RECAP: Goosefest 2026: Live at The Masquerade (Hell) - ATL
- Mikey Smith
- Jan 14
- 4 min read
The legendary nu-metal revivalists bring their chaos back home with a lineup of local stars
Nu-metal group Silly Goose assembled Atlanta’s finest last weekend to play the first annual Goosefest at The Masquerade’s Hell stage. Backed by the legendary venue, the chaotic and beloved band cemented themselves as titans in not only their 90s revival niche, but also as heroes of their local scene, giving up-and-coming artists the chance to play to a packed audience of crowdsurfers and moshpit aficionados.
The night kicked into high gear once nu-core act BACKTOEARTH blasted Hell’s energy to 11. Lead singer Brandon Antonio’s raw energy mixed in with the band’s retro aesthetics and visuals immediately set the tone for the inaugural fest: a rebellious, no-rules, larger-than-life moment for the city’s creatives. Without a minute wasted, BACKTOEARTH made their name known and were supported by their fans and co-performers.
Velvet Edge followed shortly after with their own flavor of the ATL rock sound. In comparison to the previous opener’s full commitment to the sonic standards of metal, the “404 alt rock” group pulls from multiple melodic inspirations to innovate this sound with their own edge (pun fully intended). The band’s chemistry is unmatched when it comes to establishing this unique spin on the genre. Though somewhat sonically different from the other names on the lineup, their unique tone made them stand out and instantly converted any new listeners into Velvet Edge fans.
When Pinto Sunshine stepped out on stage with their combination of alt-rock, emo, and math-rock, concertgoers unaware of their live shows might have been shocked with the electric experience the band offers. The command of the performers is second-to-none with elite showmanship from the four members in even the smallest moments. To describe it as a set that went from “0-100” in energy would be an understatement. Just when you thought you might get a second to breathe, lead singer and guitarist Santiago Cabeza powers the crowd to move them at the highest pace of the night so far.
There’s no other way to summarize Frigga Five’s entrance on the Hell stage without calling it “aura-farming.” Internet brainrot aside, when the penultimate band at this insane festival is equipped with a hypeman to introduce them, you know you’re going to see something crazy. The group, who brands themselves as “Atlanta’s Sexiest Alternative Rock Band,” raised the bar taking full control of the crowd’s attention. From lead singer Kaleb Justice performing in the middle of an active moshpit to bringing a 9-year-old fan onstage for their first crowdsurf, it’s hard to deny their legendary status. With heavy riffs, demanding drums, and hypnotic vocals, Frigga Five keeps their reputation as one of the most entertaining acts in the underground.
At long last, Goosefest was finally greeted by headliner and the face of the festival: Silly Goose. Playing their newest album Keys To The City alongside some fan-favorites from over the years, the band’s sold-out homecoming show was a well-deserved victory lap after their incredible 2025 where they toured and had festival appearances across the globe (alongside their classic guerrilla style sets in the most random of places). The funk-metal basslines and humorous lyricism feel at home with the band’s clear inspiration from the most iconic faces of the nu-metal scene. What makes Silly Goose’s music different from just repeating your expectations of the genre is their lack of fear. Taking a risk on not only a revival of this sound, but also on the stunts and shows they put on is something we don’t see much in music today.
Most of all, Silly Goose honors what makes art in Atlanta truly special. It does not matter what others confine your sound to be, or if you play to 10 people or 10,000 people. By bringing these acts together on one of the scene’s favorite stages, the ATL music world feels closer than ever. All I can hope is that one day Goosefest can evolve to host more and more of these amazing artists in the future, but for now, this still is monumental.
For those considering attending the next potential Goosefest, don’t think twice about it. As the band sings in the title track of their new record, they’re setting themselves up for a long legacy of “selling out at shows at The Masquerade” and beyond. Expect much more from Silly Goose and co. as they continue to create a home for bands big and small in our city.
Silly Goose's new album Keys To The City is out now via Blue Grape Music.
Article and photos by Mikey Smith. Please credit @mts2.photo or @art.seen.atl if reposting on social media.
