Avatar cover

Avatar

Avatar · 2009

43 min · 10 tracks · melodic death metal

Melodic death metal infused with theatricality and anthemic choruses, blending aggression with intricate musicianship.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Queen of Blades — Opening the album, this track features a commanding chorus that captures Avatar's balance of brutality and melody, setting the tone for the entire record.
  • →
    The Great Pretender — This song showcases the band's lyrical depth through its exploration of identity and deception, combined with vibrant instrumentation that underlines its themes.
  • →
    Lullaby (Death All Over) — Closing the album, this track contrasts delicate melodies with darker themes, embodying the band's theatrical flair while leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and a distinct sound within its genre, though it may not have widespread recognition.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs paired with melodic choruses, establishing a high-energy opening.
  • Several tracks incorporate theatrical spoken word sections that contrast with the heavy instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo journey
  • dark intensity with storytelling
  • captivating theatrical elements
  • focused listening experience
  • emotional release through dynamics

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context
The self-titled album 'Avatar' is Avatar's third studio release, following their 2006 album 'Thoughts of No Tomorrow'. By 2009, the band was establishing its unique identity within the melodic death metal scene, showcasing a blend of heavy riffs and theatrical elements that would define their sound.
Stylistic neighbors
In Flames· Dark Tranquillity· Soilwork

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Queen of Blades 4:28
  • 2 The Great Pretender 4:03
  • 3 Shattered Wings 3:35
  • 4 Reload 4:13
  • 5 Out of Our Minds 4:29
  • 6 Deeper Down 3:46
  • 7 Revolution of Two 5:08
  • 8 Roadkill 3:28
  • 9 Pigfucker 2:08
  • 10 Lullaby (Death All Over) 7:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata