(As a gentle PSA, I remind concert goers that you never know the importance of a band or song to someone, and to have someone say, “that fxxxing sign is in my way” at my back, as I held back tears finally seeing a band live that has had so much significance to me, was nearly world-shattering. It is, understandably, a view blocker so a quick tap for movement and a polite word is all that was needed and I would’ve lowered it. The comment was completely unnecessary, so I preach kindness in matters like this.)
When Avatar took the stage, the crowd shift did not go unnoticed. Painted faces and circus hats donned the citizens of Avatar Country and they gradually marched towards the stage, as if on cue, until they could get no closer. Breaking the silence, band members took the stage, one after another, being ‘assigned’ their role of the night and taking the necessary position on stage. Fireworks kicked off with “Dance Devil Dance” and Avatar‘s fearless leader came forth, enacting the crowd to scream with support and awe.
Classics like “The Eagle has Landed” ruptured both old and new ears; fans hungry for more and more of their freakshow screaming into the night. A new fav, “Valley of Disease” brought out a plague-like display, with heaviness getting the fans frantically moving about. However, once “Chimp Mosh Pit” kicked off there was no stopping the face-painted crowd from being engulfed by madness in the pit. The heated crowd didn’t even skip a beat, shifting to wave hands in the air to “Paint me Red” before floating to “Bloody Angel” and headbanging the night away.
“For the Swarm” brought a chaotic performance that ensnared fans, their fixation on the band’s erratic movements as I said and wondered ‘why no Queen of Blades!?‘ as it seemed only fitting to follow a track like this. I still beg for Starcraft’s Queen to be acknowledged.
The night of oddities only continues with “Puppet Show” with a wired performance of balloons and shorts on the crowd, before the shift back into “When the Snow Lies Red.”
Hit after hit erupted, cutting clear through the venue even as I said goodnight to friends, leaving through a crowd that was reluctant to let anyone leave. I even got to hear my favourite, “Let It Burn” as I ended with a small meeting with members of Orbit Culture and other fans much to my delight.
As I said, I went for Orbit Culture but, I did stay for Avatar.
As expected, a friend live-streamed me the finale of “Hail the Apocalypse” where every last bit of strength from the band and crowd alike was released into the air. I even heard that Avatar was ecstatic meeting fans after the show by their bus, despite Security’s hesitation. Once more, Sweden produces a band of both dynamic sound and presence upheld by a team of upstanding gentle souls. Avatar never ceases to entertain, and their acknowledgement to their fans is both refreshing and respected.
I you’ve never been to Avatar Country, I recommend you pack your bags and take the time to drop by.
You can hit the rest of the shows on Avatar‘s Dance Devil Dance tour still traversing the US until December! You can find more information including tickets here!
And don’t forget to follow the band on all their socials!
Avatar: Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram
Orbit Culture: Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp, Twitter
The Native Howl: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bandcamp
Valkyrjian 