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Parkway Drive

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Band Timeline

2003

Formation and Early Years of Parkway Drive

Parkway Drive was formed in early 2003 in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. The band took their name from the street where their rehearsal space, 'The Parkway House', was located. The lack of venues for punk and hardcore bands made 'The Parkway House' an important practice and performance oasis. They played their first show at the Byron Bay Youth Centre. Notably, the vocalist of I Killed the Prom Queen saw their early performance and took interest. In June 2003, Parkway Drive released a split CD with I Killed the Prom Queen and toured Australia extensively that year to build their fanbase.
2004-2006

Debut EP and First Full-Length Album 'Killing with a Smile'

In 2004, Parkway Drive released the 'Don't Close Your Eyes' EP after signing with Resist Records. They supported major international bands touring Australia such as Shadows Fall, Chimaira, Hatebreed, and Alexisonfire. By 2005, they recorded their debut full-length album 'Killing with a Smile' in the US with producer Adam Dutkiewicz from Killswitch Engage. The album debuted at number 39 on the Australian ARIA charts. During this period, lineup changes occurred with Brett Versteeg replaced by Shaun Cash, who was later replaced by Jia O'Connor in 2006. That year, the band signed with American punk label Epitaph and toured Europe and North America.
2007-2009

Release and Support of 'Horizons' Album

In 2007, Parkway Drive released their sophomore album 'Horizons' through Epitaph Records, after unveiling it via streaming and videos for tracks like 'Boneyards.' The album was well-received and supported by extensive touring in Australia, Europe, and the US, including performing on the Warped Tour. Their tours included support slots for bands such as Comeback Kid, Cancer Bats, and Darkest Hour. They played at several music festivals including Groezrock in Belgium and The Bamboozle festival in the US. This period helped solidify their international presence and fanbase.
2010-2011

Breakthrough with 'Deep Blue', Critical Acclaim and Awards

Parkway Drive recorded their third album 'Deep Blue' in Los Angeles with producer Joe Barresi, releasing it on 25 June 2010. The album debuted at number 2 on the ARIA charts and entered the Billboard 200 at 39. 'Deep Blue' marked a thematic narrative concept and showcased the band’s maturing sound, earning critical acclaim from reviewers and winning the 2010 ARIA Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album. The band promoted the album with tours in Europe, the US, and Australia in 2010-2011, further establishing them as leaders in the metalcore genre. 'Deep Blue' sold well and was certified gold by ARIA in 2011.
2015

Evolution and Release of the Album 'Ire'

On 25 September 2015, Parkway Drive released their fifth studio album 'Ire.' The band intentionally moved away from their traditional metalcore style, incorporating a heavier and more metal-focused sound with influences from '80s metal and bands like Rage Against the Machine. The album featured singles like 'Vice Grip' and included new stylistic elements such as clean singing and piano. 'Ire' received positive feedback and earned a nomination for Australian Album of the Year at the J Awards. The band toured extensively across Australia and the US, supporting and headlining shows to promote 'Ire.'
2018

Continued Success with 'Reverence' and Awards

Parkway Drive released their sixth album 'Reverence' on 4 May 2018, produced by George Hadji-Christou. 'Reverence' embraced a more melodic and accessible heavy metal sound with greater use of clean vocals while tackling heavy themes like religion and death. The album won the 2018 ARIA Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album, their second ARIA win. The release was supported by singles 'Wishing Wells', 'The Void', and 'Prey.' The band toured North America with August Burns Red and The Devil Wears Prada, consolidating their status as one of Australia's biggest metal exports.
2022

Release of 'Darker Still' and Mental Health Break

Parkway Drive released their seventh studio album 'Darker Still' on 9 September 2022, continuing their partnership with Resist and Epitaph Records and producer George Hadji-Christou. The album received positive reviews praising its mature, expansive sound. Earlier in the year, the band announced a cancellation of their North American tour and an upcoming break to focus on mental health and personal reflection, reassuring fans they remained committed to the band. Singles such as 'Glitch' and 'The Greatest Fear' were released prior to the album. 'Darker Still' was nominated at the AIR Awards and ARIA Music Awards in 2023.

Albums

📷
No Image
Killing With a Smile
11 tracks
2005
parkway-drive_2nd_album
Horizons
12 tracks
2007
parkway-drive_3rd_album
Deep Blue
13 tracks
2010
parkway-drive_4th_album
Atlas
12 tracks
2012
parkway-drive_5th_album
Ire
7 tracks
2015
parkway-drive_6th_album
Reverence
10 tracks
2018
parkway-drive_7th_album
Darker Still
11 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Jia O'Connor

2006

Bass guitar

Luke Kilpatrick

2003

Jeff Ling

2003

Guitar

Winston McCall

2003

Lead vocals

Ben Gordon

2003

Drums (drum set)

Story of Parkway Drive

Parkway Drive: A Metalcore Colossus from Byron Bay

Parkway Drive, hailing from the vibrant coastal town of Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia, are a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore scene. Formed in 2003, the band has carved a path through the music world with their signature blend of ferocious energy, heavy riffs, and powerful vocals.

Their prolific output boasts seven studio albums, an EP, two DVDs, a split album, and a book titled "Ten Years of Parkway Drive," showcasing their dedication to their craft. Their last three albums, "Ire" (2015), "Reverence" (2018), and "Darker Still" (2022), have all conquered the Australian ARIA Charts, reaching the coveted number one spot.

The band's lineup has remained remarkably consistent since 2006, with the addition of bassist Jia O'Connor. Brett Versteeg (2004) and Shaun Cash (2006) were the only members to depart, leaving a solid foundation for the band's continued success.

Early Years and Killing with a Smile (2003-2006)

Parkway Drive's origins lie in the shared passion of a group of friends for punk rock and hardcore punk. Their rehearsal space, "The Parkway House," not only provided a place to hone their craft but also served as a hub for the local scene, which was lacking in venues at the time. Their name is a direct nod to this pivotal location.

Their debut gig at the Byron Bay Youth Centre was a defining moment, catching the eye of Michael Crafter, vocalist of Adelaide's I Killed the Prom Queen, who was in town. This meeting led to a collaboration, resulting in a split CD release in June 2003, which ignited their rise. The following year, the band signed with Resist Records and released their "Don't Close Your Eyes" EP, further solidifying their presence. Touring alongside heavyweights like Shadows Fall, Chimaira, Hatebreed, and Alexisonfire, they gained valuable experience and expanded their fan base across Australia.

Parkway Drive's story is one of relentless dedication, musical innovation, and a deep connection to their roots. Their rise from a local band to a globally recognized force in metalcore is a testament to their passion, skill, and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.

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