The ban… Read Full Bio ↴Parkway Drive is a metalcore band from Byron Bay, Australia.
The band formed in the summer of 2003, their name coming from the street they used to practice on in their home town of Byron Bay, Australia. Not long after they had formed, they released a split EP with Adelaide band I Killed The Prom Queen. Later that year, the band also made an appearance on the Byron Bay Hardcore compilation What We've Built, preceded by their debut EP, Don't Close Your Eyes.
In May 2005 the PwD headed to the USA to record their debut album with renowned metal producer, Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz (who is responsible for acclaimed releases from the likes of Unearth, August Burns Red, Underoath and Johnny Truant.)
Since the release of Don't Close Your Eyes, Parkway Drive have rapidly accumulated a loyal fanbase Australia-wide, courtesy of support slots for international acts including Hatebreed, In Flames, Chimaira, Shadows Fall, As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through, Alexisonfire, and performances at Metal for The Brain 2005 and Australia's Hardcore 2005. They have built quite a strong reputation within the music industry, this led to their signing with Epitaph record label.
In June 2006 they released Killing With a Smile in the United States during August of that year.
In late May 2006, second bass player Shaun Cash left the band for personal reasons with the full support of the rest of the members. The band soon found a replacement in their "merch guy" and long-time friend, Jia "Pie" O'Connor. Now a permanent part of the line-up, he played with them for the rest of their first international tour in the United Kingdom, and Europe, and later dates in the United States.
In October 2006, they were billed as the Australian contingent on the Rockstar Taste of Chaos tour, playing alongside Anti-Flag, Underoath, Thursday, Senses Fail, Taking Back Sunday and Saosin. During November and December 2006, they appeared at the Homebake Festival, Sound Fest, Resist Records' tour, Soundwave Festival and Gravity G Festival before returning to the UK and Europe.
On 3 March 2007, a new song was previewed to a crowd at Underworld entitled "The Siren's Song". The song would later feature on Horizons. They were placed on the bill for the U.S. Vans Warped Tour 2007 as the only Australian band on the tour. On 15 August, Winston McCall appeared in an interview on the short.fast.loud show on Australia's Triple J Radio station in which he previewed a track off Horizons entitled "Boneyards".
Horizons was released on 6 October 2007. The album was generally acclaimed by critics and fans alike; especially Blunt Magazine, who wrote that the album 'simply slays from the get go' and awarded it 10/10, and planet-loud.com, which suggested that it would 'set the benchmark for metal albums to come'. It debuted at number 6 on the ARIA Charts. After the release of Horizons, the band toured through the US, Australia and Europe with such bands such as Killswitch Engage, Bury Your Dead, Darkest Hour and others.
In February/March 2008, Parkway teamed up with Byron Bay bands/friends 50 lions and Word Up!, to complete the Surf Rats Tour of east coast Australia. This tour (travelling to towns not listed on the standard touring circuit) was based around surfing big surf spots on the way.
On 12 December 2008 while performing at UNSW Roundhouse, Parkway Drive announced that they were filming a DVD of the show, which would include footage of the performance and a few songs from other bands featured in the Sweat Fest Tour. On 18 January 2009, Parkway Drive announced their headlining US tour with Stick to Your Guns and Mychildren Mybride. On 28 January to 1 February 2009, Parkway Drive went on a tour in Japan with Shai Hulud and Crystal Lake. Parkway Drive played at the 2009 Bamboozle Lineup at the Giant's Stadium parking lots; as well as being confirmed at 2009's Download Festival.
In May 2009, Parkway Drive announced that they would be releasing a live DVD and an Australian tour was also announced with August Burns Red and Architects in support of it. It was on this tour that the band performed a new song entitled "Unrest."
On 11 January 2022, the band announced a North American tour in May and June, supported by Hatebreed, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Stick to Your Guns. However, on 6 April, they announced the cancellation of the tour, stating that "the relentless nature of being in this band has given us very little time to reflect on who we are as individuals, who we want to be and the toll it is taking on ourselves and our friendships". On 23 May, it was announced that for their mental health, Parkway Drive would be taking a break from activity, but clarified that they "are here to stay".
On 7 June, following a series of teasers released on various social media, the band unveiled a brand new single entitled "Glitch" along with a music video. On 8 June, the band announced that their Fall 2022 European tour with Lorna Shore and While She Sleeps would continue as scheduled with a rebrand, and new music to accompany said tour. On 6 July, the band released the second single "The Greatest Fear" and its corresponding music video. At the same time, they officially announced that their seventh studio album, Darker Still, was set for release on 9 September 2022, whilst also revealing the album cover and the track list.
Discography:
Albums
- 2005 - Killing with a Smile (Resist Records, Epitaph Records)
- 2007 - Horizons (Resist Records, Burning Heart Records, Epitaph Records)
- 2010 - Deep Blue (Resist Records, Epitah Records, Burning Heart)
- 2012 - Atlas (Resist Records, Epitah Records, Burning Heart)
- 2015 - I.R.E.
- 2018 - Reverence
- 2022 - Darker Still
Other Releases:
- 2003 - Split EP with I Killed The Prom Queen
- 2004 - Don’t Close Your Eyes EP (Resist Records)
- 2006 - Don’t Close Your Eyes (Reissue) EP (Resist Records)
- n/a - “What We’ve Built” BBHC compilation
- 2006 - Smoke ‘Em If Ya Got ‘Em (Resist Records)
- 2007 - Boneyards (Resist Records)
- 2009 - Parkway Drive: The DVD
Members:
Current:
Winston McCall - Vocals (2003–present)
Jeff Ling - Lead guitar (2003–present)
Luke "Pig" Kilpatrick - Rhythm guitar (2003–present)
Ben "Gaz" Gordon - Drums (2003–present)
Jia "Pie" O'Connor - Bass (2006–present)
Former:
Shaun "Cashy" Cash - Bass (2004–2006)
Brett "Lagg" Versteeg - Bass & backing vocals (2003–2004)
...
Parkway Drive Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're still alive
You mustn't die yet
You must live
I won't let you die
I'll protect you
You're still alive
You must keep living
You still with me?
You're alive
You mustn't die
You still with me?
Don't kill her
You must live
You mustn't die yet
You must live
I won't let you die
I'll protect you
You're still alive
I won't let you die
I DON'T WANNA DIE!
The above lyrics are from the song "Horizons" by Parkway Drive, which is a metalcore band hailing from Byron Bay, Australia. This song is a high-energy, fast-paced anthem with heavy breakdowns, powerful guitar riffs, and intense screams. The lyrics are a powerful call to live and fight for one's life in the face of adversity, despite the obstacles that may come along.
One interpretation of this song is that the lyrics represent a message of hope and survival. The singer is urging someone to keep going and not give up, even when the situation seems dire. The repetition of "You must live" and "You mustn't die yet" are a plea to keep fighting and not give in to despair. The line "Don't kill her" could possibly be interpreted as a plea to an individual not to harm themselves or others, reminding them of the value of life and the importance of staying alive.
Another possible interpretation of the lyrics is related to mental health and suicide prevention. The repetition of the phrase "You mustn't die yet" could be seen as a reminder to those struggling with mental illness that their lives are worth fighting for and that there is hope for recovery. The line "I'll protect you" could also be interpreted as a message of support and encouragement for those who may be feeling alone and vulnerable.
Overall, "Horizons" is a powerful and inspiring song that encourages resilience and hope in the face of difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna die.
Expresses the strong desire of not wanting to die.
They're still alive
Referring to loved ones still living, expressing the importance of keeping them alive.
You mustn't die yet
A warning to not die prematurely, emphasizing the significance of continuing to live.
You must live
An assuring statement to keep living, indicating how important it is to keep going.
I won't let you die
A pledge to protect someone from dying, signalling the dedication and care towards that person.
You're still alive
An acknowledgement of someone's current state of being alive, an implication to cherish that life.
You must keep living
An encouraging statement to continue living instead of giving up.
You still with me?
A question to confirm someone's presence and well-being, indicating the importance of being together.
Don't kill her
An explicit instruction to not end someone's life, highlighting the value of life and the importance of respecting it.
You mustn't die
A reminder of not wanting someone to die, stressing the desire to keep that person alive.
You must live
A reiteration of the importance of continuing to live, emphasizing the significance of that person's life.
I won't let you die
A promise to protect someone from dying, reinforcing the commitment and dedication to save that person.
Contributed by Isaac F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@NikNocturnal
This track is going to go so hard live
@ChillVibesMusic91
Well, not in North America, they cancelled their fucking tour 😡
@StarlordStavanger
thats a nope from me dawg
@skorge413
No
@ManG1aze
@@ChillVibesMusic91 shit happens man
@me-ou3hs
@@chrishayden1677 he’s made multiple covers of their music idk what ur talking about
@Norman-Bates
I saw Parkway back in the 2000s at the kings arms in Auckland, maybe 100 to 150 people there, you guys came a long way and deserve all the rewards. Horizons is still the best album...IMO
@havocdevelopment6142
No doubt. Horizons whas the best album they ever had. Killing with a smile is my #2
Everything else has been meh- garbage.
@SimonHelling
So true. love Horizons
@SimonHelling
@@havocdevelopment6142 Horizon Rules