(c) Challenger Deep
Lithuania may not be the biggest, best-known metal country, but sparkling diamonds in the rough always make it beyond the Baltics. Included in this category Challenger Deep, whose last album was released in April 2014, almost a decade ago. However, any patience pays off twice or threefold because of the latest prank „The Path“ once again meets all expectations and skillfully develops the atmospheric post-metal sound further.
Six furious chapters take you courageously and don’t let any more grass grow. There is “Sacrifice”, for example, which is full of riot from the first second, unruly and exciting at the same time. The dark atmosphere and the brutal neck blows play with a post-black influence, while the angry vocals and apocalyptic approaches push the gate to chaos wide open. And there already lurks the bitterness with rough grace, foaming grace and repeated little explosions. Breach disciples should really enjoy this, although the quintet pleasantly refrains from attempting a complete copy. Nobody needs it either.
Instead, you shed your skin repeatedly, see and listen to “Confidence.” The painful and at the same time angry vocals immediately go into media res, it simmers and becomes uncomfortable. Even the most subtle, albeit alienated, melodic approaches are hinted at, but the silver lining on the horizon is just a setting sun. This comes through wonderfully in the brutalist loops of “Filth,” when the vocals move forward before a black metallic sprint rounds off the proceedings. In the final “Joy” there are indeed hopeful undertones and small caesuras, but it becomes clear that every joy is surrounded by suffering.
The path mentioned or shouted at is anything but easy, as this becomes clear again and again over the course of these almost 37 minutes. Challenger Deep struggle for composure in a palatable environment of harsh extremes that keep escalating. “The Path” represents the sharp-edged post-metal wing for a long time, often drifting into black metal and reaching boldly. When the finest melodic approaches do make it to the surface, they are received very favorably and seemingly contradictions can be skillfully resolved. The long wait has become audibly familiar, because Challenger Deep remains a force.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: December 22, 2023
Available via: Self-distributed
Facebook: www.facebook.com/challengerdeepband
III. THE PATH by Challenger Deep
Category: Magazin, Reviews