Avatar’s new Christmas single “Naughty List” features a guest guitar solo from Zakk Wylde, bringing the Black Label Society frontman and longtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist into the Swedish band’s holiday release. The song also has an official music video directed by Johan Carlén.
The invitation came from Avatar guitarist Tim Öhrström while both musicians were supporting Metallica, according to the band’s release announcement. Their shared touring schedule provided the opportunity to ask Wylde to take part, and his contribution became the song’s guest solo.
For vocalist Johannes Eckerström, the Christmas premise starts with the people who get written off for failing to fit in. His explanation puts those outsiders at the center of the song, deserving support despite the judgments made about them. “It is a song about forgiveness and acceptance,” he said in comments published by ThePRP. He also connected its message to choosing what’s right without simply following convention.
“Naughty List” follows Avatar’s 2025 studio album Don’t Go In The Forest. The official video premiered November 12, with the single reaching streaming services November 13.
