Avatar “Hunter Gatherer”
Review By: Jay Alyse
Avatar has not had a lapse in their consistent release of new content in many years. Each new album they have delivered has left their audience thinking as well as moshing, and Hunter Gatherer will certainly be no exception.
The opening track, âSilence in the Age of Apes,â is a perfect introduction to the essence of the album. Coming in strong and heavy, it immediately captures the listenerâs attention. The message itself tells of humanityâs flaws, and how without decision and change, we may be our own demise. This theme is reoccurring throughout the recordâs entirety. The guttural vocals and deep bass lines do not stop there. âColossusâ brings us a percussion-heavy battle anthem that Avatar is certainly no stranger to. I dare say it is reminiscent of âHail the Apocalypseâ from their album of the same name. The rhythmic sound and cryptic lyrics also serve as a message, a warning, and a call to action.
Where there are peaks, there must also be valleys. âA Secret Doorâ leaves something to be desired. While Johannesâs melodic vocals are always welcomed and adored, I found the transitions in this track to be abrupt and confusing. This is quickly remedied by âGod of Sick Dreams,â which delivers similar change-ups with a more cohesive construction.
By the middle of the album, we begin to hear higher tones and softer verses to contrast each pieceâs intense hook. This draws in the listenerâs attention again just when it would typically begin to wander. I do feel the need to also make an honorable mention to âGun,â which is the albumâs only ballad. The lyrics are raw, the melody is haunting, and it does not stray from the overall theme of humanityâs faults and failures.
We close with âWormhole.â This song also portrays the intent to invoke some type of action, bringing us full circle from âSilence in the Age of Apes.â âThe wormhole is closing.â We are running out of time. The guitar in this piece is truly what makes it stand out. Whether you favor classic rhythm guitar or an intricate solo, this track contains both and they are done beautifully.
Avatar has done a breathtaking job of showcasing their range of capabilities in one cluster of songs. While not every track was my personal cup of tea, they do each bring something worth mentioning to the table. Regardless of if youâve been a fan since their first album, or were recently roped in by the âAvatar Countryâ era, you canât help but headbang to this new release.

Colossus
A Secret Door
God of Sick Dreams
Scream Until You Wake
Child
Justice
Gun
When All but Force Has Failed
Wormhole