Spirit Leaves Unleashes New Single “Zealot” A Confrontation Of Cult Mentality
Hard rock band Spirit Leaves, known for their mix of modern and hardcore influences, is set to release their powerful new single “Zealot” on January 10th via InVogue Records. The track is accompanied by a striking new music video that delves deep into the song’s gripping narrative of good versus evil. Catch the music video premiere on January 9th at 8 PM EST.
Vocalist XZYLO shares, “This song is about the devil vs god. And how the devil can present itself in a godly form, leading people down terrible paths with no return. Regardless of how many times you yell and scream for them to stop, it doesn’t matter. It’s already too late. The story is of somebody being indoctrinated into a cult, and I’m watching this terrible thing happen to someone I care about, but can’t stop. Who and where does it end? Watch our music videos to find out more.”
Spirit Leaves “Zealot”
Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Spirit Leaves skillfully blends the raw energy of hardcore with the intricate melodies of modern art. Their music resonates with fans of Turnstile, Knocked Loose, Bring Me The Horizon, and Dayseeker, offering a sonic journey that traverses the boundaries of emotion and sound. The band’s name itself reflects their dynamic approach, as they explore new horizons in their genre, continually evolving and adapting.
Their live performances are a captivating spectacle, leaving an impact on audiences with their infectious energy and innovative sound.In the heart of Orlando’s music scene, Spirit Leaves stands as a beacon of innovation and authenticity. Their music goes beyond conventional definitions, embracing the tension between aggression and melody. Through their unique ethos, they invite listeners to join them on an exhilarating expedition into uncharted territories of music and art. With a reputation for devastating live shows and a sound that encapsulates the essence of hardcore’s wanderlust, Spirit Leaves promises an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the final chord fades.
– Brandon “XZYLO” Waskiewicz (vocals) – Giovanni Lopez (guitar) – Steven Rodriguesz (bass) – Donald “Donnie” Fuson (drums)
Three-time Grammy-nominated hard rock heavyweights and platinum-selling band Killswitch Engage — Jesse Leach, vocals; Adam Dutkiewicz, guitar; Joel Stroetzel, guitar; Mike D’Antonio, bass; and Justin Foley, drums —will have a busy 2025, releasing their new THIS CONSEQUENCE on February 21 via. Metal Blade. Pre-order it here. The band shared the video for first single “Forever Aligned.” Watch it here.
KsE are also returning to the road this winter and spring.
Their upcoming winter headline tour features support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King and Frozen Soul, and kicks off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine.
The band has also announced dates for May, which will feature support from Shadows Fall, Fit for a King, and Boundaries.. This leg goes on sale on Friday, January 10 at 10am local time, while various pre-sales are happening now.
‘We are very excited to be back out on the road in support of our incoming new album,” states Leach. “What better way to roll it out than to have a few dates with our close friends and local boys Shadows Fall with us! They have come back with a vengeance and we want to have them along for the party on these run of shows. To round it out will be the mighty Fit For a King and the heavy hitters Boundaries! All killer, no filler.”
He continues, “This new album means the world to us so we will be giving it our absolute all on these shows. Be sure to come out; it will be one for the memories!”
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ON TOUR: WITH KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING, + FROZEN SOUL: 3/5 — Nashville, TN — The Pinnacle 3/6 — Chesterfield, MO — The Factory 3/8 — Fayetteville, AR — JJ’s Live 3/9 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion 3/11 — El Paso, TX — Don Haskins Center Arena 3/13 — Las Vegas, NV — The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas 3/14 — Reno, NV — Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort 3/15 — Wheatland, CA — Hard Rock Live 3/17 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House 3/18 — Seattle, WA — The Paramount 3/19 — Vancouver, BC — PNE Forum 3/21 — Penticton, BC — South Okanagan Events Centre 3/22 — Tsuut’ina, AB — Grey Eagle Resort & Casino 3/24 — Winnipeg, MB — Burton Cummings Theatre 3/27 — Peoria, IL — Peoria Civic Center 3/28 — Waukee, IA— Vibrant Music Hall 3/29 — La Vista, NE — The Astro 3/30 — Kansas City, MO — The Midland Theatre 4/1 — Grand Rapids, MI — GLC Live 20 Monroe 4/3 — Corbin, KY — The Corbin Arena 4/4 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE 4/5 — Philadelphia, PA — Franklin Music Hall 4/6 — Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Special Events Center 4/8 — New Haven, CT — College Street Music Hall 4/9 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo RiverWorks 4/11 — Laval, QC —Place Bell 4/12 — Portland, ME — Cross Insurance Arena
WITH SHADOWS FALL, FIT FOR A KING, + BOUNDARIES: 5/8 — Columbus, OH— Sonic Temple* 5/10 — Indianapolis, IN — Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre 5/11 — Memphis, TN — Minglewood Hall 5/13 — New Orleans, LA — The Fillmore New Orleans 5/14 — Birmingham, AL — Avondale Brewing Company 5/16 — Daytona Beach. FL — Welcome To Rockville* 5/17 — Myrtle Beach, SC — House of Blues 5/18 — Virginia Beach, VA — The Dome *Festival Date
The Podcast That Rocked for 1/7/24. Discussion on Avenged Sevenfold not being able to make money touring, Boston Calling is a random festival, and more.
Avenged Sevenfold Can’t Make Money Touring | The Podcast That Rocked on YouTube
The Podcast That Rocked on Spotify
The Most Unhinged Man In Metal
Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring today’s video. Go to https://strms.net/hellofresh_rockednet, use my code ROCKEDJAN10, and receive 10 free meals + free breakfast for life!
Discussion Topics: -M. Shadows says Avenged Sevenfold can’t make money touring -Avenged Sevenfold dumbed down a song to make it a hit -Jane’s Addiction moving on without Perry Farrell -Boston Calling Festival is a random list of bands -Carla Harvey joins Lords Of Acid -Jay Weinberg solo project -Rock For People has a stacked lineup in Czech Republic -Upcoming Albums, Tours, More.
“Avenged Sevenfold (A7X) continues to dominate the heavy metal scene with their electrifying live performances and innovative stage productions. Their “Life is But a Dream” tour showcases the band’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled visual and auditory experience, utilizing cutting-edge technological solutions that transform their concerts into immersive spectacles. With a dynamic stage setup featuring advanced projection mapping and a Holonet that creates intimate, responsive visual moments, the band ensures that each performance is a high-energy, multi-sensory journey. Led by the charismatic M. Shadows, the band’s live shows are renowned for their intense energy, with fans consistently praising the group’s ability to create an electrifying atmosphere that turns casual listeners into die-hard supporters. From festival performances to dedicated tours, Avenged Sevenfold delivers loud, powerful concerts that feature intricate guitar work from Synyster Gates, thunderous drums, and a stage presence that keeps audiences continuously engaged and moving. Their current tour not only highlights their musical prowess but also demonstrates their evolution as artists, offering fans a truly unforgettable live music experience.” (Perplexity)
Avenged Sevenfold Can’t Make Money Touring | The Podcast That Rocked #Podcasts
2024 was the first year in a while that had metal fans consistently happy and optimistic. This video looks at 10 GREAT Metal Songs Of 2024, including Knocked Loose, Opeth, Poppy, and more.
10 GREAT Metal Songs Of 2024
Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring today’s video. Go to https://strms.net/hellofresh_rockednet, use my code ROCKEDJAN10, and receive 10 free meals + free breakfast for life!
“2024 has delivered some of the most exciting metal songs, showcasing the genre’s diversity and creativity. Knocked Loose’s “Suffocate,” featuring Poppy, has emerged as a standout track, blending hardcore punk with melodic elements that highlight both artists’ vocal prowess. Released on April 23, 2024, this collaboration has garnered critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance, marking a significant milestone for the band. Opeth’s S1 also made waves with its intricate compositions and progressive metal influences, demonstrating the band’s ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound. Additionally, Bad Omens and Poppy’s collaboration on “V.A.N.” has captivated listeners with its innovative blend of metalcore and pop elements, pushing the boundaries of genre conventions. These tracks exemplify the vibrant landscape of rock and metal in 2024, showcasing how artists are continuously redefining their sound while resonating with fans around the world. (Perplexity}
The Podcast That Rocked for 12/31/24. Discussion on The Best & Worst of 2024 in rock, metal, alt, and more. A casual look back at what we loved and didn’t love as much.
The BEST & WORST of 2024 in Rock, Metal, Alt, and More | The Podcast That Rocked #Podcasts
Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring today’s podcast. Go to https://strms.net/hellofresh_rockednet, use my code ROCKEDJAN10, and receive 10 free meals + free breakfast for life!
“2024 has been a year of triumphs and controversies in the rock and metal world. On the positive side, Gojira made history as the first metal band to perform at the Olympics, delivering a groundbreaking performance of “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)” alongside opera singer Marina Viotti during the Paris Summer Games. This unprecedented event not only showcased the band’s talent but also elevated metal music to a global stage, earning them critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination. In contrast, Mötley Crüe faced significant backlash and legal troubles throughout the year. The band became embroiled in a high-profile lawsuit with former guitarist Mick Mars, who alleged financial misconduct and disputed his forced retirement from touring. Additionally, persistent rumors of the band using backing tracks during live performances divided fans and critics alike, tarnishing their reputation. Despite these challenges, Mötley Crüe attempted to push forward with new music, releasing their EP “Cancelled” in October, which received mixed reactions from fans. These contrasting events highlight the dynamic nature of the rock and metal scene in 2024, demonstrating both the genre’s potential for innovation and its ongoing struggles with authenticity and internal conflicts.” (Perplexity)
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The BEST & WORST of 2024 in Rock, Metal, Alt, and More | The Podcast That Rocked
This year had a flood of good music in rock, metal, alternative, punk, etc. So what was the best? This video looks at the Top 10 BEST Albums of 2024. Watch the video below for a full breakdown of each entry, or scroll below to read an excerpt from the video for each album.
You want the angry aggressive side of Poppy, that opens the album. You want the hyperpop bubbly side of Poppy, that comes in Negative Spaces also. Everything from the guitars to the polished synth work is well done and Poppy proves she can work with anything she’s given. 2024 was a stellar year for Poppy and I hope that continues next year. Poppy’s latest is the most accessible so if you’ve never been able to jump into what Poppy offers, Negative Spaces might be the easiest to take in.
Poppy “They’re All Around Us”
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9.) Job For A Cowboy Moon Healer
Job For A Cowboy returned to finish the job after 10 years. Just like 10 years ago, this is an onslaught to your ears and you will have to take a step back during a full playthrough to take it all in. Moon Healer was the follow up that I don’t think many metal fans ever would have expected but once we received it back in February, we were all praising the tech death combo. It’s vicious, it’s replayable, and it is a great help if you are wanting something angry sounding at the gym. Just don’t play it on a speaker, you’ll get kicked out of the YMCA for that.
Job For A Cowboy “The Forever Rot”
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8.) Better Lovers Highly Irresponsible
This is that rare merging of bands that form an audio gut punch every time they are together. It’s the best dose of chaotic glory you can find in heavy music right now. Everyone involved is as ridiculous as they are talented. It’s fierce and combines all those elements of Dillinger and Every Time I Die and a gritty club venue about to get destroyed, all that presented in a hostile but still pleasant and lively package. It sounds furious, but you have a smile on your face when you listen. Better Lovers are the masters of mixed emotions.
Better Lovers “A White Horse Covered In Blood”
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7.) Fontaines D.C. Romance
Romance is the album that takes Fontaines D.C. to the verge of an arena rock sound and in turn makes Fontaines D.C. sound like a big deal again. Fontaines D. C. have combined the GOOD elements of Blur and 2000’s Coldplay, why fusing that with their own style. So much of this album works as a captivating, energizing form of indie rock, magnified into something bigger. The endless grooves of this album stick with you and in a subgenre with so many people TRYING to make this style, Fontaines showed how it’s done.
Fontaines D.C. “Bug”
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6.) Jack White No Name
13 tracks that are filled with hooks. It’s not high end, polished production and post-mixing, it’s a strong well layered mix with White sounding bold and clear. Everything is dripping with attitude and charisma and White is still performing like he’s in his 20’s. Everyone raves about jack White live and how great of a performer he is, and I think No Name should get a lot of time at his upcoming tours because all this music would work perfectly for a moving audience. This is music that’s well-crafted with great writing and energy. You know, like rock and roll used to always have.
Jack White “That’s How I’m Feeling”
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5.) Chelsea Wolfe She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She
Wolfe has spent years walking the line between unnerving calm and dark anger. In She Reaches Out, Wolfe gives into the anger and in turn becomes a force of nature. Everything is tinted dark but it’s never miserable or too bleak to make you want to stop. With the endless distortion and thick mixing to make that mood and setting, Chelsea Wolfe sounds like she’s in her natural environment. That constant pull to keep listening is comforting after a while. As if Wolfe is using subconscious bewitching to make sure you return to the cycle. I mean if that’s true, then it worked.
Chelsea Wolfe “Place In The Sun (Unbound)”
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4.) Ekko Astral Pink Balloons
It took one listen to the song “Baethoven” that made me jump in head first. After a short listening experience, even shorter than Better Lovers, I realized Pink Balloons was a special album. It takes massive talent to somehow bring in Molly Shannon as a lyric and somehow still feel every bit as punk as the rest of the album, but Ekko Astral make it all work. The fuzz and distortion, the swagger in the vocal delivery makes this incredible dynamic that punk hasn’t seen in quite a while, or at least not executed as well as Ekko Astral has made here.
Ekko Astral “Baethoven”
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3.) Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Wild God
Tragedy can lead to great works of art. It’s tragic that so many truly terrible events have happened to Nick Cave over the years, even recently, but somehow Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds found a way to push forward and create Wild God, and in turn make one of the best albums of 2024 with little sounding like it. This is an album that might be able to help you look at something a bit brighter. And it comes from Nick Cave of all people, a man known for his darkness. Wild God is amazing.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds “Conversion”
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2.) Blood Incantation Absolute Elsewhere
This is the proggy, death metal, science fiction space soundtrack that scratched such a perfect itch that it’s going to be difficult to describe to everyone who hasn’t heard it. The death growl from Paul Reidl echos and reverberates into your bones. Absolute Elsewhere is how you get lost in listening to an album as it’s a big black hole time warp. If the idea of being in space has ever terrified you, then listen to Absolute Elsewhere. Space will still be terrifying, but the soundtrack will make it sound huge and amazing.
Blood Incantation “The Stargate”
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1.) The Cure Songs Of A Lost World
Only eight songs, running just under 50 minutes. In eight tracks, The Cure used every second to make the thickest, sonically rich while still dark and moody tone I’ve heard in years. All of Songs Of A Lost World was written by Robert Smith. At age 65, that man still has more talent and vision than most rock and alternative musicians in their 20’s. Combined. That’s not an exaggeration either. Whether live or in studio, Robert Smith is still crushing it along with The Cure. What The Cure made in 2024 is something that everyone can get behind. The fourteenth album from The Cure stands on it’s own as an album and is another feather in The Cure’s massive hat that no one else can wear.
“2024 saw the release of several groundbreaking rock, metal, and alternative albums that pushed genre boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. The Cure’s Songs of a Lost World, their first studio album in 16 years, marked a triumphant return to form, channeling the dark, atmospheric sound of their classic Disintegration era. Blood Incantation’s Absolute Elsewhere further cemented their status as innovators in the death metal scene, with its two epic tracks blending progressive elements and cosmic themes into a cohesive, mind-bending journey. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ Wild God continued their late-career renaissance with poignant songwriting and haunting melodies. These albums demonstrate that rock and metal continue to evolve and push creative boundaries in 2024, offering fans a diverse range of sounds and experiences.” (Perplexity)
The Podcast That Rocked for 12/17/24. Discussion on Slipknot’s Look Outside Your Window finally getting released, Boardwalk Rock Fest being awful, more.
Slipknot “Look Outside Your Window” Coming In 2025? | The Podcast That Rocked on YouTube
Slipknot “Look Outside Your Window” Coming In 2025? | The Podcast That Rocked on Spotify
Discussion Topics: -Slipknot’s “Look Outside Your Window” actually getting released? -Clown says “Festivals will have terrible festival headliners for a while” -Boardwalk Rock Festival might be the worst booked of 2025 -Loudwire’s Best Rock Albums of 2024 -Bring Me The Horizon and In This Moment respectively taking a break -Favorite albums of the 2010’s -Upcoming tours, more.
“Slipknot’s long-awaited album Look Outside Your Window is finally set to be released in 2025, following years of speculation and anticipation from fans. Initially recorded during the sessions for their 2008 album All Hope Is Gone, this collection features a more experimental sound, distinct from the band’s typical aggressive style. Shawn “Clown” Crahan has confirmed that the album is now ready, stating that the artwork has been approved and the music is mixed and mastered. Described by Corey Taylor as having a “Radiohead vibe,” Look Outside Your Window promises to showcase a melodic rock approach that diverges from Slipknot’s usual heavy metal roots. The album has garnered a mystique over the years, with fans eager to hear its unique tracks, some of which were originally intended to be part of All Hope Is Gone. As Slipknot prepares for this significant release, excitement builds for what is sure to be a groundbreaking addition to their discography.” (Perplexity)
Swedish extreme metal pioneers ARCH ENEMY will unleash their forthcoming twelfth studio album, Blood Dynasty on March 28 via Century Media Records. Pre-order Blood Dynastyhere. Listen to the single “Blood Dynasty” here and watch the official music video here.
Additionally, the band has announced its Spring 2025 North American tour plans.
The massive tour kicks off on April 14 in San Diego and runs through May 16 in Atlanta, including several stops in Canada. All dates are below, along with key spring festival appearances, such as Sonic Temple and Welcome to Rockville. Get tickets here.
Expect a night of maximum headbanging that you will NOT want to miss!
“We can’t wait to reconnect with our amazing North American fans this spring,” says guitarist Michael Amott. “We’re bringing Fit For An Autopsy, Baest, and Thrown Into Exile along for the ride — prepare for an unforgettable night of pure metal mayhem. See you soon!”
ARCH ENEMY ON TOUR: WITH FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, BAEST, + THROWN INTO EXILE: 4/14 — San Diego, CA — The Observatory North Park 4/15 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern 4/16 — San Francisco, CA — The Regency Ballroom 4/18 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theater 4/19 — Seattle, WA — Showbox SoDo 4/20 — Vancouver, BC — The Pearl 4/22 — Edmonton, AB — Union Hall 4/23 — Calgary, AB — MacEwan Hall 4/25 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Complex 4/26 — Denver, CO — Summit 4/28 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore Minneapolis 4/29 — Chicago, IL — The Vic Theatre 4/30 — Detroit, MI — The Majestic Theatre 5/2 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square 5/3 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium 5/5 — Philadelphia, PA — Theatre of The Living Arts 5/6 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore Silver Spring 5/8 — Montreal, QC — L’Olympia* 5/9 — Toronto, ON — Queen Elizabeth Theatre 5/10 — Stroudsburg, PA — The Sherman Theater 5/11 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple** 5/13 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground*** 5/15 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome To Rockville** 5/16 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade*** 5/18 — Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest** *No FFAA But Featuring Martyr **Festval Appearance ***No BAEST
Blood Dynasty marks Arch Enemy’s 12th studio album. The record features 11 new tracks full of the band’s signature powerful guitar riff and guttural force. Pre-order Arch Enemy’s new album Blood Dynasty here.
BLOOD DYNASTY TRACKLISTING: “Dream Stealer” “Illuminate the Path” “March Of the Miscreants” “A Million Suns” “Don’t Look Down” “Presage” “Blood Dynasty” “Paper Tiger” “Vivre Libre” “The Pendulum” “Liars & Thieves”
Next to the limited deluxe editions that feature two exclusive bonus tracks, fans can direct their attention to the Ltd. Liquid Blood Vinyl that is exclusively available in the band stores and limited to 666 copies.
In support of the new album, Arch Enemy has announced the European “Blood Dynasty” 2025 Tour, commencing on October 10, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany, and concluding on November 15, 2025, in Düsseldorf, Germany. The tour will feature special guests Amorphis, Eluveitie, and Gatecreeper.
Linkin Park returning, Jane’s Addiction imploding, Gojira dominating, and more. This video looks at 10 CRAZY Rock & Metal Stories In 2024.
10 CRAZY Rock & Metal Stories In 2024
Gojira “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ca ira!)
Knocked Loose ft. Poppy “Suffocate” | Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“The rock and metal music scene in 2024 has been marked by unprecedented moments that captured global attention. Gojira made history as the first metal band to perform at the Olympics during the Paris Summer Games, delivering a groundbreaking performance of “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)” alongside opera singer Marina Viotti, which earned them a Grammy nomination and widespread acclaim. Linkin Park also made a triumphant return, announcing their comeback with a new album From Zero and introducing Emily Armstrong as their lead vocalist, marking their first new music since Chester Bennington’s passing. In a shocking turn of events, Jane’s Addiction imploded during a Boston concert when frontman Perry Farrell physically attacked guitarist Dave Navarro on stage, leading to the immediate cancellation of their entire tour.. These moments highlight the dynamic and unpredictable nature of rock music in 2024, demonstrating that the genre continues to evolve, surprise, and push boundaries in unexpected ways.” (Perplexity)
Heavy metal ‘n’ roll, dark, madcap visionaries collectively known as AVATAR — vocalist Johannes Eckerström, guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström, bassist Henrik Sandelin, and drummer John Alfredsson — are thrilled to share the brand new, re-recorded piano version of their song “Tower.”
This gorgeous new version is the first time the band has re-recorded a track in its career thus far. It’s an uncharacteristically quiet yet incredibly powerful update.
“This version of ‘Tower’ became a special moment in a very special period of our lives,” states Eckerström. “It feels natural to use it as a way to stop and look back for just a moment before we move forward with full force. It’s a thank you to everyone who stands by our side and makes the magic happen.”
The original appears on the band’s beloved and critically acclaimed fifth album, Hail the Apocalypse, which was released in 2014. This rerecord is of incredible significance because AVATAR have neither ownership nor receives any royalties on Hail the Apocalypse, or any preceding albums, since 2015. The band is currently in the midst of a legal battle to reclaim their rights with former record label Fifth Island Music; formerly Gain Records, a part of Sony Music Entertainment.
In other Avatar news, the band is planning to enter the studio at the top of the year in January to begin work on its tenth studio album and the follow up to 2023’s Dance Devil Dance. Jay Ruston will produce. The album is expected to be released sometime in 2025 through their own label Black Waltz Records which is distributed by Thirty Tigers.
Never one to sit back and rest on their haunches, Avatar are also opening for Iron Maiden this summer. All dates are here.
AVATAR ON TOUR: 7/3 — Belfort, FR* 7/5 — Madrid, ES 7/6 — Lisbon, PR (SOLD OUT) 7/9 — Zurich, CH (SOLD OUT) 7/11 — Gelsenkirchen, DE 7/13 — Padova, IT 7/15 — Bremen, DE 7/17 — Vienna, AT 7/19 — Paris, FR (SOLD OUT) 7/20 — Paris, FR 7/23 — Arnhem, NL 7/25 — Frankfurt, DE 7/26 — Stuttgart, DE (SOLD OUT) 7/29 — Berlin, DE (SOLD OUT) 7/30 — Berlin, DE 8/2 — Warsaw, PL *Festival
