LIVE REVIEW: Challenger Deep Celebrate Album Release With Packed Show at the Masquerade [PHOTOS]

The Masquerade is where my music journalism journey started back in 2016. When we didn’t care if the floor beneath our feet gave out as long as we got that encore. Since then, I’ve written about dozens of shows at the Masquerade, from blood-covered intergalactic metal to French electroswing. Still, it had been a long while since I had darkened the alley in the underground belly of Atlanta, so I decided to make a pilgrimage to see some old friends and make some new ones.

On August 1, I saw my friends Challenger Deep play a packed show at Altar celebrating the release of their new album, Point of No Return. They had a slew of bands opening with one local outfit, the Atlanta Space Quartet, slaying their performance which featured a xylophone and violin. After Four Stroke Baron (a band from Reno worth checking out) finished their set, Challenger Deep took the stage to stares upon stares of fans ready to rock. I was nestled amongst the entranced, slowly locking my gaze on the talented musicians. It had been few years since I had seen the band perform, the last time being at Chomp and Stomp 2023 in Cabbagetown. To say the least, Challenger Deep had a glow-up in their sound since our last encounter.

The instrumental rockers played a mix of old bangers interspersed among tracks from Point of No Return. The new cuts resonated almost recklessly as they vied to become viral singles to join the ranks of their forebears like “Immersive” and “The Great Calamity.” The setlist was well composed, starting with the opening track off the new album, “Elrond Hubble,” which sets a high bar for the rest of the record. I was all smiles throughout the set as I got to hear all of the hard work the group has put in crafting the new material. Challenger Deep has honed their song composition into a style that is uniquely theirs while taking risks within their sphere to evolve their sound. It was such a treat to see the band once again in their element, trading off virtuosic leads and jamming out.

The foursome finished the night with the last track off the new record, “Longing for the Ether,” an ambitious song with an epic air fitting for an album closer. When the house lights came on, everyone had that look of joy only seen after a great concert. I made sure to find my friend Grant Wallace, drummer for Challenger Deep and former drummer of Atlanta legends Baby Baby, to give him accolades. I also made sure to snag a vinyl of Point of No Return on my way out the door.

Through the grapevine, I heard you can expect to see Challenger Deep play Atlanta again at 97 Estoria this upcoming Chomp and Stomp. I hope to see you there! In the meantime, make sure to check out the photos below captured by Steph Heath of Smiling Eyes Media.

Click on an image to enlarge.