Avatar Drop Literal Gut-Wrenching Video for ‘Dance Devil Dance’

We hope you're not squeamish! But if so, let this be the NSFW warning for you that something a little unsettling is about to unspool with Avatar's "Dance Devil Dance" video for the title track of their forthcoming album.

The heavily theatrical Swedish metallers are back, teaming up with acclaimed video director Johan Carlen for a literal gut wrenching video in which we see vocalist Johannes Eckerstrom undergo a transformation for a carnival crowd that is certain to leave you with a sense of unease and wonder where this story is going next.

As you might garner from the song title (which is also the album title for their forthcoming set), there's a Satanic element to it, with Eckerstrom doubling down on the idea when discussing the track.

"I woke up to the truth one day," says the singer. "With my heart pounding, and a heavy breath, I knew for sure. I am Satan. The snake and forbidden fruit with a longing for knowledge, freedom and agency. My feet were moving. I thought I was running, but I was dancing. A celebration. Yes, I am the Devil, and I believe that one day you can be the Devil too. It is my hope and ambition that this song will help you find your way there. As such, it's a celebration of love, lust and democracy."

Get a closer look at the video and the song's lyrics below.

Avatar, "Dance Devil Dance" Lyrics

Step inside the circle
Jump and turn around
Bleed for the blood ritual
And jump and turn around
Jump and turn around
Oh, come on

I am one of many
My name is forbidden
My name must stay hidden
I am Armageddon
I am one of many
I’m Satan, I’m freedom
I’m strictly forbidden
I’m Satan, I’m freedom

One candle remains
Step into the dark
One candle remains
Step into the dark
Dance, dance
Dance Devil, dance

Draw the hidden symbol
Step and spin around
Whisper the unspeakable
Then step and spin around
Step and spin around
Oh, come on

I am one of many
My name is forbidden
My name must stay hidden
I am Armageddon
I am one of many
I’m Satan, I’m freedom
I’m strictly forbidden
I’m Satan, I’m freedom

One candle remains
Step into the dark
One candle remains
Step into the dark
Dance, dance
Dance Devil, dance

One candle remains
Step into the dark
One candle remains
Step into the dark
Dance, dance
Dance Devil, dance

Avatar, "Dance Devil Dance"

As stated, Avatar will soon follow with a new album. Dance Devil Dance is due Feb. 17 via Thirty Tigers. Pre-orders for the album are currently being taken here and you can check out the artwork below.

Avatar, Dance Devil Dance Artwork

"With Dance Devil Dance we are adamant to give something back for all we've received," state the band, who once again teamed with producer Jay Ruston on the record. The band recorded the album in the Swedish wilderness, stating, "No extra personnel were wanted nor needed. We stayed together for a month, eating, sleeping and breathing Dance Devil Dance, just the six of us."

"You always hear bands say, 'This is our best album yet.' This is our best album yet. It is Avatar at our most laser focused, at our most razor sharp. There's no BS, no extra fat. Every track is a weapon and has a purpose. It's all in the title, as this album is our angriest, horniest and most spiritual release, all at once. It's a must-hear," the band concludes.

And look for Avatar returning to the road in 2023 to support the album. After a U.K. and Europe tour with Veil of Maya in February and March, more dates will soon follow.

The 35 Best Metal Songs of 2021

We count down the 35 Best Metal Songs of 2021.
For over 150 of this year's best songs, follow our Spotify playlist.Avatar Book Summer 2022 North American Tour With Light the Torch + OtepAvatar Book Summer 2022 North American Tour With Light the Torch + OtepAvatar’s Johannes Eckerstrom Says ABBA’s Reunion Album Was Better Than Black Sabbath’sAvatar’s Johannes Eckerstrom Says ABBA’s Reunion Album Was Better Than Black Sabbath’sThe 35 Best Metal Songs of 2021The 35 Best Metal Songs of 2021Avatar Stir Up Ghostly Haunting New Song ‘So Sang the Hollow,’ Reveal Rescheduled 2022 Tour DatesAvatar Stir Up Ghostly Haunting New Song ‘So Sang the Hollow,’ Reveal Rescheduled 2022 Tour DatesTallah Removed From Avatar Tour After Some Members Contract COVIDTallah Removed From Avatar Tour After Some Members Contract COVIDAvatar Debut New Songs ‘Going Hunting’ + ‘Barren Cloth Mother’ Ahead of 2021 U.S. TourAvatar Debut New Songs ‘Going Hunting’ + ‘Barren Cloth Mother’ Ahead of 2021 U.S. TourAvatar Postpone U.S. Tour, Singer Tests Positive for COVID-19Avatar Postpone U.S. Tour, Singer Tests Positive for COVID-19Avatar Announce Four-Part Livestream Concert SeriesAvatar Announce Four-Part Livestream Concert SeriesThe 66 Best Metal Songs of the 21st CenturyThe 66 Best Metal Songs of the 21st CenturyOriginal Article