Avatar have released Christmas single ‘Naughty List’, bringing Zakk Wylde into their festive celebrations with a cameo in the new release.
The Swedish metal band released the song on November 12th, accompanied by a music video directed by Johan Carlén. As ThePRP reports, the release features a cameo from the Black Label Society frontman and longtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist.
‘Naughty List’ arrives during the band’s Don’t Go In The Forest era, with the album still available through Avatar’s official website. It also follows another release outside the album’s tracklist: ‘Crying Fire’, which arrived earlier this year ahead of their Australian tour.
As previously reported, ‘Crying Fire’ was written and recorded during the Don’t Go In The Forest sessions. Frontman Johannes Eckerström explained that the band had initially considered it an obvious album inclusion before deciding to hold it back.
“What if we saved the best for later?” Eckerström said at the time.
That earlier release gave fans another song from the album sessions without waiting for a new full-length. ‘Naughty List’ now adds a Christmas release to the year’s output, with Wylde’s involvement providing a different draw for listeners following the Swedish band.
Avatar ‘Naughty List’ ft. Zakk Wylde video
Avatar’s Upcoming Shows With Metallica
Avatar are also preparing to return to the road. Their current official itinerary begins at Norwich’s UEA LCR on November 27th, followed by Newcastle and Edinburgh before the band head into mainland Europe in December.
Next year brings a longer run on stadium stages. Metallica have confirmed Avatar and Limp Bizkit as the supporting acts for their 2027 North American M72 tour, covering 12 shows across the US and Canada.
The dates begin in Vancouver on May 8 and finish in Salt Lake City on June 19, with stops including San Diego, San Antonio and Buffalo. These will be single-show visits using Metallica’s central stage and surrounding Snake Pit configuration, rather than the two-night format used on other M72 dates.
‘Naughty List’ and its accompanying video are out now.
