Avatar headline the Don’t Go In The Forest tour with a stop at The Ritz in Raleigh on May 10, 2026, continuing a career defined by discipline, control, and consistency rather than novelty. Critics often situate Avatar within melodic death metal and groove metal, but their defining trait is structural intent—songs built to translate clearly in live rooms, with theatrical elements serving the performance instead of overpowering it. This tour runs across North America with additional international dates, reflecting a band that has grown steadily through touring rather than hype cycles. Their catalog, from Black Waltz and Hail the Apocalypse through Avatar Country, Hunter Gatherer, and their most recent releases, shows an act refining its identity without softening its edge. Avatar’s accolades include strong international chart placements, high-profile festival slots, and sustained global touring success, alongside ongoing support for humanitarian and mental-health-focused initiatives. Official site: https://avatarmetal.com

Fleshgod Apocalypse bring their symphonic death metal precision to the tour as direct support, adding technical weight and contrast to the bill. Critics consistently describe the band as one of the genre’s most exacting acts, built on rigid execution, orchestral composition, and an uncompromising approach to arrangement. Fleshgod Apocalypse have toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Asia, and their inclusion on this run reflects a shared emphasis on professionalism rather than spectacle. Their recent recordings continue to push complexity and control, reinforcing a discography that prioritizes craft over accessibility. The band has earned lasting recognition within the extreme metal community, with accolades tied to their technical reputation and participation in global metal festivals, and they have engaged in charitable efforts connected to disaster relief and cultural preservation. Official site: https://fleshgodapocalypse.com

Frozen Soul open the night with a set rooted firmly in modern old-school death metal, a style critics describe as heavy, deliberate, and rhythm-driven rather than ornate. Emerging from Texas with a sound that values density and atmosphere, Frozen Soul have built momentum through consistent releases and relentless touring. Their recent material reinforces that approach, favoring weight and pacing over embellishment, and their placement on the Don’t Go In The Forest tour situates them in front of larger club audiences across the U.S. While earlier in their career arc than the headliners, Frozen Soul have already earned strong underground recognition, festival appearances, and a growing international fan base. The band have also aligned themselves with community-focused causes tied to the metal scene, emphasizing sustainability and mutual support within touring culture. Official site: https://frozensoulmetal.com