This transitions into the fast "Feed them to the Pigs," a song that features some of my favorite breakdowns on the disk.
Now, to be certain, Parkway Drive doesn't reach the creative heights that Killswitch Engage, Unearth, or As I Lay Dying has reached. However, this is a young band and it is still developing its voice. So far that voice does not include any clean singing, which is a good thing that helps differentiate it from the pack.
The music is really catchy, the melodies and hooks will draw you in. If nothing else, Parkway Drive is a strong export from a land not known for their metal scene. Perhaps this could be the first wave of new heavy music from Down Under. Think about it, a whole new world of heavy music just waiting to make a worldwide impact. That may be thinking a bit big, but all it takes is one band to have some success to open up a new scene and Parkway Drive could prove to be the spark.
The music contained within the compact 38 minutes of Horizons is free of any serious filler. Not every song is a winner; songs like "Five Months" and "Idols and Anchors" have some good moments, but aren't up to the likes of "Carrion," "Boneyards," and "Dead Man's Chest," the latter which is highlighted by some great blood-curdling screams. All of the tracks feature solid work from guitarists Luke Kilpatrick and Jeff Ling, plus solid bass from Jia O'Connor, and plenty of plast beats from Ben Gordon on the kit.
Bottomline. Neither original nor unoriginal, Parkway Drive is a band that has the skills to be a solid middle- to upper-tier metalcore act. With solid production value, decent songwriting, and the ability to turn a good breakdown Parkway Drive have crafted a very listenable, if not completely memorable album. If you are looking for something fresh to sink your hooks into, this could fit the bill.
Recommended.
Article comments
1 - Ashley McCormack
Pretty solid review and u make some good points. Personally i think five months is one of the more solid songs on the track, but certainly idols and anchors and moments of oblivion dont live up to the standard the other tracks set. It's true that the album doesnt break new ground which is a little dissapointing after the originality of PWD's first effort 'killing with a smile'. But still the sound they've created sounds so good they're probly a little reluctant to experiment with it just yet. The twin guitar work is getting a little predictable though.
2 - what
that's such a weak review, parkway drive is so much better than that, stop writing reviews on metal bands if you don't know what your talking about. Australia has a huge metal scene and just because it's underground doesn't mean it isn't good
3 - Yeah
Parkway drive's first effort was don't close your eyes, not killing with a smile.
4 - Chris Beaumont
Killing with a Smile was their full length debut, and the first album released in the US.
From the PD site:
"PARKWAY DRIVE created unseen hysteria with their brutal 2005 full-length debut, Killing With A Smile."
"On October 6th, Parkway Drive will unleash their standout sophomore effort, "Horizons."
5 - brandon decaprio
this band rules
6 - kmetal
I thought that the review was very well rounded... you shouldent review a band if your a diehard or if you hate the type of music either... most people who read this review will be fan of the band of at least a fan of heavy metal... i personally and not to huge a fan of metalcore but some one recommended these guys to me and gave it a shot... an Boatyards is the sickest song on the album..
7 - Mitchell
its boneyards ^^^
8 - ALEX
just so u now parkway drive got theyre name from a street they stayed there as a retreat they loved it so much they named theyre band after it
9 - Scott
you are all retarded the road that they named it after was the drummers (ben gordon)house they always played in the basement so they just decided to go with parkway drive because it didnt sound metal or gorey and it meant so much to them
10 - braydn
the boatyard! you fucking retard LOL! your a real big fan ayye ;)