Avatar - "Statue of the King" Playthrough at Guitar World

Tim ÖhrstrÖm and Jonas Jarlsby from Avatar came by the Guitar World studios to play along to their song "Statue of the King" from their new album Avatar Country. Check it out!

[@skywalkerwun]

I got to say the kings mustache looks so gallant

[@southofheck]

Avatar embodies the term "work smart, not hard". Not that they aren't amazingly skilled, but they don't write songs that are overly difficult or complex, but write them so they sound amazing regardless of the skill behind a riff. Any guitarist can eventually become skilled enough to play a million notes a second, but it takes a truly skilled songwriter to write something that sounds more interesting and complex with only half those notes.

[@sanguineregis5354]

There's a beauty to simplicity. Not every song needs to be "Through the Fire and the Flames.". Anyhow, who writes their songs? Is it a communal effort by the band or do they have a designated song writer or what?

[@argr4sh]

@@sanguineregis5354 in an interview they explained it is often a combination of both. Often one of them has a concept/riff/idea for a song, and then they throw it in the group and together they refine it and make it a proper song

[@Sumask21]

I totally agree, but I love how Avatar do have some more tricky and complex guitar parts when it's needed, the harmony/solo section in Vultures Fly comes to mind. Their pre-Black Waltz albums have some nasty riffs in there too. And let's not forget the guitar solos! They serve the songs so well and still kickass. Hail The Apocalypse has a simple solo that works perfectly, and then Legend Of The King just rips and shreds all the way through.

[@MLG_s3npa1]

This. Take a look at the old metallica instrumentals, like the Orion for example. Such a simpple song if you think about it, but it's packing so much emotion, that you can listen it trough hundreds of times without growing bored of it. Same goes to these guys and their songs.

[@mavisser3211]

youre dead wrong, NOT every guitarist can do that

[@EvaMcfly]

finally last week I got to see them live for the first time, and they definitely deserve to be more recognized in the industry, this was by far the best show I've ever attended WOW! love them even more now

[@TheNightInsideTheFir]

These guys and this band are so terribly underrated. Amazing guitarists that come up with the most unique riffs. Every album they put out is different from the past albums but they do it in a way that keeps you on your toes and keeps you wanting more. And if you've never seen them live...just youtube practically ANY video of them playing live. They put on THE BEST show i've ever seen! And ive been to A LOT of shows

[@kylermoser5758]

Nick c I agree but I saw nothing more they were better and had more energy than avatar I recommend seeing them

[@kylermoser5758]

Nick c I agree but I've seen avatar twice and nothing more once , nothing more had more energy I was really surprised with how much energy they had tbh

[@TheNightInsideTheFir]

One day I'll see them. But since I havent, I gotta stick with Avatar. The way they all synchronize head bang and how Johannes interacts with the crowd...it just makes it that much more fun being there. Seeing them go all out, even if they're playing a really small show just makes the whole show/experience so much better

[@clockchest186]

They are definitely growing. I got into Avatar around the time HTA came out and Bloody Angel had under 50k views. Now as of 2018 they have 7M views on it. I'm glad I got into them when I did, because they are getting the fame they deserve. They deserve so much more though.

[@dyingyeetus798]

I saw them live now twice, last time was five days ago in munich, me and my friends travelled 6 hours there from austria to see them, one hundred percent worth! What an epic show, never have I ever seen a Crowd this pumped.

[@carolvisoto]

Thanks Guitar World, Avatar is my favorite band, these guys totally rock. Please King's Harvest next!!

[@brentkirkland3597]

Yes! I can’t figure that on out

[@andresmirt]

this band live, is epic. they steal every damn festival.

[@twosnakse]

Enjoy the classical elements in the chorus!

[@mattallisi6572]

Always unique stuff. A wall of guitar harmony going places. Hail King! (and Tim)

[@michaelgjanzen]

These guys are easily the most entertaining metal band going. They're great. Period. Love how the King appears less technically inclined, focusing hard to play one note riffs in time with the rest of the band. Tim seems like such a natural - all part of the act for sure because the riffs these guys write and how they play off each other is truly amazing. They never show the bassist though, and that must be by choice. His work is just as important to the sound and personality of the band. This line up of the band - hope it never changes. These guys are more than just monstrous metal makers, they have that thing so many bands lack these days - PERSONALITY. Hope they come out Toronto way some day soon.

[@lukecomiskey6058]

Jonas writes the more technical stuff usually. He generally plays harder on strings

[@miguelitos]

@@lukecomiskey6058 was not a critical observation, he is playing it up. What I've watched of live footage they are both incredible. I grew up in the era of Guitar heroes, and play quite a bit myself. both of them are very creative and they work together brilliantly.

[@claymack1109]

Their guitars are so beautiful

[@drock3913]

I love that Tim dudes facial expressions man. Awesome. I do it too when I'm fudd up. (According to my wife. Lol)

[@rgrimm05]

i would love to sit in the studio with these to see their creative process. Very amazing and talented individuals

[@MatsLindgrenMusic]

Ah, so I can't play this because my stache isn't epic enough? Gotcha. :D

[@enox5542]

They are so awesome, that's why I love them so much ! Please "King's Harvest" next!!

[@Metal_Life333]

Avatar just killer I look forward to live show with Trivium and Light The Torch! keep the rock coming guys!

[@ellavarnes2392]

hell yes! i already have my tix for the oct 5th show in raleigh nc!! i bought them just to see avatar...triviums cool..i like thier song "beyond oblivion" but im there for johannes, lol

[@Metal_Life333]

stephanie reeves I finally listened to a physical copy of album end to end yes it’s so good! After watching video of this song I crack up every time I hear it now I’m so exited to see them live bad ass cool dudes!

[@jjfafrak2564]

Love the suits lol

[@danielink52]

Absolutely love this song

[@sarairicard8283]

Long live to the king...and Tim

[@ThiagoSouza-oo6fj]

Thanks for making music, guys

[@adamsherm29]

Watching the style of playing they chose is awesome seeing it side by side

[@johnmangioneiii6987]

I live in Green bay the show sold out. I made it to Milwaukee to see them and it was by far one of the best shows ever! Now 7 hrs to Flint Mi. One more time!

[@williamkennard4663]

Look so ima 97 baby…. My grandpas generation had Ozzy, my dad pantera, my generation? We have avatar. And we will all forevermore be known as avartaist from the motherlands of Avatariea. Good day my citizens. May we all hail the king.

[@deanmacka4975]

Great stuff guys

[@BulliySeki]

Great duo guys, wonderful!!!!! ❤️🤘

[@thanesmashmontages412]

35 people are wanted for treason against The King. Beautiful guitar work and beautiful guitars, fellas.

[@Kyle-zx1bg]

because of this video I'm now a MASSIVE fan and just purchased tickets to the Fillmore show on June 6th - ROCK!

[@thorgilsson1064]

My guitar heros ! Best metal stuff‘s always coming from Sweden 🤘🏻🇸🇪🤘🏻

[@AndresCruz-mb2ir]

Such beautiful guitars

[@dancingwiththedead6764]

Tim looking all classy with a suit, and then the king wears a hoodie. Goals 👌🏻

[@scarronejack]

Legend of the king!!

[@Matt-db9pf]

desde URUGUAY desde tan lejos,veo sus videos que GENIOS..mi pasion la guitarra electrica...que exelentes rifs..

[@misaelramirez765]

Matias Cerfoglio una pregunta Bueno yo también soy guitarrista Pero yo quiero saber si sus guitarras de ellos están en afinación estándar ...aunque no lo creo Mi pregunta es tu que piensas en que afinación están?

[@pacovalencia6204]

Wow, I want these Ibanez!!! Great band...

[@natgonzalez9896]

Love the bond they both have

[@robfortin1062]

Phenomenal talented no-one like Avatar,and they are the best metal band ever!!!!

[@yaboi6074]

Great!

[@666bymyself666]

I love them sooo much. ❤❤❤

[@RolanTHUNDER]

I'm not even into this band but I dig this song so much and just had to grab my (Ibanez) guitar and play along with them because this appeals to me as a player. Currently learning to play these riffs by watching them. Unique rhythms and time sigs here. They're really good. Think I will get into them now. Album recommendations?

[@RolanTHUNDER]

Greg Howard thanks Greg. I'll look for their earliest albums then. My first instinct is to get this album though. Which one features Bloody Angel? This playthrough has been in my head the whole time since i started playing along. Digging the authoritative high gain riffs then the 'comical' but melodic clean breaks. Musically interesting and very tight performance wise. I'm gonna learn the whole song. Going to look into their rig rundowns as well. Their guitars were one of the main attractions for me too. Big Ibanez fan here and player too ;) these guys are good. Vocalist as well, really good. Will look into their live shows too. Thanks.

[@RolanTHUNDER]

OK

[@kurtbaker8181]

Listen to the title track of Hail the Apocalypse. Probably the best use of the whammy bar in a metal song! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqe2eoppa6hpjrM

[@kurtbaker8181]

Also check out the other video for The King Wants you they did recently as well. Very well done kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqHNhHVvm6qAj7s

[@RolanTHUNDER]

Hi Kurt. I have checked it out. Pretty good!

[@alexanderjimenez9690]

OMG this guys, amazing

[@jesusarellano7106]

This is pretty nice! that kind of duo is perfect :D

[@br_unodi_azz7284]

Love u guys ;-;❤❤❤

[@juliedeborah1518]

Love the faces Tim makes 😍😍

[@angelpaz4759]

Avatar is so underrated...

[@ikestoddard2458]

Thank you!

[@darksector_0675]

Kind of reminds me of GHOST with the heavy stuff then going into melodic riffs

[@pcgaming4944]

Ye... it's the Swedish man, they rock!

[@kikstand2011]

They are superior to ghost, in every single possible way. That's not me downing ghost....it's just avatar is on another level.

[@tetrodotoxin9782]

I nominate them for best guitar duos

[@babyboneface]

Tim has too much groove in him he barely can handle it, I can see it on him. :D That's why they rock on the stage so hard. It could be wonderful to see them live!

[@jasonwalters4762]

Tim with the cookie duster mustache is metal as fuck!!!!

[@TheScaredofsilence]

Good right hands

[@Darkestal]

I am the king 😂 these guys are fucking awesome 🤘🏽 talented musicians

[@todds5956]

Tim and the King.

[@lisamann]

THANK YOU FOR PANNING!

[@samlegder9369]

King After King, or King's Harvest. Next plis

[@virgilscipion]

you are master guitar heroes :D

[@ryner5171]

i like the clean part

[@Thiovalone74]

You rocks! \m/ >_< \m/

[@amievil3697]

When I die, I now know who to send my Ibanez treasures to. A MIJ 1986 Explorer (E standard), MIJ 1991 770 (E standard)and MIJ 1997 570 (C standard)

[@Fighka303]

those guitars tight asf

[@matt-oo6fu]

interesting how Tim only picks on the downstroke during the verses, while Jonas goes both ways.

[@JahidHasan-oy5yh]

hello king....🤴🤴

[@EVANSRWM]

TABS PLEASE!!!

[@flecherwulff6563]

looking for the tabliture of this song me and a few of my friends want to do a cover of this song and it has been a bit of a hassle we got some of it figured out but we missing a few things if anyone could help me with a link it would be epic

[@hendrawilliam497]

omgod i like you so much

[@Jack-wy2en]

Does anyone know what guitar model they use?

[@renegarciareyes8811]

Fucking awsome!!!

[@jacobohernandezmora1902]

Someone has the tab? i need it please

[@kellyrsmith9011]

🤘😆🤘

[@kristianhall8165]

ive only just figured out how they get the alternate timing at the start. LY avatar, i was so busy enjoying it i didnt think about how?!

[@kristianhall8165]

no, im wrong, their timing is just immaculate, ignore me

[@Exokris]

Pretty clever riff if you ask me

[@misscalming166]

Yeh the songster tab online is way off lmao.

[@Opranius]

Someone knows what STRINGS they are using for this tuning? Maybe I try this out for my songs (because of my deep voice).

[@wizz_wuzz]

hey, they're using elixir baritone 12-68

[@Opranius]

nice! thank you, I love these strings, used them often, too.

[@wizz_wuzz]

Julian, me too, actually, I’ve asked King himself about it, he’s close and really cheerful to his citizens

[@krn2487]

Where da bass?

[@amberaquila3048]

I know right?!

[@madhalodog21]

Which ones guitar tone is like that

[@ellavarnes2392]

that would be jonas, the guy with blond dreads

[@atiladarrellmarrone8234]

LEMMY!!???

[@julialoveday5561]

You handsome 😍😍

[@antoinebrunet3382]

are they in drop B# ?

[@benjaminquiedeville4476]

B standard

[@antoinebrunet3382]

@@benjaminquiedeville4476 thx

[@michaelkarnage7938]

There's alot going on to follow😐

[@stukolov_]

Can anybody give me a TAB of this song? 😄

[@herenemy7596]

В интернете есть. Напиши “avatar - statue of the king tab” и сразу найдёшь, если ты конечно же за год не нашел :)

[@amberaquila3048]

In full 3piece suits🤣

[@TiagoEliasu]

Thats the new generation metal? Hmmm

[@Exokris]

Got a prob with that ?

[@MacManNr2]

Good song but this is playback.

[@Trve_Kvlt]

The new album is okay at best.

[@ky9999]

Imperial Japanese Army 1867-1945 i dont think your opinion is valid when you support war criminals lol

[@Peekadam]

Wtf?

[@DingusKhan3434]

?

[@theINsaintOFme]

Very cool! Thank you! But please stop zooming in on their heads XD I know they're beautiful men, but that's not what I'd like to see in a playthrough video.

[@lisamann]

Speak for yourself

[@theINsaintOFme]

Lisa Mann that's what I did. I wrote "I know" and "I'd like", so I did speak for myself. Mind your own business, will ya

[@chaseostman4188]

@@theINsaintOFme Goddamn, people in youtube comments have to be the most overly-sensitive breed of people. You really had to justify yourself for three words said by some rando online didn't you?

[@theINsaintOFme]

@@chaseostman4188 Yes.

[@WraithVanglorious]

T H I S. I'm tryna learn the damn guitar parts!!

[@thehunterstruck]

that intro is one of those that is simple but just getting out of time just a tad can be badddd

[@liamjorgensen8746]

I thought his name was Kungen? Or is that a nickname?

[@willn.8057]

Kungen means king in swedish, so yeah that's his nickname

[@antrolos8542]

His name is Jonas Jarlsby

[@danielcooper1294]

Their new album discusses the country of Avatar, ruled by The King, who until this time we knew as Jonas.

[@amberaquila3048]

@@danielcooper1294 Jonas was known as Kungen ever since Black Walz. He's mentioned that way on the albums Black Waltz, Hail The Apocalypse, Feathers and Flesh, and Avatar Country

[@brandonessick775]

I love this band.

[@williamkennard4663]

Bty its drop a tuning. Even though tim said be standard.

[@huntercannibal8745]

I, I wonder why, I wonder Why I've come undone, I've come undone (If you want to stay with me, Lord, play with me) Okay, I know I missed it The point I mean, I missed it so (so could I know) And if I could (could change it) good God I would Stay with me, Load (play with me) Now I've seen the way it's headed Down and down, the truth descended Have it here and without worry Baby please, there is no hurry I'm fine, stay with me, Lord Play with me, stay with me, Lord Play with me Ego, it's only a soul We are the word, we are the hope We are so happy to sing a song along Now I see the way I'm headed Down and down, the youth descended Hell is here, but it hath no fury Like this woman still, there is no worry I'm fine Stay with me, Lord, play with me Stay with me, Lord, play with me Stay with me, Lord, play with me Stay with me, Lord, play with me

[@cynthiamaney7202]

If the picks are in the headstalk how are they playing?

[@stormbender528]

Those are spares in case they drop the one in hand they can quickly reach up and grab the extra without much pause in the performance.

[@tynannida9642]

The guitars have locking nuts, that’s why the picking into interfering with the sound.

[@cru2006]

I love this song's chorus so much

[@greatchannelname]

nice guitars!

[@baiiden]

I want their guitar