Parkway Drive - Horizons

Band: Parkway Drive
Album: Horizons
Genre: Metal
Label: Epitaph

Tracks:
1. Begin
2. The Siren's Song
3. Feed Them To The Pigs
4. Carrion
5. Five Months
6. Bone Yards
7. Idols and Anchors
8. Moments of Oblivion
9. Dead Man's Chest
10. Frostbite
11. Horizons
12. Breaking Point

Big things have been brewing in the land down under. Australia's own, Parkway Drive, have made themselves a name to be reckoned with in their home land, even going as far as to appear in the top 40 national albums with their 2005 debut. Now, after countless tours and a lot of hard work, Parkway Drive have made their first big impression in the US with the Epitaph Records release, "Horizons." However, in a time where hardcore bands are as common as pennies in a change jar, do these Aussie boys have what it takes to be more than a flash in a pan band?

"Horizons," starts with, "Begin," a simple intro track beginning with light synth and then leading into a drum roll that builds straight into the second track, "The Siren's Song." Now, this may sound cool, but doesn't the whole short intro that basically hides as an extended intro to the 2nd track seem a bit overplayed in the current scene? Anyways, Song hits fast and hard, displaying the talent of each member beautifully. The guitars seem to wage war as they play quick short riffs and the drums keep constant without falling into the common snare/high hat/ snare pattern [FINALLY someone gets that there are other beats] while the bass stays deep and constant. Vocalist Winston McCall keeps the screams coming, but unlike most hardcore, he uses some range and you can generally make out what he is saying. I'm not saying I have to be able to tell what they're saying for it to be good, but it adds to the experience because you can then learn what is being said. The band keeps the music fresh as the play on through 12 tracks and I almost never found myself wondering if the song had changed or thinking that I'd heard a riff already on the album. As a band, "Bone Yards," as well as, "Frostbite," stand out as their best work to date and some of the best metal to come out in this genre in a long time. Although, if you wanted to just hear amazing riffage, definitely check out, "Feed Them to The Pigs," and, "Idols and Anchors." No matter what song you skip to, your sure to find something that strikes you as being amazingly well done.

As a whole, Parkway Drive have more than proven themselves already in the metal world. It's always been easier for American bands to go oversees than for foreigners to make it here, but Parkway Drive has the determination to prove the past wrong. "Horizons," is a more than solid release that has staying power, even in this ever changing genre. If you have the time, give it a spin, I think you may be on your way to a new favorite metal album.

GRADE: 8/10