Release Date: Oct 9, 2007
Label: Epitaph
Genres: Metalcore
Number Of Tracks: 12
Parkway Drive decided to take aggression and intensity up a notch on its latest release Horizon.
HorizonsFeatured review by: UG Team, on october 11, 2007 3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: If you get bored with the same old format in your rock songs, Parkway Drive’s latest release Horizons could be considered a feast for the ears. The band doesn’t hesitate to go in several very different musical sections within the course of one song, which can be a good and bad thing. Apparently the Australian quintet wanted to step up everything -- from the heaviness to the speed on the album, and they haven’t disappointed in those areas. Each song has multiple sections that just seem to get more intense as they go along, and the guitar work is without a doubt the strong point in every one. The songs are hard to digest upon first listen, primarily because the sections don’t always fit seamlessly together. And as cool as they sound independently, it’s hard to hear the cohesiveness from the start.
The band recruited Killswitch Engage’s Adam Dutkiewicz as producer on Horizons, and he did help shape a very polished album in terms of the sound. There is a lot of distortion and crunch in every song, and it comes through beautifully (or brutally, depending on how you look at it). Parkway Drive has a lot of interesting ideas with their music, but at times you almost feel bombarded. Metalcore bands aren’t striving to deliver the next Top 40 single, but it would have been great to hear a few more songs like “Frostbite,” which put as much emphasis on melody as it did intensity/speed.
“Breaking Point” represents a high point on the record, with insanely good riffs that pop up throughout the record. There are multiple sections to the song, and there is a distinct and enjoyable hook featured in pretty much every one. Even better, Parkway Drive throws in a traditional, melodic solo in the middle of “Breaking Point.” I’m not sure whether it was Jeff Ling or Luke Kilpatrick behind the solo, but whoever it is, they rock. Musically the solo has very little cohesion to the rest of the song, but it makes for one of several interesting guitar parts within the whole.
Vocally Winston McCall rarely leaves a growl state, which adds to the aggression of it all. While some metalcore bands balance things out with a clean, melodic singer, there is really none of that to be found in Parkway Drive. It can get a bit much, if only because all of the other instruments take breathers from the distorted, gritty style during the album. McCall doesn’t really bend vocally, which can be a drawback if you like a bit more variety in the singing department. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Because of the brief bursts in which Winston McCall delivers his vocals, usually each lyrical line is short and punchy. Because of this, the songs actually feel a lot like a free verse poetry at times, only with a more violent touch. “Idols And Anchors” reflects that style when McCall sings, “Now you're heroes have fallen; Champion mess; The seas are rising.” The general format is interesting and definitely adds something different when the lyrics on Horizons might not be the most original. // 7
Impression: The main issue at hand with Horizons is that it will take a while to digest. There is so much going on that it almost feels like each track has about 10 songs within it. The multiple breakdowns on the album are cool to listen to in terms of the instrumentation that is going on within them, even if they don’t necessarily transition smoothly. But if you are a fan of a more complex blend of metalcore, Parkway Drive will keep you interested.
Just as they planned, the guys in Parkway Drive have added a lot of intensity and speed to Horizons. It’s hard to deny the talent of guitarists Ling and Kilpatrick, not to mention the double-bass pedal skills of Ben Gordon. There are so many riffs that it will take more than a few listens to digest it all, and Horizons is likely to be one of those albums that needs more than a few listens to fully appreciate. // 8
Horizons
Reviewed by:
SinisterScythe, on december 17, 2007 2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: My impression of this band is outstanding amazing, when I first heard these guys I quickly fell in great deeply in love with them, they have the most amazing vocals and sounding ever! Different variations and variety's of sounds and riff's. Different drum parts, Clean and screaming vocals! It's all in this band here, unlike other bands there all the same no, parkway drive and the new CD! Is like amazing all together. The best album by them yet. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics have a lot of meaning in them if you are a type of person who listens to the lyrics, Which everyone should. The lyrics have somewhat explicit lyrics. The Compliance with the music here in Parkway Drive Horizons, is like no other different lyric writing and style for this band unlike some others. The singer skills is outstanding I have never heard the best scream from these guys, he has so much talent I am so proud to have got this CD. // 10
Impression: If you compare they kinda sound like beneath the sky in a way but not that much, most impressive about this album is the new sound and style and song writing skills they use. I love how they use different variety in there work and they actually take the time to write different riffs. I dislike nothing! This album is perfect the best ever! If it was stolen dude heck yes I would buy a new one! // 10
Horizons
Reviewed by:
pengudapenguin, on october 11, 2007 2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: Parkway Drive's second full-length album titled "Horizons" is a masterpiece in the metalcore genre of music. The bands sound has not greatly differed from the fast-paced, heavily distorted and overall brutal sound of their previous album "Killing with a Smile" except for a noticeable change in the vocals as well as a marked improvement in the technical side of things in the recording studio. The riffs are brilliant and ingenious, they never seem repetitive. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are what you would expect from Parkway Drive and rather cliche, basically a follow-on from "Killing With A Smile" with talk about despair and angst. One highlight of the album was the change in the vocals which seem so much deeper and fuller, one of the first impressions was this guy really knows how to scream and growl! The lyrics fit perfectly with the music as do the vocals.
01. Begin - personally I'm not a fan of adding these short instrumentals anywhere on an album but I guess this gives the album a kind of epic feel.
02. The Siren's Song - one of the better songs on the album with awesome riffs and this is where you really notice the changes in the vocals and his growl. I was slightly disappointed with this song being in a loosely verse-chorus form but was surprised with the great chorus.
03. Feed Them To The Pigs - a great fast paced song that doesn't really slow down till the very end.
04. Carrion - one of my favorites on the album, vocally superb and great chorus.
05. Five Months - a awesome riff followed by some great vocals.
06. Boneyards - this was the first song released on Parkway's MySpace if I'm not mistaken and I didn't necessarily like it then but it grows on you after a few listens.
07. Idols And Anchors - one of the better songs on the album with a crappy beginning but soon changes with a high-pitched scream into something hardcore. The chorus made me want to reach for the guitar and play, the lyrics are in perfect harmony with the music.
08. Moments Of Oblivion - a short kind of interlude but with some background vocals and great guitar (reached for the guitar again). I usually detest these interludes but this one I enjoyed.
09. Breaking Point - this song really picks up the pace, and has one of Parkways rare solo's. The lyrics are great, I still have the lyrics in my head 2 weeks onwards.
10. Dead Man's Chest - could probably be compared to Mutiny (maybe because of the pirate imagery. Very brutal and alive and a great song.
11. Frostbite - one of my favorites again, awesome beginning and they carry this out through the whole song. One the best chorus's and one of the rare songs where he does some talking.
12. Horizons - a wonderful song to end in, starts with some picking and can basically be summed up with the imagery in the word Horizons. // 9
Impression: These guys from Byron Bay have a unique skill to be able to add just enough variation to stop it from being repetitive but still get your heart going. Parkway Drive have proved they are one of the worlds best metalcore bands with "Horizons" and most certainly Australia's best. With ever listen you start to pick up more of the lyrics and notice the beautifully brutal riffs (I did 17 listens of the album in 2days, don't worry I'm getting treatment). I downloaded this album in full and in great quality over a month before it's actual release but I will also buy it, if it where to be stolen I would track down the culprit and sodomize them, don't worry I'm getting treatment. I recommend this album for any fan of metal or hardcore or metalcore but make sure to give it a few listens before you judge it because it takes a while to get over the feeling that the guitarist is strumming all the strings open as fast and hard as he can. // 10
Horizons
Reviewed by:
12shinn21, on october 11, 2007 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Parkway Drive, what some would call the epitome of the Australian metalcore genre, deliver all that is to be expected of such a band, fast riffs, insane drumming and huge breakdowns. After listening to the progression of the band from the EP's through to Killing With A Smile, Horizons is exactly what you would expect, which is both good and bad. It's good just to hear some new material and there a couple of really good songs, but there are also moments in songs which are terribly reminiscent of previous material. The quality of the riffs has definitely increased, but are occasionally repetitive, and Winston's vocals as always are close to immaculate. The breakdowns were disappointing for me as there is only one that really stands out, the very end of The Siren's Song. I liked the fact that they used the guitars more melodically than on previous records. I was saddened by the almost complete lack of classic lyrical moments (so cry me a f--king river, bitch, etc). The songs that I liked and why.
The Siren's Song - easily one of the best tracks off the album. Everyone raves about the intro purely for it's speed, but I like it for when the rhythm comes in beneath, sounds really good. Best lyrics off the album for me, and the best breakdown at the end. Carrion - another great song, purely for the chorous. Boneyards - the single off the album, it's a good quality typical Parkway Song complete with one of the aforementioned classic lyrical moments plus huge breakdwon. Listen to the guest solo at the start, interested to see if they play it live. Horizons - acoustic intro, epic sounding lyrics and some nice melodic guitar work. A decent rhythm section I liked late in the song.
The only song that annoys me is Dead Man's Chest, for the intro. It's the same as Mutiny off KWAS heaps of people loved it but I just never got why. I loved Killing with a smile for how it made me feel listening to it. Certain songs made me flow from anger to awe to pure energy with it's amazing riffs and breakdowns. From this record only a few songs inspire that in me, and for that it disappoints me. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: When I opened the CD on the way home and began to read the lyrics I was surprised at the quality. Previous Parkway records have been pretty simple lyrically but reading the lyrics I was very interested. Much better use of metaphors, with a dominant oceanic/global warming seas rising theme. Plenty of the classic "Winston getting angry at people" theme. Best lyrics came from the Siren's Song where he likens "The Siren's Song" to the effects of drugs, where if you try to reach it you could get smashed on the rocks. Vocals fit in well with the music, and no comment needs to be made on Winston's skills as a vocalist. // 9
Impression: When I heard the title and saw the album artwork I expected a more artisitc attempt at metalcore, and was keen to hear the title track. I thought it was good but it didn't live up to what I had hoped. Killing With a Smile is one of my favourite albums and I think Horizons doesn't come close to it, but in it's own right Horizons is a quality record. In other words if you're only going to get one Parkway album, get Killing With A Smile for sure. If it were stolen or lost I probably wouldn't buy it again. Overall, I think it's a solid record but they've done better. // 7
Horizons
Reviewed by:
Revenger#11, on december 16, 2008 0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Parkway Drive, the ruthless Australian hardcore unit and arguably the best produced by the country return to the stage to try and top their first full length, Killing With A Smile. Not an easy task by any means but Parkway Drive have managed to create an Australian Hardcore masterpiece with Horizons. Parkway have created brutal, crushing breakdowns and riffs as well as melodic leads and an impressive rhythm section. Production is amazing but when Adam D is involved, you can hardly be surprised. Some of the melodic leads and solos rarely seen by Parkway really show the talents of Jeff Ling and Luke Kilpatrick ( guitarists). Bass is non existent but the Double Bass of drummer Jeff Gordon definitely makes an impact. Vocals hardly stray away from the typical metal core growl but Winston McCall executes them so well, if it ain't broke don't fix it. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics seem to talk about the end of the world/global warming/the apocalypse mostly which a few tracks branching out from the normal. Winston's scream is one of the best I have heard in Metal core. It is low and he has a nice growl but he is totally decipherable. On songs like Carrion, he almost adopts a clean scream because every word is crystal clear, like he is just singing it.
Examples: Carrion: in a moment I'm lost. Dying from the inside. Her eyes take me away. Tear me apart from the inside out. I think the best lyrics in relation to music is in the title track.
In time. And so it ends. In time it all finds an End. Embrace our last empty horizon.
Underneath those lyrics there is a huge tapping line followed by harmonized leads which just screams as the Epic album closer. // 8
Impression: Parkway Drive is not the most original act but they have a lot of talent and are really trying to branch out in a somewhat generic genre where bands are dime a dozen. Some of the most impressive songs are: The Sirens Song, Carrion, Five Months, Breaking Point, Frostbite and Horizons. I love the vocals and the instrumental section of the bands ( and the non existent bass guitar). I love how the band pummels you to keep you interested, the don't give you a moment to breathe. But for some people this would be a turn off as well. Breakdowns sound the same-ish and the album is really short, clocking in at around 38-40 minutes. I would definitely buy this one again if I lost it as it will be haled as the best metal album Australia has produced. Rock On, Parkway Drive. // 8
it is a good album but there are a few minor problems that limit the audience the band address, which is not a good position for the band to take with the support side of things. the new heaviness adds a nice touch to the solos on the tracks recorded even if it has so many different rythms throughout the songs.
I saw Parkway Drive live at Warped Tour this year. It was the most amazing stuff i've ever heard. Like...their entire set was just one massive breakdown. HAHA I took a girl with me to that and she mostly listens to rap, and she thought Parkway Drive was awesome and told me she would go see them again.
I haven't heard it yet, but if it lives up to the epicness (is that a word?) to killing with a smile by half, im gonna ****in LOVE IT. but i dont think it can...but i dunno..just something was really special about those songs....ill get it this afternoon.
but honestly, you don't even have to like any sort of metal or heavy material to enjoy parkway. if you go to one of their shows you can't say you didn't enjoy it, because you can just feel in the atmosphere how special it really is...you wont understand till you see em..
but then again last time i saw em it was 5 bux to see the show, and now they're playin for 50. so maybe their egos have stepped up or something?
If another person refers to metal as brutal around here, I'm going to kill them. Not myself, but the offender using that ****ing word to describe metal.
Enough is enough.
Parkway Drive's debut was sick, although a bit repetitive. Many of the songs sounded the same by the end of the album, but there was a lot of great stuff going on. And the singer needs a little bit of range in his growling.
I will pick this up as soon as I see it
Sadly, I missed Parkway at Warped...they opened (like I knew they would), and my friends didn't want to get there until 2 o clock because they wanted to drink heavily before a mid-day mid-summer 100 degree day outdoor concert event. Retards made me miss them...
I,d just like to say parkway drive kick ass, i saw them last night and they were so tight and involved the crowd great. A circle pit took up the whole venue, quite mad. On horizons, fast, punchy, aggressive, great album.
Metalcore bands arent striving to deliver the next Top 40 single, but it would have been great to hear a few more songs like Frostbite, which put as much emphasis on melody as it did intensity/speed.
NO. Metalcore was never about melody. Neither was hardcore. Did Converge have to have huge sections of singing? No. And they still managed to be epic.
This music is pretty awful. Would usually just ignore it except for the effect it has in inciting its teenage fan base, who managed to fight dance their way into handcuffs the other night then cried police brutality. If any band in history is responsible for its listeners' violent behavior, it's this one.
phalliccymbals :
This music is pretty awful. Would usually just ignore it except for the effect it has in inciting its teenage fan base, who managed to fight dance their way into handcuffs the other night then cried police brutality. If any band in history is responsible for its listeners' violent behavior, it's this one.
Well actually I should be thanking Parkway Drive. The promoter of metal-core, hardcore, emo and screamo is never putting on another underage gig at either the Tiv or the Arena, probably because the QLD police won't chaperon all the little kiddies at their concerts after that night. Meaning both those venues have extra slots open for real bands, for audiences comprised of adults who go to concerts to see concerts, not see concerts and act like tools at the expense of the venue where there is no alcohol for sale to subsidise (only $8 cans of red bull). At the end of the day, those kids just ruined their own shit.
Awesome guys, this new album is brutal! good to see they've gone out on a limb this time and gave this album everything, not too say the last wasnt sensational too! awesome guitaring and rippin drums...
10/10 from me.
Also barely anyone got arrested the other night for dancing, the majority of arrests were for refusing to follow police orders, and i even saw a couple for jaywalking. I nearly got arrested for waiting for my lift...
These guys kind of disappointed me last night with their show @ the uni of new south wales ... i didnt hear ANY vocals, ANY guitar ... i just heard a shitload of bass and id had enough of it but stayed anyway because its parkway drive. The start of Carrion sounded basically like static and the show sounded like a large jackhammer. Someone needs to be killed
.:SMASH:. :
I haven't heard it yet, but if it lives up to the epicness (is that a word?) to killing with a smile by half, im gonna ****in LOVE IT. but i dont think it can...but i dunno..just something was really special about those songs....ill get it this afternoon.
but honestly, you don't even have to like any sort of metal or heavy material to enjoy parkway. if you go to one of their shows you can't say you didn't enjoy it, because you can just feel in the atmosphere how special it really is...you wont understand till you see em..
but then again last time i saw em it was 5 bux to see the show, and now they're playin for 50. so maybe their egos have stepped up or something?"""""
just for the record, im seeing parkway drive on tuesday for the same price i saw them almost two years ago.
so no they havent upped their egos or whatever.
if they have a more expensive ticket price, it is probably a more expensive venue for them to play.
one of the best albus i have heard..and i think it is better than KWAS because they improved everything..but KWAS is still a favourite of mine..and this band is soo original..
i would kill any fuker that stole this albu off me. It is so amazing. also, if they stole KWAS, id castrate them first the i would make them eat them. they are 2 of the most amazing album in the world.
do NOT download these albums. they are too good for it
I like this album and KWAS pretty much equally...they're both quality. I noticed people don't seem to like "Boneyards"...i thought it was awesome...I love the way Winston screams "There's blood in the water" at the very end...
They definately needed to do something more with their little musical interludes... most albums have these interludes flowing nicely into or between songs, but these ones sorta just floated there :S
KWAS was definately a better album due to its punchier vocals and what felt like a faster pace, but Horizons is fine by me. Definately worth adding to the stack.
some of the ppl posting comments are soo F***ing stupid and ignorant..callin emo and $hit. Listen to em' first and see what up. Im sure these guys would tear your face off and rape you in your sleep
This music is pretty awful. Would usually just ignore it except for the effect it has in inciting its teenage fan base, who managed to fight dance their way into handcuffs the other night then cried police brutality. If any band in history is responsible for its listeners' violent behavior, it's this one.
Dude, Music isn't responsible for teenagers going off their heads, its themselfs, alcohol, and people who sell them it, Jeez get the ***k Over it, Music doesnt make you viloent.
Oh and Awesome album by the way!
Love sirens song and Carrion!
I was reading the lyrics book and apparently Slo-Han Tu-Dix plays the solo on "Breaking Point." Maybe he only plays the first solo because i thought Jeff played the second one. Turns out Pete Abordi features vocals on Dead Mans Chest too. Just some info for ya'll
Well actually I should be thanking Parkway Drive. The promoter of metal-core, hardcore, emo and screamo is never putting on another underage gig at either the Tiv or the Arena, probably because the QLD police won't chaperon all the little kiddies at their concerts after that night. Meaning both those venues have extra slots open for real bands, for audiences comprised of adults who go to concerts to see concerts, not see concerts and act like tools at the expense of the venue where there is no alcohol for sale to subsidise (only $8 cans of red bull). At the end of the day, those kids just ruined their own shit.
WTF. Are you like some 60 year old **** tard that just comes on here to trash bands you dont like?
oh and they have extra slots open for "real bands".aww yay that means you might get to see jonas brothers.and who goes to a show and not act like a tool? who goes to see a band and just do what they normally do? those "tools" are the ones who care most about music.
i saw these guys a few days ago in Newcastle, the bass was thunderous, the guitars were distorted as with practically no static at all and the vocals were better live than on the album, the mosh was crazy, a guy broke his leg, and a kid left 10 minutes into the concert after being mistakenly knocked out by some boozed up tool, no walls of death, but plenty of circle moshes. i jumped up on stage and jumped of the speakers into the crowd. the best parkway gig ive been to yet
07. Idols And Anchors - one of the better songs on the album with a crappy beginning but soon changes with a high-pitched scream into something hardcore. The chorus made me want to reach for the guitar and play, the lyrics are in perfect harmony with the music.
07. Idols And Anchors - one of the better songs on the album with a crappy beginning but soon changes with a high-pitched scream into something hardcore. The chorus made me want to reach for the guitar and play, the lyrics are in perfect harmony with the music.
crappy beginning? you must be kidding
I'm loving it too! It's so melodic, but it keeps the heavy rithmic style as well, perfect combination! One of my favorites for sure!
07. Idols And Anchors - one of the better songs on the album with a crappy beginning but soon changes with a high-pitched scream into something hardcore. The chorus made me want to reach for the guitar and play, the lyrics are in perfect harmony with the music.
>___>; the intro is the same as the chorus only slower and without the fill.
I WANT IT! XD