Australian metalcore giants Parkway Drive have carved a path of innovation and intensity since their formation in 2003. Hailing from Byron Bay, the band emerged as a powerful voice in modern metal, blending aggression with melody and earning their reputation as arena-filling rock stars. Their seventh studio album, Darker Still, released on September 9, 2022, marks another bold step in their musical journey.
The Formation and Early Years
Parkway Drive's story began with vocalist Winston McCall, guitarists Jeff Ling and Luke Kilpatrick, bassist Jia "Pie" O’Connor, and drummer Ben Gordon. The name "Parkway Drive" comes from a street in their hometown. Early works, like their 2005 debut Killing with a Smile, quickly garnered attention for their relentless energy and technical proficiency. Over time, the band evolved from raw metalcore to a broader, more refined sound, exemplified in albums such as Deep Blue (2010) and Ire (2015), which showcased their knack for crafting anthemic, genre-transcending tracks.
The Journey to Darker Still
Before releasing Darker Still, the band faced internal challenges that almost derailed their progress. They canceled a U.S. tour in 2022 to focus on repairing relationships within the group. This period of self-reflection and collaboration culminated in an album that embodies the maturity and depth Parkway Drive has cultivated over two decades.
Guitarist Jeff Ling described Darker Still as a fulfillment of their collective imagination and growth as musicians. It embraces a deliberate and methodical approach, with soaring guitar solos and anthemic choruses tailored for their now-familiar stadium audiences.
A Look at Darker Still
This album pushes Parkway Drive's sonic boundaries. It mixes heavy riffs, ballad-like melodies, and moments of stark minimalism. Lyrically, it dives into themes of mortality, unity, and resilience.
Tracklist:
Ground Zero
Like Napalm
Glitch
The Greatest Fear
Darker Still
Imperial Heretic
If a God Can Bleed
Soul Bleach
Stranger
Land of the Lost
From the Heart of the Darkness
Standout tracks like "The Greatest Fear" tackle universal themes, with Winston McCall describing the song as a meditation on death as a unifying force rather than a divider. The title track, “Darker Still,” brings a balladic intensity, combining haunting vocals and epic orchestration.
Critical and Fan Reception
Fans and critics alike have praised the album's ambition and execution. Tracks such as “Like Napalm” and “Soul Bleach” deliver the ferocity Parkway Drive fans expect, while songs like “If a God Can Bleed” offer eerie minimalism, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment. The album concludes with "From the Heart of the Darkness," a colossal closer blending simplicity and bombast.
Legacy and the Future
Parkway Drive’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots has solidified their place in metal history. Darker Still is both a reflection of their journey and a statement of their enduring relevance. As they continue to headline major festivals and arenas, their commitment to growth and connection with fans ensures their legacy will only grow stronger.
For more on Parkway Drive and their music, check out their album on platforms like Spotify or visit trusted music reviews such as Louder Sound and Kerrang
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