Parkway Drive

Parkway Drive is an Australian metalcore band formed in 2003 in Byron Bay, New South Wales. Named after the street where they rehearsed, the band consists of Winston McCall (vocals), Jeff Ling (lead guitar), Luke Kilpatrick (rhythm guitar), Jia O'Connor (bass), and Ben Gordon (drums). They began their career with the EP Don’t Close Your Eyes (2004), and their debut album Killing with a Smile (2005) solidified their presence in the metalcore scene. Horizons followed in 2007, while Deep Blue (2010) brought critical acclaim for its atmospheric approach. Ire (2015) introduced clean vocals and broader musical exploration. With Reverence (2018) they embraced a heavier, melodic sound. Their latest album, Darker Still (2022), showcases a mature and introspective evolution. Winston McCall’s vocals are frequently compared to Randy Blythe of Lamb of God. Over time, Parkway Drive transitioned from their original metalcore roots to a more traditional heavy metal sound, declaring that they have "outgrown metalcore." Influences range from Rage Against the Machine and Iron Maiden to Slayer and Metallica. Beyond studio releases, the band is known for spectacular live performances. A landmark moment came with their 2025 performance at the Sydney Opera House, where they combined metalcore with an orchestral ensemble and choir in a "screamo meets strings" extravaganza. The show sold out instantly and underscored their status as one of heavy music’s most dynamic forces.