Avarus

Avarus is the name of more than one band. One is a Finnish psychedelic-folk group formed in Tampere in 2001, and the other is a British death metal band formed in Exeter in 2007.

Finnish psychedelic-folk band

The Finnish Avarus forms in Tampere in 2001 and is described as a central group in the Finnish free-folk scene. Its early line-up includes members who also play in Anaksimandros and Pylon, and later musicians join from groups such as Kiila, Munuaissymposium 1960 and Kemialliset Ystävät. The project grows over time into a loose collective, with around 10 core members based in three different cities and another 10 to 20 occasional members. The group treats membership as fluid and focuses on a shared collective sound rather than fixed personnel.

Its music is built from long improvisations, with recorded material often selected from those sessions. The live approach follows the same open method. The group describes its playing as changing from day to day rather than aiming at a fixed style, moving between primitive, child-like, joyous and free textures. The approach is improvised and conversational, and the project is framed as a game or shared process rather than a conventional band format.

Avarus also connects to other projects including Maniacs Dream, Kukkiva Poliisi and Paivansade. Maniacs Dream is the closest related project and follows a similar free and punk-influenced approach, but with more noise, distortion and electric sound, as well as a more hi-fi recording style. The group is also involved in Piirustuskerho, or Drawing Club, a collective drawing project developed in a similar spirit to the music. Lal Lal Lal records is a label run by several Avarus members and focuses on visionary, enthusiastic and wholehearted music.

British death metal band

The British Avarus forms in Exeter in 2007 and splits in 2011. Its debut EP, Upon Thrones Of Gold, appears in 2009. The band tours the UK and performs with acts including All Shall Perish, The Acacia Strain, Despised Icon, Beneath The Massacre and Sworn Enemy.