Avatar Ruined Music

Every music lover has that one good song or album that's ruined by a shitty time or person. For Avatar frontman, Johannes Eckerström, the idea of the cover song opens up the Pandora's box of Ruined Music. Eckerström wages war against bands that use cover songs as passionless grabs at cheap crowd reactions and renounces all music devoid of genuine heart and soul.
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[@logangreyhawk8543]

Avatar is a band that I found on accident and to me it was like finding a leprechaun

[@triquie71]

Logan GreyHawk I can totally relate. Never heard of them til I saw them at a festival. INCREDIBLE!!

[@jpmessier11]

I heard New Land playing on a local station and thought the song sounded weird. I thought the singer was trying to sound like Ozzy but I couldn't get the song out of my head. So I looked up the local station's music list and found the song. I was amazed when I listened to all the other stuff. I instantly fell in love with the band and listened to every single song.

[@thedapperllama6579]

Me too.

[@nearauang9557]

Logan GreyHawk me too. And now i can't go by a day without listenting Avatar.

[@elysanchez8589]

Logan GreyHawk...... same

[@vannahvengeance1992]

What is it about metal guys looking good in suits?

[@smward87]

They're the living embodiments of the phrase "Cleans up nicely." On stage with his makeup and soaking wet hair he looks like a deranged psychopath, but that's just for show. After he's done, he "cleans up nicely."

[@AngelsHandPrint]

Because they're class

[@hellsmyhome8979]

What is it about metal guys looking good? (Most of them at least)

[@kekelaward]

Same with Til from Rammstein.

[@ondras5241]

Their white face and black hair just go nicely with black suit and white shirt.

[@mattharden8253]

*sees title* Me: "I know I'm going to shit on AP for this" *watches video, sees Johannes* Me: "Oh hey Dad

[@d4rcepson686]

Wait he is your dad?

[@DOOM6628]

@@d4rcepson686 it's called being sarcastic BOI

[@randomuser3209]

I am honestly stunned by how handsome he looks without all that make-up

[@steelepete2396]

He's handsome in makeups too I think...

[@anniecarolan9605]

Hes gorgeous

[@jennifergtz2775]

first time ? XD

[@christinalynn850]

He looks good both ways to me.

[@antiherovalor]

He's a really funny guy too

[@Ogscottyp]

I first heard of Avatar three years ago when they opened for Five Finger Death Punch. Most people there had no clue who they were but by their 2nd song (Hail the Apocalypse) the crowd was in awe. They absolutely stole the show, no doubt.

[@closinginonclosure]

*Five Finger Discount That's definitely one of the bands he's talking about here. They have multiple singles that are covers.

[@LilWatercup]

I'm not gonna lie, I was obsessed with FFDP when I first started getting into metal and now I can't stand them. I started to dislike their music even before I found out about the "let's hate FFDP bandwagon." Anyway, I would have left that show after Avatar left tbh haha. They have an awesome sound and it's fresh.

[@JDoomhauer87]

Speaking of 5FDP they butcher everything they cover. I hate 5FDP. Completely ruined Blue on Black.

[@jackkelly6251]

Atlas They seem like one of those gateway bands. My friends hate metal and most hard rock but they can tolerate and some of them actually listen to 5FDP. When I started getting into Metal, Asking Alexandria and to a lesser extent Black Veil Brides were my gateway bands, but I haven’t been able to listen to either for years because I’ve found that metal has a LOT more to offer than those bands, but they did their part in me finding music I can truly adore so I don’t hate on them or bands like 5FDP

[@dekotarose8594]

@@closinginonclosure Sorry but Ivan is the man. 😁

[@serjiotankiu9940]

Johannes is like two persons in one He looks so cute, nerd and innocent with normal clothes and those glasses On stage as the clown with that outfit,makeup and powerful voice .... is like you just find god in person

[@Austin-gt6pz]

Avatar is an amazing band. Love the music they make

[@igotmybackscratched1961]

Austin 555555 same 🤙🏻

[@saulgoodman8200]

yeah, is your opinion.

[@rakvian]

if you're 555555 I'm 666666

[@carlosek]

So I check them out and my God they're fucking terrible.

[@ellavarnes2392]

ghost is trash...they sound like a wanna be metal wedding band

[@neonlights_12]

Johannes is the king of sass. The man is electric performing live, totally commanding live.

[@themadamvampire]

Neon_Lights12 they are!! I had no idea who they were until I saw them at Louder than Life in Kentucky... And OMG after the first some Freakshow I HAD to hear more! They put on such a good show

[@AngelsHandPrint]

Yes, and the all the other members too. They're such a solid band like no others that I have seen.

[@punhosdepano5805]

​@@AngelsHandPrint You probably don't listen a lot to metal songs,their instrumental is so boring,the only good thing about the band is the vocals,and it's not being used well.

[@scarybaldguy]

@@punhosdepano5805 Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

[@zfusion5758]

"It makes my addiction very happy" -Johannes best quote 2018

[@tjryan4492]

I love the sassy "because we like to play originals" line

[@teamexpress851]

Still holding strong in 2020! 🤘😎🤘

[@C-Rage]

You guys should REALLY change the name of these videos... just saying

[@madisonhulton5813]

Are you a slipknot fan...

[@C-Rage]

Madison Hulton I have been known to dabble in some knotty music now and again 🤣

[@madisonhulton5813]

Craig Jones I swear to god I’ve seen you comment on most of their videos.. and you have the same user name as the guy who does keys and samples 😂...

[@C-Rage]

I don’t think I’ve commented on any Slipknot videos lately, though I could be wrong because I’m ALWAYS on here and watching vids and whatnot lol but I do have a lot of people tell me that.

[@bobafat2082]

Craig Jones I agree, I thought the video was one shitting over Avatar. I got clickbaited, in a positive way though!

[@Ronnie.Raymond]

with no context i thought this was just going to be some long rant on avatar

[@Gammarad123]

same

[@depe5446]

Same, i clicked on the vid bc of it.

[@tommywho924]

Clickbait title got me...but not disappointed. I friggin love this guy!

[@adamsecrets3721]

S a m e

[@jyesucevitz]

doesn't say "how" or "that" Avatar ruined music. sneakily just Avatar on "ruined music" via bad covers.

[@user-pu5hr5xu3t]

Avatar are the masters of theater! They have mastered the capturing audience and theatrical performance.

[@andymorris4653]

I was ready to be really salty

[@b.a.m.5078]

I'm sorry, but I cracked up at the ads bit.

[@altpress]

Father Grigori Good! That’s what they’re there for...

[@jonkerrmusic]

@@altpress Straight outta the Wayne's World movie

[@ttrain45]

he makes such a great statement. he has done a good covers, but he doesnt shit on it. but he hasnt used them to further his career. never heard them sing any of them live, always have used their own songs live, and thats all they need, all their songs are pure gold!

[@AlexIsScared]

his sassy but classy satire is what i love about him

[@michaelsmyth6296]

I absolutely love the product placement. Kind of lets you know just how serious he takes himself....great vid.

[@altpress]

Michael Smyth Thanks! Avatar are complete gentlemen. We were so fortunate to have them come in.

[@scarybaldguy]

Avatar's cover of "Something in the Way" is one of those extremely rare covers that's better than the original.

[@LonewolfeE5]

So basically he hates soulless shills ripping off other great musicians by covering them for filler. Makes sense. I like covers because they show inspiration but he's got a point. You need to make good music rather than just writing meh music n poorly covering other songs.

[@IWasAllLikeG93]

They've done 2 covers that I know of, and both were done well. Something in the way and something in my front pocket. I didn't notice until I wrote this comment that both covers start with the same word. Neat!

[@pourquoi6471]

These advertisements are so *discreet*

[@kaylam2253]

I just can't get enough of Avatar, they're amazing all the way around and I can't wait to see them again! 😍😍

[@nogotrip6]

And again and again and again

[@punhosdepano5805]

Your metal taste is terrible

[@sellyskeleton9172]

I love the shameless promotions Johannes does lol

[@poisonrationality1213]

Love this guys sincerity, integrity, and sense of humor

[@stevengrant4687]

One of my most disappointing moments was when I was at a festival and one my favorite bands played all covers. They were good, don't get me wrong, but I came to hear them, not covers of other bands.

[@AngelsHandPrint]

That must have been so disheartening and sad.

[@puglover6113]

Which band? :( I would’ve been pissed

[@thedog2978]

A Perfect Circle?

[@brycearnott4265]

Avatar is Life. It's dirty ear fantasy, and it feels sooooo right.

[@christianleet6882]

The name made me think they were dissing Avatar lol

[@altpress]

Dante's fun insanity NO WAY! We would never. We also featured them on a countdown of artists to watch in 2018. You can find it on our channel. We’re massive Avatar advocates.

[@andymorris4653]

Does not surprise me that he's so sophisticated in person

[@paingenerator8338]

Fun fact - my old band opened for Avatar about 5 years ago and they enjoyed our cover of NIN's wish. :)

[@kellyrsmith9011]

The first time I saw Avatar in 2015, I knew these guys were special. Their stage presence, showmanship, musical abilities and talent are top notch! I have to agree, the originals! They display the artistic ability of the artist. A cover can be fun, but not a number 1 and not an original. Have fun play and work your ass off and remember “ The King wants You”! 🤘🤘

[@tylertibbs7147]

I agree. Covers are okay if you're capable of other material and you put your own twist on it. Look at Mötorhead

[@ECMalcolm]

There are quite a few covers out there that I could say are better then the original, with Bad Company coming to mind. Also, love the pfp.

[@tylertibbs7147]

EastCoastShepard Thanks man, I agree with you there

[@Rebel_Vamp1r3]

His voice😍

[@pauloesterleoesterle3818]

I could watch this guy talk all day. I absolutely agree with everything he's saying, and I think we all know who he's talking about.

[@bubblemonkeys]

I don't know

[@bloodsucker228]

he looks so handsome in this vid

[@childrenofthegrave]

"...It makes me so sassy" probably you had a little bit too much of that, Johannes...

[@ToxicSentinelTTV]

May Day the way he puts in a dip is fricking hilarious, I prefer chew myself but that's just me

[@Jaeno311]

The best concert I've ever been to by far. Even my wife loved it and still talks about it even though she had never heard of them.

[@AncientSoul811]

The fact that nirvana inspired this band is mind blowing. ❤❤❤❤

[@NorthmanGuitarCovers-Vkng737]

The fact that Nirvana "inspired" any band is mind blowing.

[@michaelramos877]

Keep up the great work you and the band are creating. I always have a blast at your concerts.

[@skrumbobumbo3279]

Johannes: *in the middle of answering a question* Production team: here have these gifts Johannes: oooh! Ooooh! Ooooooooh! Wait what were we talking about? Eh fuck it don't sell out or something idfk

[@sanguineregis5354]

I can understand this. A cover is something you have to do carefully, it has to be different enough and done well enough to justify its existance, without being disgraceful to the original. I don't make music yet I know thats not easy.

[@schecterseven3894]

Avatar my Favorite band by far!

[@caleblucerovocals]

Me too

[@Xuatha]

saw them live 5 days ago, i would say studio

[@nate_kachow2904]

Am I the only one who loves this guy's voice? Or am I just weird....?

[@idontknow8301]

Same here ^^

[@namelessghoulette4094]

I'm a 50 something year old metalhead, I've accepted the fact that metal is evolving, Avatar and Ghost are two bands that have sparked my interest, so many bands are a dime a dozen, all sound the same, I'm looking forward to these "new" sounding bands

[@marsonsaturn]

Glad to hear that dude I'm still a youngster (15) sometimes I feel like a lot of new bands get too much shit it's nice seeing older people getting into these bands many are honestly great

[@yunglildick42069]

And this is why Avatar are gods

[@herringnicholas]

I love that. "But yeah... dont sell out" *walks off* lmao

[@fubarsheir5060]

A truly legendary band

[@LauraSanchez-fv5hm]

Johannes is so damn cute and handsome 😍. I've fallen in love with his voice :3

[@theriffnotebook8412]

C'mon Johannes, we all know you were referring to FFDP

[@heathergingrich1819]

my husband calls them five finger discount because of all the songs they steal 🤣 I like a lot of their stuff, though

[@martinjohansson203]

Or maybe Disturbed?

[@wobaggertheprolonged6591]

Breaking Benjamin also fits as they have a whole cover song medley section live that wastes a good chunk of their set.

[@thegodlycrew1]

They're pretty good

[@trevorl388]

What about disturbed? Or Killswitch engage? Or mahine head?

[@krisryker666]

I honestly dig covers but I also understand where you're coming from. ♡

[@mikespolski833]

Johannes, you need to change the title of this video to Avatar- Ruined music. the dash is important. i have been listening to avatars music for months now and when this popped up on my watch list i was pissed. i read it as avatar ruined music. and i was so mad i didnt log into youtube for a few days. i finally got shit-faced enough to watch this and i realized i was totally wrong. Great video and well said. But the syntax is important. Hail the Apocalypse!

[@Leo-B.03]

Yes i agree, was in the same situation

[@jaroslavsvaha6065]

Well, no, because triggered people click on videos.

[@Alanderson1976]

May The Sass Be With You

[@krisryker666]

Amber Anderson x,D

[@stephaniej9148]

Johannes is actually amazing 👌😂

[@justinroux1687]

Steph C imagine having him as a teacher

[@stephaniej9148]

Justin Roux Holy shit 😂👌

[@UnrestfulSinner]

Lol..the promotions xD

[@kelleystrange]

So thanks for bringing this candy to my attention. I went ahead and placed an order for Djungelvrål... I am a candy lover and am always on the lookout for something new and exciting. I watched a youtube video and every american who tried it spit it out in disgust... but I still have hope that I would find it delicious. Hoping this isn't like vegemite! I love black licorice and salt is good. I also have my suspicions that there was no coffee in that cup due to the echoing of the sip all the way to the empty bottom haha

[@kelleystrange]

Follow up comment - got this candy today. I cackled like a witch! It is like the most intense salty piece of jerky you've ever tasted with a mellow, but very tough black licorice inside. Overall, unique but enjoyable. I, legit, giggle every time I eat one ☺

[@Jonsson474]

@@kelleystrange It sure is strong stuff. Your skin in your mouth literally come off if you have to many. 😄

[@silviasuarez1898]

I would like some of that coffee

[@Cyraxslayer666]

Love your something in the way cover, it’s unique. Your own avatar almost gothic version of the song.

[@MrScarcejason911]

I'm 43, and this is the first band that I can honestly say that I'm a superfan of !

[@philiplongshaw4350]

I'm 55 and totally blown away by avatar. These are going to be huge

[@Ynelin]

Im 42 and Avatar is the only music i listen too (beside "insert generic radio channel")

[@stevenvanhaezevelde6135]

43 here also :p saw them live last summer , fist time also and was best performance of the entire festival. even on saturday afternoon @ 30°C

[@tomotto8616]

And I'm 59 now, an old 70's classic rock fuck but really like this music and their stage presence.

[@spookyhuman666]

Avatar is amazing 💜🙏🏻

[@Jacrabbit454]

Love Avatar. Their albums do not disappoint for sure. Some covers are not bad. Some bands really mess it up as well.

[@JayCarroll]

Love this band. Amazing talent and live performance. Support these guys with your $$$$$$$$$$!

[@KossolaxtheForesworn]

well damn the video name is almost clickbaitingly misleading.

[@studiosmoshi2934]

I get distracted by food too and I love this band 😍 their so awesome live

[@jasonK1375]

One of the world's greatest gifts. As a metal head for close to 50yrs, this band brings together all the amazing things about metal and more.

[@HazziTheHyena]

Anyone else appreciate how he saw "we"and "us" like some people who are like the face of a band really fuck that up and you can see in avatar music videos like everyone has the spot light. I don't know just always caught my attention when he said those words.

[@zacht9447]

You should definitely change the title of this video

[@bobbarker900]

Indeed Johannes!

[@aspookyknucklehead1309]

Are there any old videos of avatar covering iron maiden?

[@Schallon8production]

avatar is a good band , they are also very kind and chill people

[@lauramelancon6644]

Avatar will always be my number one band! He is such a good frontman. I fall in love every time i see them.

[@leviathandiabolo6296]

I agree with him word to word. *cough* Five Finger Death Punch *cough* If you want to cover a song, do it like Johnny Cash did.

[@skywalkerwun]

Lmfao omg Joannes is funny as fk. Oh and BTW dont sell out fade to black 😂😂

[@zestydidra]

Avatar is an amazing band!!

[@izelitalima7519]

I love you johannes 😘😍😍😍😍😍

[@Fuhrdaddy]

Hail the apocalypse still my fav album

[@sunmoon3147]

He’s hot as hell!!!!! This is why I love avatar, they’re one of kind.

[@krs695]

So you love avatar because he's got as hell, this making them one of a kind?

[@bloodsucker228]

@@krs695 I found him hot too but that's just one of the reasons I like avatar. i like them because they're talented, entertaining, and funny

[@chrisc.2626]

Lovely

[@CleanAndDistorted]

absolute legend

[@mrcardenas400]

Amazing band.

[@kenpachiyugioh1804]

I've seen Avatar live twice. I never doubted for a moment that they didn't have every ounce of passion in their being in every note they played. Really glad I found this interview.

[@sawmara1]

God I love Johannes haha😂

[@locastmincer]

I felt so extremely late to the party when I discovered this band, I have missed so much epicness:)

[@comicsandstuff616]

Am I the only one who got a Wayne’s World vibe? You know the scene where Wayne and Garth are sitting there saying they’d never sell out and do product placement, all the while they’re drinking Pepsi and wearing Reebok? Lmfao this was great. “Don’t sell out” 😂😂

[@closinginonclosure]

He's definitely thinking of Five Finger Death Punch. Or as I call them, Five Finger Discount. A high number of their singles are covers.

[@borocamo]

I still remember the first time I heard avatar. Christmas morning 2014 on sirius octane driving through a snow storm to my parents house. Then hail the apocalypse came on. Changed my life

[@cupcake2293]

best cover song for me is "Imagine" by A Perfect Circle they did it in a completely different mood from original

[@kurakawakuroyama7475]

I'm curious about which bands or artistes Johannes is referring to. Anyway, Johannes looks so different without his Eric Draven make-up 😂 He looks pretty good and reminds me of a character from a Japanese comic/anime "Hellsing" 😂

[@bl00dinf3ctions]

Kurakawa Kuroyama Integra?

[@UnrestfulSinner]

Lol..he DOES look like Sir Integra XD

[@ru-annmartina330]

Or Alucard himself? He has that "madness" vibe when he is on stage.

[@kurakawakuroyama7475]

Ru-ann Martina , yeah, I was thinking of Alucard. Maybe he does resemble Integra a little, but Alucard was the first "Hellsing" character that came to my mind when I watched this video XD So cool :3

[@zabalaan]

Dude! Very good marketing. 2 out of 3 products I googled. First time for a commercial on KZbin :)

[@im1withnature]

Love your ideas, attitude and your slightly sarcastic humor! Awesome interview!!!

[@magnusthefanboy6709]

One of my favorite bands. This is great!

[@aspookyknucklehead1309]

AVATAR!!

[@gabrielbruns7258]

Coming to see you guys in La for your World Tour, cant wait to go wild and finally hear you live

[@christopherwiebe5084]

I had the great honor of meeting Johannes in person and he is such a laid back guy it's great.

[@jackieyoshi6108]

He's so beautiful! *feels dumb*

[@juggalojack13]

Avatar's cover of Something In The Way is one of the best I've ever heard. He somehow managed to put *more* emotion into it than the original which, considering the source material, is remarkable.

[@prestonrodd7555]

I agree. I actually believe their version is leagues better than the original.

[@sjowns100]

I came in here ready to argue but the title was wrong haha. Seeing them Live is such an expirence!

[@lulumanson6664]

The sass in that cup pass 😂❤ 5:45

[@78taramarie]

God I love avatar

[@edaj600]

Avatar is amazing!

[@lahuesuda9114]

Cricky Is Real Affirmative \m/

[@natalie8214]

Cricky Is Real nice name

[@edaj600]

natalie Thank you!

[@twincitypolly2102]

Indeed, who ever doesn't like Avatar must like Justin Bieber instead

[@danderson5084]

Discovered a couple of months ago, first seen last week, 40+ years of concert going, never been more entertained or had as much fun.

[@jaydavee]

do you have to spit while doing snus the same amount as when doing snuff?

[@johnnydalton3957]

jaydavee no