Words and Photography by Thom Hooper
By the time The Devil Wears Prada took the stage at The Masquerade on Saturday, April 11th, the audience had experienced a dynamic progression thanks to three distinct and memorable supporting acts.
I Promised The World quite literally jumped straight into the action to start the evening, ensuring that no one in the crowd had the chance to ease into their set. They burst onto the stage with a relentless energy that immediately commanded the crowd’s attention, leaving behind any notions of a gradual introduction.
There was no hesitation or waiting for the audience. Their performance was urgent and intentful. The band clearly understood the vital role of an opener and were not there to waste or fill time.
Following them, Split Chain brought a different but equally impressive vibe. Instead of following the opener’s hard-hitting approach, they shifted the atmosphere with their distinct sound that blends a shoegaze-esque sound into a heavier soundscape that works well.
Their set was effective, even for those who weren’t deeply familiar with their music, as it introduced a new direction for the night. Their unique style added depth, making the evening feel more expansive and thoughtfully crafted.
Four Year Strong took the stage next and showcased their unique ability to draw from a rich discography without ever sounding nostalgic or complacent. A standout moment, in my opinion, was the performance of a recently released song, “WHIPLASH.”
The song showcased the band’s sound and its continual evolution. When the band proclaimed, “we have a job to do and that is to wake you the fuck up,” the crowd responded throughout the night, with a running circle pit and continuous crowd surfing. Their set was sharp and powerful, showcasing a band that knows exactly how to engage an audience and when to amplify the excitement.
As The Devil Wears Prada took the stage, Atlanta’s energy was intense and ready for their arrival.
What stood out to me first was their impressive presentation. The lighting was fantastic throughout the evening, never feeling overwhelming and providing shape and identity to the performance. It complemented the band’s emotional and visual narrative without distracting from the music. Everything appeared intentional, conveying a cohesive visual language to their performance.
The band displayed a true mastery of the performance, proving that The Devil Wears Prada has evolved beyond simply energizing a crowd. While they can still deliver an intense, heavy experience, they also know how to slow things down and allow moments to resonate and breathe.
This was particularly evident during “For You,” which became one of several standout moments during the night. The singalong was not only enthusiastic but fully engaged the crowd, transforming the performance into a shared experience rather than a spectacle. The connection in the venue felt palpable, with the shared experience creating a genuinely positive, almost party-like festivity throughout the night.
The sense of community was strong throughout the show, with the vibe remaining entirely positive. The security team managed the situation seamlessly, ensuring the atmosphere remained upbeat rather than strained. Although it may appear minor, this element greatly influenced the overall atmosphere of the night. The crowd moved with energy and positivity, reminiscent of Warped Tour, where chaos and goodwill often coexisted harmoniously. Fans were singing along, flowing over the barricade, only to return to the stage for more.
The setlist maintained a balance that worked very well for The Devil Wears Prada. The newer songs were allowed to unfold naturally and became an integral part of the evening, highlighting several standout tracks from their newest album. This harmonious blend gave their performance structure and depth, showcasing how much the band has grown and progressed without losing sight of their roots.
It was the overall vibe of a night that just kept escalating without missing a beat. I Promised The World opened things with energy. Split Chain broadened the experience. Four Year Strong delivered like seasoned veterans still eager and able to impress. The Devil Wears Prada wrapped it all up with a set that looked fantastic, sounded huge, and ultimately felt like it passed all too quickly. That was, in my opinion, the only downside. Even with all the movement, sing-alongs, lights, and excitement, the night ended in what felt like no time at all while still leaving a lasting impression.
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