Image: ParkWaves Festival 2024 [@juulia_knipst]
What began in 2003 in Byron Bay has grown into one of the biggest success stories in modern metal, reaching far beyond Australia. Over two decades, Parkway Drive have not only filled countless halls and festival stages worldwide but have continually redefined their sound — from the uncompromising metalcore of their early days to stadium-ready, epic hymns.
Each album marks a distinct chapter in that journey. On the occasion of their 20th anniversary, we take another look at their works: seven albums, seven defining moments. Here’s our ultimate overview of 20 years of Parkway Drive.
Killing With A Smile – The Album for the Moshpit
The 2005 debut Killing With A Smile has everything you need for a sweaty club show: raw breakdowns, wild riffs. Songs like “Romance Is Dead” and “Smoke ’Em If Ya Got ’Em” still make pits explode today — this is where it all started.
Horizons – The Album for the Classics
For many fans, Horizons (2007) is the heart of Parkway Drive’s early years. With anthems like “Carrion” and “Boneyards,” the band wrote timeless live hits that still dominate setlists today. Anyone wondering why Parkway Drive became so big inevitably ends up here.
Deep Blue – The Album for Depth
Darker, denser, and more powerful — Deep Blue (2010) is the album that made Parkway Drive musically mature. Tracks like “Sleepwalker” and “Deliver Me” still carry that massive, oppressive sound that hits straight in the gut.
Atlas – The Album for New Horizons
With Atlas (2012), Parkway Drive opened up their sound like never before. Tracks like “Wild Eyes” and “Dark Days” still hit with full force, while songs like “Blue And The Grey” show that the band is willing to take bold new directions. An album that makes the band feel bigger while keeping their signature drive intact.
Ire – The Album for a Fresh Start
Suddenly, everything changed: With Ire (2015), Parkway Drive left the metalcore corset behind and experimented further with the genre. Songs like “Bottom Feeder” and “Crushed” became stadium anthems, uniting hundreds of thousands of fans at once. Many were surprised, and not everyone loved the new sound — but it was precisely that courage that made the album so strong.
Reverence – The Album for Goosebump Moments
Even more emotional, even more personal: Reverence (2018) tackles heavy topics and dresses them in epic songs like “Shadow Boxing” and “Chronos.” The album hits straight in the heart and gave the band a new depth that works perfectly in large arenas.
Darker Still – The Album for the Big Stage
With Darker Still (2022), Parkway Drive delivered a cinematic musical work. The title track itself is already a ballad, while songs like “Glitch” and “Soul Bleach” bring back the heaviness. Everything feels bigger, more dramatic — made for huge tours and headliner slots.
