Live Review: Thrice + Modern Color + Downward @ The Masquerade, Atlanta – October 23, 2025

Chris Collett
3 days ago
3 min read

Thrice - © Chris Collett / No Flash Needed

Heaven at The Masquerade was packed and buzzing with anticipation as Thrice brought their Fall 2025 Tour through Atlanta. Fans filled the room early, eager to witness one of post-hardcore’s most respected bands return to a stage that has always felt like home.

Opening Acts

The night began with Downward, the Tulsa-based band whose mix of shoegaze and slow-burning emo filled the venue with moody atmosphere. Their swirling guitar tones and hazy energy set an introspective tone, creating the kind of tension that makes a good opener unforgettable.

Next up was Modern Color from Los Angeles. Their blend of melodic hardcore and 90s-inspired alternative hit hard from the first note. Performing songs from There Goes The Dream, they balanced aggression with melody perfectly, igniting the room and pushing the energy higher with every track. By the end of their set, the crowd was primed for what everyone had come for.

Thrice Takes the Stage

At exactly 9:10 PM, the lights dropped and the roar from the crowd filled every inch of the room. Thrice walked onstage and wasted no time launching into “Blackout,” immediately followed by “The Artist in the Ambulance,” my personal favorite and an early highlight of the night. The room sang every lyric in unison, a reminder of how timeless that song has become.

The band moved seamlessly between eras, mixing newer material with songs that shaped their career. “Hurricane” and “For Miles” carried the emotional weight that defines Thrice’s sound, while “Paper Tigers” and “Stare at the Sun” hit with precision and force. Dustin Kensrue’s voice was steady and soulful, Riley Breckenridge’s drumming was sharp and commanding, and Teppei Teranishi’s guitar work filled the air with texture and depth. Eddie Breckenridge’s bass anchored the sound perfectly.

Highlights and Atmosphere

Mid-set moments like “The Dark Glow” and “Still Life” showed Thrice at their most dynamic, shifting effortlessly between quiet introspection and explosive crescendos. Their new single “Albatross” stood out as a clear favorite from their upcoming album Horizons/West, blending melody and heaviness in a way that only Thrice can.

The night reached its emotional peak during “The Earth Will Shake.” The crowd stomped and shouted the final chorus as the venue literally vibrated. After stepping off briefly, Thrice returned for an encore that closed with “Vesper Light” and “Deadbolt,” ending the night with the perfect mix of power and nostalgia.

Sound and Setting

Heaven at The Masquerade once again proved to be one of Atlanta’s best rooms for this kind of show. The sound was clean and full, the lighting was moody and cinematic, and the atmosphere felt intimate despite the size of the crowd. Every shift in tone was perfectly reflected in the visuals, from cool blues during the slower tracks to red and gold bursts for the heavier moments.

Final Thoughts

Thrice delivered a set that honored their past while pushing forward creatively. The chemistry between the members, the thought behind the setlist, and the connection with the crowd made this stop one of the standout nights of the tour. With support from Modern Color and Downward, it was a full night of genuine musicianship and emotional depth.