The COVID-19 pandemic has left many singers, entertainers, and live performers with a loss of income and in search of new work. However, many clever and resourceful musicians, bands, and artists have had the idea to put on virtual performances and concerts. 

Avatar, a metal band hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, did just that all throughout the month of January.

Whereas some artists had been playing a handful of songs throughout one show, Avatar set the bar higher than most and scheduled four virtual concerts throughout January(one played on each Saturday of the month). They branded the experience as “Avatar Ages,” letting each show represent an “age” of their band, or an era that they went through. 

Fans could purchase various bundles of merchandise, ranging from clothing items such as shirts, hoodies, and lanyards all the way to signed postcards and even virtual meet and greets with the members of the band. 

On Saturday, January 9, fans experienced the Age of Dreams, representing Avatar’s dreams and ambitions. At this concert, they played the entirety of the newest album, Hunter Gatherer, released in August of 2020, as well as some of their greatest hits. 

January 16 brought with it the Age of Illusions, represented by Avatar playing songs from their two concept albums Feathers and Flesh (2016) and Avatar Country (2018). Concept albums are albums that follow a story, whether that be through the songs or being themed after a pre-existing story. Avatar’s concept albums follow fictional stories, therefore, they are just that :illusions. 

Avatar played the Age of Madness on January 23. They played songs from their albums Hail the Apocalypse (2014) and Black Waltz (2012). These albums contain much darker and heavier songs compared to their more recent albums, so it makes sense that they would label this one the Age of Madness.   

Finally, things all came to a close on January 30, when Avatar brought forth the Age of Memories. Here, they played their third album, Avatar (2009), in full, as well as some songs from their second album Schlacht (2007) and their very first album Thoughts of No Tomorrow (2006). When they made these albums, they were just starting out as a band, fresh out of high school with big dreams. Now, they have made it pretty big and are pretty well known in the world of metal. Their old days are nothing more than memories, hence the Age of Memories.

Avatar went through many difficulties to make this possible: building different sets for each show, hiring stage crew, and playing for around an hour and a half straight for those four days. In the closing moments of the final show, they promised that they would return soon. Overall, it was very refreshing to see them finally play older songs live, and to finally see them in concert again.