Parkway Drive, the Australian metalcore titans, return with their seventh studio album, "Darker Still," a powerful testament to their evolution and mastery of the genre. Released on September 9, 2022, via Epitaph Records, this 46-minute journey through 11 tracks showcases the band's signature intensity and musical prowess. With Winston McCall on vocals, Luke Kilpatrick and Jeff Ling on guitars, Jia O'Connor on bass, and Ben Gordon on drums, Parkway Drive delivers a relentless and captivating experience that solidifies their status as leaders in the metalcore scene.
"Darker Still" opens with the explosive "Ground Zero," setting the tone for the album's heavy and melodic blend. Tracks like "Like Napalm" and "The Greatest Fear" highlight the band's ability to craft anthemic choruses and intricate breakdowns, while "Imperial Heretic" and "If a God Can Bleed" showcase their technical skill and aggressive edge. The album's title track, "Darker Still," serves as a poignant centerpiece, demonstrating the band's depth and introspection. The album concludes with "From the Heart of the Darkness," leaving listeners with a sense of both devastation and triumph.
Produced by George Hadji-Christou, "Darker Still" benefits from a polished and powerful production that brings out the best in Parkway Drive's musicianship. The album has garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Independent Heavy Album or EP at the AIR Awards of 2023 and Best Group and Best Hard Rock Album at the 2023 ARIA Music Awards, further cementing its impact on the metal community. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Parkway Drive's discography, "Darker Still" is an essential addition to any metalcore enthusiast's collection.
Vinylscout