The Metal Circus came to Fort Wayne, Indiana via the Swedish metal band Avatar! They didn’t play under a “big tent” but they played at the beautiful Clyde Theatre.

The opening band, Mantra Of Morta, is a metal band from Indiana. There were quite a few local fans that came out just to support them. They hit the stage with a lot of energy and got the crowd ramped up and ready to rock!

Avatar brought their metal circus all the way from Sweden! This stop was one of several “one-off” shows while they were out on tour with Ice Nine Kills. Current band members are Johannes Eckerström [vocals],  Jonas “Kungen” Jarlsby [guitar], Tim Öhrström [guitar], Henrik Sandelin [bass], and John Alfredsson [drums]. This Thursday night was a night of spectacles and wonders, which is what is to be expected when the metal circus comes to town. Johannes had his face painted in what I would call a metal clown, and he donned a cane and top hat as the band took the stage. From start to finish, the show was high energy, engaging and entertaining. The audience’s attention was captivated from beginning to end. And this spectacular event was not “all for show”, the event was pure musical and theatrical talent. From the sound of the band, to the lights, to the crowd interaction, it was top-notch all the way! At one point during the show, Johannes disappeared and then reappeared, making his way through the crowd and settling on a spot in the sound area. He stood atop a box and began to make a balloon animal (which I later saw a child had – what an awesome core memory for the young lad!) After his balloon dog was complete, he went on to play the trombone for the song ‘Puppet Show’. What a treat that was! Some of the other hit tracks played were ‘Dance Devil Dance’, ‘Valley of Disease’, ‘Colossus’, ‘Let it Burn’ and ‘A Statue of the King’. It was sad the curtain had to close on all our fun for the night, but it will be a night that none of us shall soon forget. Until the ring leader calls again, my memories of this metal circus will remain close to my heart.