Avatar are "In The Airwaves" in Chicago
On December 2nd, Avatar brought their “In the Airwaves USA” Tour to the iconic Riviera Theatre in Chicago. The tour has been moving through major cities across the country, carrying a stacked lineup that includes support from Spiritworld and Alien Weaponry. From the moment fans packed into the venue, it was clear this stop was going to be one of the most energetic nights of the entire run.
Spiritworld kicked off the night by leaving everything on the stage. Flashy suits, cowboy hats, and a full commitment to their aesthetic made it clear they showed up ready to make an impression. Their blend of thrash metal and metalcore created a sound that felt just as unique as their look. The band gave off a mix of Las Vegas and western energy, which made perfect sense once I learned they are originally from Las Vegas, Nevada. Spiritworld set the tone for the rest of the show and gave the crowd a strong preview of the intensity and personality the night still had in store.
Alien Weaponry took the stage next, and I was honestly left amazed. I already knew a little about them, but I wanted to walk in with an open mind for what I expected would be one of the highlights of the night. The band, hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, brought a powerful blend of thrash metal and indigenous culture, with lyrics that often focus on Māori history, myths, and modern issues. The mix was absolutely hypnotizing. The heavy chugs from vocalist and guitarist Lewis Raharuhi blended seamlessly with the dynamic vocals of Henry Te Reiwhati de Jong, creating a sound that felt both fierce and deeply meaningful.
Their performance was visually and sonically captivating from start to finish. One of the standout moments of their set was “Taniwha,” a track that features Randy Blythe of Lamb of God. Hearing it live added an entirely new level of impact. I really hope Alien Weaponry returns soon, because I am already eager to catch their show again.
Now the anticipation grew as Avatar prepared to take the stage. The lights went out and an eerie tone filled the room until the intro of “Captain Goat” kicked in. The band, dressed in black robes, glided onto the stage in a way that immediately grabbed everyone’s attention. As the rest of the members removed their robes, Johannes stood tall with a lantern in hand and continued singing, creating a haunting visual that pulled the entire crowd into the moment.
When the first song ended, the band stepped back onto the platform and drifted into the same darkness they had emerged from. It was clear Avatar did not come to simply play their songs and walk offstage. They arrived to deliver a full production. With moving stage pieces, coordinated transitions, and costume changes, the performance felt more like a theatrical experience than a standard metal show.
Halfway through their set, Johannes sat down and gave the crowd a full piano rendition of “Tower.” As a long time fan, this was something I never imagined I would get to witness in person. But do not let the softer tone fool you. Things were far from slowing down. Once that moment ended, Avatar kicked things into tenth gear for the rest of the night. They played crowd favorites like “Let It Burn” and even pulled out older songs such as “It Smells Like a Freakshow.” It was a setlist crafted for fans who have followed them from the early days all the way to their newest era.
Avatar made sure every single person left satisfied and genuinely happy. My favorite moment came after the encore, when Johannes looked out at the crowd and said one thing: AVATAR WILL BE BACK. The entire room erupted. It is safe to say Chicago will be waiting for their return sooner rather than later.
