Swedish metal band AVATAR have released their new single, “Naughty List,” featuring a guest guitar solo from Zakk Wylde of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and PANTERA. The song arrives alongside an official music video as the band prepares for European performances and a return to North America with METALLICA in 2027.
The release follows the first anniversary of AVATAR‘s latest studio album, Don’t Go in the Forest, which the band celebrated on Halloween.
Zakk Wylde joins AVATAR on “Naughty List”
The collaboration originated during AVATAR‘s European dates supporting METALLICA earlier this year. Guitarist Tim Öhrström approached Wylde about contributing to the track while both musicians were on tour.
The resulting song incorporates Wylde’s guitar solo into AVATAR‘s theatrical approach to heavy metal, using the familiar concept of Santa Claus’s naughty list to explore individuality and social acceptance.
Rather than portraying the people on the list as inherently bad, the song presents them as individuals who do not necessarily conform to society’s expectations.
Vocalist Johannes Eckerström explained the concept:
“The idea is that the ‘Naughty List’ is full of people who are different rather than bad, and someone needs to have their backs, too.”
He added that the song addresses forgiveness, acceptance, and making decisions based on personal convictions rather than simply following established norms.
The accompanying music video continues the band’s emphasis on visual storytelling, which has remained a central part of AVATAR‘s identity throughout its career.
European tour continues through December
AVATAR are scheduled to perform across Europe through December 19, 2026, with shows in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Czechia, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, and Poland.
The first five dates, originally scheduled between November 20 and November 25 in Wolverhampton, Southampton, Cardiff, Dublin, and Belfast, are marked as postponed in the band’s announcement.
The remaining itinerary includes performances in Amsterdam, Budapest, Prague, Frankfurt, and other European cities before concluding in Wrocław, Poland.
The band is also preparing to return to Latin America in January 2027.
AVATAR to support METALLICA in North America in 2027
Following their European appearances with METALLICA on the M72 World Tour during summer 2026, AVATAR will reunite with the band for North American performances in summer 2027.
LIMP BIZKIT is also included in the announced supporting lineup.
The upcoming dates will continue AVATAR‘s touring activity following the release of Don’t Go in the Forest, which arrived in 2025 through the band’s independent label, Black Waltz Records.
AVATAR lineup
- Johannes Eckerström: Vocals
- Jonas Jarlsby: Guitar
- Tim Öhrström: Guitar
- Henrik Sandelin: Bass
- John Alfredsson: Drums
“Naughty List” is available now alongside its official music video, with Zakk Wylde contributing a guest guitar solo.