Avatar at the Moore Theatre, Seattle
Avatar at the Moore Theatre - Seattle, WA (Photo:Mike Baltierra)
Seattle’s historic Moore Theatre was transformed into a cathedral of chaos and spectacle on November 10, 2025, as Sweden’s theatrical metal juggernaut Avatar brought their In the Airwaves USA ’25 Tour to town. The evening was a showcase of high-octane performances, blistering musicianship, and larger-than-life showmanship that reaffirmed why Avatar continues to reign as one of metal’s most innovative live acts. Supporting the tour were Spiritworld, promoting their latest album Helldorado, and Alien Weaponry, the New Zealand trio currently touring behind their ferocious new release Te Rā.
Spiritworld kicked off the night with a storm of Western-inspired metallic fury. Their set was short but scorching, blending hardcore aggression with outlaw swagger. Songs from Helldorado thundered through the venue, setting the tone perfectly for what would follow. Next up, Alien Weaponry delivered a powerful and culturally rich performance that merged thrash intensity with their distinctive Māori heritage. Frontman Lewis Raharuhi de Jong, joined by Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong on drums and Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds on bass, captivated the crowd with primal rhythms and fierce chants from Te Rā, earning a roar of approval from Seattle’s metal faithful.
When the lights dimmed and Avatar’s intro swelled, the Moore Theatre erupted. Frontman Johannes Eckerström emerged in full carnival ringmaster regalia, his signature grin signaling the start of an unforgettable spectacle. Opening with “Captain Goat,” the band wasted no time in unleashing their controlled madness. Jonas “Kungen” Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström traded razor-sharp riffs throughout “Silence in the Age of Apes” and “The Eagle Has Landed,” while Henrik Sandelin and John Alfredsson provided the thunderous low-end that shook the venue’s ornate walls. New material like “In the Airwaves” fit seamlessly alongside fan favorites “Bloody Angel” and “Colossus,” each delivered with precision and flair.
The set’s middle portion saw Avatar explore the full range of their theatrical metal universe, from the haunting “Howling at the Waves” to the grandiose “Tower” and “Glory to Our King.” The energy crescendoed with “Let It Burn” and “Tonight We Must Be Warriors,” before the band briefly departed to deafening chants. The encore sealed the night in glorious chaos: “Dance Devil Dance” had the entire crowd moving, “Smells Like a Freakshow” turned the theatre into a carnival of headbanging and laughter, and “Hail the Apocalypse” brought the night to a climactic close. As the final notes faded, fans left buzzing — their voices hoarse, their hearts full — having witnessed not just a concert, but a masterclass in metal theatre.
Avatar Setlist
Captain Goat
Silence in the Age of Apes
The Eagle Has Landed
In the Airwaves
Bloody Angel
Death and Glitz
Blod
Colossus
Howling at the Waves
Tower Glory to Our King
Legend of the King
Let It Burn
The Dirt I'm Buried
In Tonight We Must Be Warriors
Encore:
Dance Devil Dance
Smells Like a Freakshow
Hail the Apocalypse
