Exploding out of Seattle, WA, bombastic five-piece AVOID releases new album Cult Mentality via Thriller Records. Featuring anthemic single “Can’t Take This Away“, currently in rotation on SiriusXM Octane (US), the album features ten infectious tracks celebrating inclusivity and musical diversity while bringing the good times. It’s a spirit that AVOID channels through their impressive live shows, fueling the band’s reputation as one of heavy music’s most promising young acts. “What a trip that this record is finally here. This is a culmination of everyone’s hard work, hardship, ups & downs, lefts & rights, and everything in between over the last couple years. When we started making this record I don’t think any of us knew what we were signing up for. I think we went through like 30 or 40 demos & starting points of songs to get to the 10 that made the album, and because of that I’m so proud of it. We didn’t settle until we got exactly what we wanted out of this sound, and I’m so proud of that. I hope this record can mean something to you like it does to me!” Says lead vocalist Benny Scholl about the new record. In addition to the release of Cult Mentality comes a turbulent new music video for AVOID’s most recent single, “Can’t Take This Away.” which premiered on Knotfest. 
“We had such a blast shooting this one. We got to have this whole bowling alley to ourselves for the day, which that in itself was a trip. Our director Matthue Cole is one of our best friends and we’re super comfortable around him so it’s always cool to have him push us and get the best out of us when we work together. I think the video is perfect for this song too cause this song is really about living your best life, going out with your friends, driving with the windows down, and in general just kicking ass. I hope it’s as fun to watch as it was to make!” Says Scholl about the new music video. “CULT MENTALITY”
1. My World
2. Blast Off!!
3. Cowabunga
4. Split (Kill It)
5. Whatever
6. Can’t Take This Away
7. Gator Fest
8. Bored
9. Finish Line 3
10. Midnight Six 
MORE ABOUT AVOID Engaging, edgy, erratic, irreverent, wild, vibrant, fun… there’s certainly no shortage of adjectives to describe AVOID and their quest to fuel that feeling of being a part of something. Evoking nostalgia for the kind of music that seeps into your soul, the Seattle five-piece channel the musical legacy synonymous with their hometown while blissfully genre-hopping to create something entirely new. Good times with a message of inclusivity, with a drive to bring passion, innovation and provocation back to heavy music and pull in the community around it, AVOID crackle with the energy of a young act ready to take the world by storm. Carving his own path hustling promoting shows and managing bands, the band’s inimitable future frontman Benny Scholl knew early on the dedication it would take to be successful in the music business. Meeting impressive guitarist Nick Olson, he turned his hand to playing music, deciding he would be unlike any other frontman he had seen, and on enlisting Chris Echols (guitar), Luke Ryder (bass), Paul Jaton (drums) some of the top talent in the local scene became AVOID, releasing their debut album Alone in 2018. While the world fell silent in 2020, the band seized the moment to make noise with the release of their attention-grabbing EP The Burner – and it got LOUD. Securing a sponsorship with NASCAR which turned their passion into promotion, they had their music and band branded vehicle in the official video game. Singer Benny Scholl went viral with his accidentally acapella rendition of the National Anthem at the NASCAR Vegas race, endearing himself to sports commentator Jim Rome who ran with coverage of the event for weeks. They also forged a long term partnership with SiriusXM, taking over the airwaves on Octane and Liquid Metal with ambassador single “Song About James”, which incorporated their lyrical muse James “Jeopardy James” Holtzhauer in its marketing. With new tracks “My World”, “COWABUNGA” and “Split (Kill It)” setting the tone for a new era for the band, AVOID are ready to spread their brand of infectious hedonism that injects some magic into the mundane. Bringing twists on the art, the media and methods of the 90s/00s into the modern-day. This is the start of something important, something defining – and AVOID are bringing everyone along for the ride. Hold on tight, it’s about to get weird. AVOID:
Benny Scholl – Vocals / Nick Olson – Guitar / Chris Echols – Guitar / Luke Ryder – Bass /Paul Jaton – Drums CONNECT WITH THE BAND | 
