On March 12th, 2026, Columbiahalle in Berlin hosted a night of theatrical metal and cultural intensity as AVATAR brought their A Night To Be Torn Apart Tour to the city, supported by ALIEN WEAPONRY. With a new album, “Don’t Go In The Forest,” released on October 31st, 2025.
Opening the night, ALIEN WEAPONRY delivered a focused and powerful set, rooted in groove metal and enriched by their use of te reo Māori. Songs like “Rū Ana Te Whenua” and “Te Riri o Tāwhirimātea” carried a strong rhythmic drive, while “Mau Moko” and “Taniwha” highlighted the band’s tight execution and commanding stage presence. Closing with “Kai Tangata,” the trio left a lasting impression, setting a solid foundation for the headliner.
With AVATAR, the atmosphere shifted into a more theatrical realm. Opening with “Captain Goat,” one of the new tracks from Don’t Go In The Forest, the band immediately introduced the sonic direction of their latest material. This was followed by “Silence in the Age of Apes” and “The Eagle Has Landed,” seamlessly blending older fan favorites with fresh compositions. New material played a central role in the set. “In the Airwaves” and “Death and Glitz” stood out for their balance between melody and heaviness, while “Legend of the King” added a more narrative-driven dimension to the performance. These tracks integrated naturally alongside established songs like “Bloody Angel,” “The Dirt I’m Buried In,” and “Colossus,” creating a well-paced and engaging setlist. Frontman Johannes Eckerström led the performance with a strong sense of character and control, guiding the audience through both the heavier and more theatrical moments of the show. Tracks such as “Let It Burn” and “Tonight We Must Be Warriors” maintained the energy, while “Torn Apart” added a darker, more introspective tone. The encore brought the evening to a fitting close, beginning with “Don’t Go in the Forest,” further emphasizing the band’s new era, before transitioning into “Smells Like a Freakshow” and “Hail the Apocalypse.”
Overall, the evening highlighted AVATAR’s ability to evolve their sound while maintaining a strong visual and musical identity. Combined with the intensity of ALIEN WEAPONRY, the performance offered a well-structured, immersive, and mind-blowing live experience. Check our photo gallery here…
ALIEN WEAPONRY
AVATAR
