The year 2025 is gearing up to be an incredibly significant period for Avatar, highlighted by their exciting series of performances opening for the legendary Iron Maiden and an extravagant Halloween celebration in Mexico City. These events promise to showcase the band’s dynamic energy and creativity, captivating both existing fans and newcomers alike.

In addition to these live performances, Avatar is also anticipated to unveil their next studio album later this year, which is likely to further cement their status in the music industry.

“I consistently find energy by pushing my range and volume,” stated frontman Johannes Eckerström during an interview with Loudwire Nights host Chuck Armstrong on May 8. This dedication to expanding his vocal capabilities reflects the band’s commitment to artistic growth.

“What if I can just find that perfect spot and fully embrace the lyrics I’m singing? Achieving that is a real challenge. So, let’s craft songs in that style, as I haven’t quite mastered it yet, and keep refining until we perfect it. Let’s evolve together,” he added.

Upon hearing this, Chuck inquired about when fans could expect to experience this evolution firsthand through the band’s music. Eckerström responded, “We are indeed working on new tracks and I’ve confirmed what I can share with you during Loudwire Nights.” His enthusiasm was palpable as he continued, “You can inform them that new music is definitely on the way.”

He chuckled and provided a few additional insights about their creative process. “We were in the studio back in January and February, working with Jay Ruston, who we’ve collaborated with for some time now because our chemistry is outstanding. This time, we recorded in Germany, at the very location where we created Feathers & Flesh. We even gained access to a professional-grade kitchen that made us feel like TV chefs, with massive frying pans and all!”

This forthcoming album will mark Avatar’s 10th full-length album, and Eckerström acknowledged the unique pressure they feel to make this release particularly special. “With this milestone comes the challenge of ensuring it feels significant and transformative. It’s vital for us to create something more meaningful than just maintaining our momentum,” he expressed.

“I genuinely believe we’ve discovered a fresh perspective that elevates Dance Devil Dance beyond previous works… I can hardly wait to share it with you all.” While he didn’t provide a specific release date for fans to anticipate, he assured them that it would be arriving later this year.

“Expect it later this year,” he confirmed.

Exploring the Impact of Soul Music on Heavy Metal

In addition to teasing new music, Eckerström took the time to reflect on the influence of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, particularly how he believes they introduced elements of soul music into the realm of heavy metal. “While soul music may not always feature the most profound lyrics, the way it resonates makes it feel like the best lyrics ever,” he commented.

His connection between soul and metal was sparked by Charles Bradley’s rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” “When you consider the influences leading to the formation of Black Sabbath, the connection to soul is often overlooked and undervalued in contemporary discussions about metal,” he remarked.

READ MORE: Wolfgang Van Halen: New Song, New Music Video + Honoring Black Sabbath

“Soul music is powerful and deeply emotional. Artists scream and pour their hearts out, much like Ozzy does. He may not always be recognized as a virtuoso due to his style not being overly ornate, but the way he conveys lyrics is unparalleled and reflects a rare, old-school skill that is hard to teach. He possesses a unique quality that delivers a haunting essence in Black Sabbath’s music.”

For Eckerström, Ozzy’s vocal style remains a profound source of inspiration. “He is an incredibly soulful vocalist. The lyrics carry weight, and you can feel their sincerity when he performs. This authenticity is crucial in every vocal style and genre of music. Whatever emotion a song is meant to convey, it must resonate genuinely when executed correctly.”

Diving Deeper: Key Insights from Johannes Eckerström on Loudwire Nights

• On his feelings leading up to Avatar’s shows with Iron Maiden: “I’m experiencing a whirlwind of excitement in the best way possible. Sure, I’m a bit sore from the preparation, as I’ll be fronting the band alongside the iconic Bruce Dickinson. I’ve been hitting the gym frequently, meticulously weighing my gluten-free macaroni. It’s about controlling every aspect to ensure this performance is better than ever.”
• With soul music as a backdrop, Eckerström discussed other influences on Avatar: “As a metal band, it’s always about the riff. It starts with a captivating riff or a cool guitar progression, and we build the song around that core element.”
• On his affinity for being a frontman: “I can’t deny my extroverted nature… being in the spotlight onstage grants me a unique level of control in social settings. It’s a strangely secure environment where I know my role and what’s expected of me.”

Catch the Full Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Johannes Eckerström joined Loudwire Nights on Thursday, May 8; the show replays online and is available for streaming here. Tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET on the Loudwire app; you can also check if the show is accessible on your local radio station and listen to interviews on-demand.