Avatar – The Fillmore – Minneapolis MN – November 17th 2025

Avatar – The Fillmore, Minneapolis, November 17, 2025

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

If you walked into The Fillmore a little early on November 17 expecting a standard metal opener to warm up the room before Avatar’s theatrics, SpiritWorld made sure you were wrong within the first thirty seconds.

The house lights dropped into a dusty-orange glow, and SpiritWorld marched onstage looking like the undead cavalry had ridden in from a Sergio Leone fever dream. Cowboy hats, fringe, leather, and an unmistakable “you’re about to get wrecked” aura set the tone immediately.

They tore into their set with buzz-saw guitars, whip-crack drums, and vocalist Stu Folsom pacing the stage like a preacher at the end of the world. Their blend of thrash, hardcore, and Western-horror swagger hit The Fillmore with surprising clarity — heavy enough to rattle ribs, but tight enough that every riff landed.

Despite being the first band of the night, the crowd didn’t need convincing. By the second song, the pit opened, small but eager, the kind of early-evening mosh that says “yep, it’s gonna be one of those nights.”

What stood out most was SpiritWorld’s confidence. Opening bands often struggle with sound, time, or crowd indifference, but SpiritWorld played like they owned the stage:

• Folsom’s vocals were feral but controlled.

• The guitarists delivered rapid, precise tremolo-picked sections that gave way to stompy, cowboy-from-hell breakdowns.

• The rhythm section rumbled underneath it all with a desert-wind heaviness.

The band didn’t talk much between songs — just quick acknowledgments and a “Let’s keep this rolling, Minneapolis” — which fit their no-nonsense, outlaw persona.

The western-themed sound bites and twang-infused transitions added to the vibe without feeling gimmicky. You could tell SpiritWorld has refined this aesthetic into something cohesive: the crowd wasn’t just hearing a band, they were being dropped into a cinematic universe where dust storms and demons coexist.

The Fillmore’s lighting crew deserves credit — warm earth-tones, flickering reds, and dramatic shadows matched the band perfectly.

Since they only had a short opener’s slot, SpiritWorld didn’t waste a second. Highlights included:

• A mid-set track that blended melodic leads into a galloping rhythm, sending the pit into overdrive.

• A slower, doom-leaning outro on their final song that left the crowd cheering rather than just clapping politely.

What was most impressive?
Even the fans wearing Avatar makeup already set for the headliner were nodding along, smiling, and — in a few cases — quickly looking up SpiritWorld on their phones afterward.

SpiritWorld didn’t just warm the room — they branded it.
Their set was heavy, focused, stylish, and full of swagger. For anyone who walked in uninitiated, they likely left with a new band to deep-dive on the way home.

Last night, Swedish theatrical metal icons Avatar delivered an unforgettable performance at The Fillmore, proving once again why their shows are as much performance art as they are metal concerts. From the first pounding riffs to the final bow, the band commanded the stage with the chaotic energy and dark humor they’re famous for.

Setlist & Performance
Avatar opened with a high‑impact track that immediately drew the crowd into their “circus of metal” world. The set was a mix of fan favorites from albums like Avatar Country and Dance Devil Dance, along with newer tracks from their latest releases. Songs like “The King Wants You” and “Blod” brought sing-along moments, while heavier, theatrical tracks had the crowd moshing and jumping with abandon.

The band’s musicianship was precise yet wild — guitarists Jonas Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström traded blistering riffs and solos flawlessly, while drummer John Alfredsson drove the rhythm with relentless energy. Bassist Henrik Sandelin anchored the grooves, and frontman Johannes Eckerström delivered a larger-than-life performance, moving theatrically across the stage and interacting with the crowd in ways that made every attendee feel part of the show.

Atmosphere & Crowd
The Fillmore’s intimate layout amplified the energy of the night. Fans packed the floor, moshing, headbanging, and singing along. Avatar thrives on audience interaction, and the Minneapolis crowd rose to the occasion — cheering, responding to call-and-response moments, and fully immersing themselves in the theatrical spectacle. Smoke, dramatic lighting, and costume elements added layers to the performance, turning the stage into a dark carnival of metal chaosHighlights

• The band’s ability to balance heaviness with theatricality kept the show dynamic from start to finish.
• Johannes Eckerström’s charisma and command of the stage made every song a visual as well as auditory experience.
• Crowd engagement was at its peak during sing-alongs and moshing sections, creating a palpable connection between band and audience.

Conclusion
Avatar’s November 17th performance at The Fillmore was a high-energy, visually striking, and musically precise show. The band proved why they’re considered one of the most theatrical and captivating acts in modern metal. Longtime fans left thrilled, and newcomers likely became instant converts.

Rating: 9.5/10 — chaotic, theatrical, and absolutely unforgettable.

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