Birthed from the capital of Minsk, blackened hardcore / sludge / post-metal quintet Challenger Deep holds members from Leprethere and has recently self-released their third full-length, The Path, mastered by the prolific Brad Boatright (Obituary, Nails, Idle Hands, Oathbreaker, etc.)
While some records tell overt narratives, The Path aggressively gestures at a spectrum of emotions through poem. Fervor manifests in the opener “Sacrifice,” where vocalist Anton Bondarenko vocally digs through the murk of hypnotic distortion with a vigorous disdain for his world. The range of Wolves in the Throne Room pummeling percussions to Crowbar groove beats by Sergey Golovach is also worth admiring.
Other notable moments include the unearthly soundscapes within the aptly titled “Filth” and shapeshifting “Indifference.” For a headrush of Oathbreaker and The Ocean, “Passion” delivers tense and earthy outrage on the level of most post-metal pioneers.
Like the highs and lows of existence, Challenger Deep presents a variety of dynamics, particularly on the aforementioned opening track and denouement “Joy.” It’s a genuine experience when hearing acidic Wolf King anger within the same album as Neurosis atmosphere. Regarding criticism, The Path could push to become even grittier and unhinged. “Confidence” has moments that went in that preferred direction, so I hope the group siphons deeper into that vein for future material. All in all, a cathartic listen.