Gig

Parkway Drive - Gig Review & Photo Gallery 18th Sept @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Bris QLD

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Heavy Metal Wordsmith

Sep 19, 2024

7 min read

Parkway Drive - 20th Anniversary Tour
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane QLD
September 18, 2024
Supports: I Prevail, The Ghost Inside and Void of Vision

They did it, they finally fucking did it. Parkway Drive delivered high-octane metalcore glory to Brisbane's Entertainment Centre arena as they kicked off their 20th Anniversary as a band, and if you think you know what you're in for, fucking think again mate.

From the formative years, Parkway have always come out guns blazing and tonight was no different, only now the Byron Bay kings not only stepped the fuck up with show, stage production and showmanship, but with a meaty lineup of who's who in the metalcore scene on a global scale.

Kicking off proceedings was Void Of Vision, who on top of gearing up for the release of their latest masterpiece album What I'll Leave Behind on Friday; were tasked with the job of warming up the early attendees, which they executed in fine form. Opening with 'Oblivion' which echoed through the massive arena and proved that VoV's soundscape was made for this kind of atmosphere. Frontman Jack Bergin commanded the crowd with technical prowess like that of the metal gods he looks up to, invoking multiple circle pits and enthusiastic involvement from all who threw down early on into the night.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Void of Vision are destined for massive things and to hear their newer tunes in a setting like this proves that point. Get in early, you won't be disappointed.

The Ghost Inside hit the stage next and in doing so made up for lost time with their first show in Brisbane in well over a decade - drawing in love and communal cheers from those who filled up the general admission section to catch a glimpse. The boys powered through nine tracks spanning their entire career - including newer hits like 'Death Grip', 'Earn It' and 'Pressure Point' through to classics such as 'Mercy', 'Dark Horse', 'Avalanche' and the tear-induing 'Engine 45'. Despite the short set time, TGI wasted none of their opportunity and kept the chatter short to fit more music in - and fans lapped up every second of it. The applause and adoration for them as they left the stage could be felt throughout the entire arena.

We've seen I Prevail in Australia five times now, and with each show, they just get bigger and better - having last seen them headline the Fortitude Music Hall, it goes without saying they too levelled up tonight bringing some of their arena-built LED production (which both previous bands also shared) and delivered an unstoppable, and mainly heavy focused 11-song setlist for the ages.

From the explosive rendition of 'Body Bag' through to the harrowing climax of 'Bow Down' and 'Gasoline', the moshpit was kept on their toes and constantly moving as Eric Vanlerberghe stalked the stage, invoking chaos with his gutturals (which sounded MIGHTY beefy) alongside clean vocalist Brian Burkheiser who provided the softer touch for songs such as 'There's Fear In Letting Go', 'Bad Things' and 'Hurricane'.

The biggest surprise of their set came about when Eric was sharing with the crowd that I Prevail were turning ten years old in 2024; before announcing they were going to throw back to the song that started it all for them - reluctantly busting out their cover of Taylor Swift's 'Blank Space' - now complete with a heavier, more guttural and pig squeal-filled section that'll please even the biggest of deathcore snob.

These are the types of shows I Prevail are consistently performing and selling out throughout the US - and to see it for ourselves in Australia is something I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

Following this, the vast majority of the Entertainment Centre exited to get snacks, drinks or to have a chill before venturing back into the unknown - unaware that for the following two hours, Parkway Drive would have us eating out of the palm of their hands.

Now, I'm going to try and avoid as many spoilers as possible - which is almost impossible given that this is a completely new and innovative show - but what Parkway have put into this 20th Anniversary is borderline insanity and bonkers, to say the least.

Firstly, the new stage production and set is massive - rivalling that of the metal icons before them such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns 'N Roses and Motley Crue (in their prime). The entire duration leading up to their performance, they had fans questioning what was going to happen - and none of us could prepare for what they had in store.

Commencing with a walk in amongst the fans, the lads kicked off proceedings on a specially built square stage in the middle of the moshpit. This up close and personal experience looked like such a treat for those who were within the vicinity with Winston, Jeff, Luke, Jia and Ben jamming through singalong hits 'Carrion' and 'Prey' before a bridge hidden in the rafters lowered, allowing the band to take a spot on the main stage, amongst their industrial stage props. We were then treated to a feisty rendition of 'Glitch' complete with newly added dancers upping the production value and creating a new experience not witnessed before. Deep Blue throwback 'Sleepwalker' had the metalcore snobs losing their collective minds as it reappeared in the setlist, with the moshpit feeding off that energy for the duration.

Winston McCall addressed the crowd, stating that tonight's show was 'a while in the making, 20 years is an understatement' (and he wasn't wrong) as he called for the crowd to sing back 'YEAH YEAH YEAH' before ripping into 'Vice Grip' - resulting in the entire arena joining in for the communal chorus section; an experience they've no doubt had in mind since the release of IRE back in 2015. Following this, we were treated to yet another couple of throwback tracks complete with a surprise that NO ONE SAW COMING!

As Parkway proceeded to play Horizons deep cut 'Boneyards', Winston stopped about two thirds through the heavy-hitter to once again remind us that this was one of their heaviest songs to date and that they'd need some help from someone who has had their back since day one. Someone who saw something in them before anyone. Then from beneath the stage in which he stood, rose Michael Crafter (Confession/I Killed The Prom Queen) who was summoned to provide a further brutal touch to the Horizons haymaker.

Crafter addressed the crowd, reminding us how far this band have come since their grassroots formative years by proclaiming "This band has gone from Mary Street in the city, to selling out this fucking arena!" and with that in mind, the sheer size of this monstrous spectacle was realised. Crafter and Winston bellowed together, creating an unforgettable experience that will go down in metalcore history - and we're only six songs into the set.

As Crafter exited, the band continued to entice OG fans by whipping out title-track 'Horizons' for the first time since 2018, resulting in 4 massive circle pits forming across the general admission section. Absolute bedlam ensured. The closing moments had lead guitarist Jeff Ling living out his own Kirk Hammett guitar hero moment with the spotlight on him and his intricate fingering. The smile on his face said more than words ever could.

With his first (of many) costume changes of the evening, Winston made his way back to the stage for an artistic performance of Reverence deep cut 'Cemetery Bloom' complete with interpretative dancers adding to the visual experience (no Raygun, soz kids) which guided us into 'The Void' and a tempestuous rendition of 'Wishing Wells', resulting in a downpour from the heavens around McCall.

As the frontman commanded the audience's attention unlike ever before, he noted that Parkway were far from a nostalgia act, but they know where they came from... and it was time for a new inclusion to the setlist from the Killing With A Smile era - tenatively dubbed Medley with a Smile or Killing with a Mashup - we heard ferocious 'best bits' from their debut album including 'Gimme a D', 'Anasasis', 'It’s Hard to Speak Without a Tongue', 'Smoke 'Em If Ya Got 'Em', 'Mutiny' and 'Romance Is Dead' - all with the intended purpose of invoking utter pandemonium from within the moshpit.

'Dedicated' came complete with updated lyrics (20 years I've fought for this...) and a display of pyrotechnics leagues ahead of their previous headliner on the Reverence Tour. Luke, Jeff and Jia had their moment in the spotlight to round out the song before Winston popped up in the crowd for the all-inclusive 'Idols and Anchors' amongst the punters. He spotted a young kid by the name of Jack - who with the blessings of his father - joined Winno on a small stage as the biggest circle pit of the evening formed around them. Winston gripped tight to Jack who had the biggest Cheshire cat grin on his face as the energy of the room, and the bulk of the circle pit grew in front of them. It was an awe-inspiring experience for the ages and proved the metal runs deep into the next generations - with many parents bringing their kids along to witness the chaos first-hand.

'Chronos' came next - making its live debut outside of Knight And Day Festival - and to say it was well worth the six year wait would be an understatement - as it came complete with a beautifully crafted string section, electric violin and Jeff Ling impregnating us with his sick licks. Despite entitled "fans" slamming 'Darker Still' upon release, the true purpose of that song was put on display this evening. A heavy metal journey akin to that of the gods before them was specifically crafted to play in venues like this. Had this been the end of the evening, I have no doubt anyone would have complained.... but there were still three big belters to come.

Winston stated the following climax would take us from zero to 100 as they launched into 'Bottom Feeder' and HOLY FUCKKKKKKKKK you are not ready for this. The dancers returned and each performer made use of the purpose-built stage while Ben Gordon's newly updated spinning drum kit was put into action for 'Crushed' - which, according to my notes, simply state, "fuckkkkkkk fireeeee fuckkkkkkk!!!"

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Parkway Drive's new show came to an end where it all began, back on the small square stage, with the audience kicking off the Atlas closer, 'Wild Eyes', by singing the infamous guitar riff as loud as they could, with each member of Parkway absorbing the surreal moment before Jeff kicked in. It was the perfect way to wrap up the already EPIC festivities and as the sore, sweaty and defeated bodies surged out of the Entertainment Centre only one thing was certain - the bar had not only been lifted, but previous outings paled in comparison.

The last time I saw an Australian Parkway headliner was for the Reverence Tour in 2018, where I stated it was "the BEST show I have ever seen". This time around, my expectations were blown way out of proportion due to the overwhelming and utterly crazy processes in which this show was executed.

This performance is not comparable. Parkway Drive ARE the undisputed and premier live Australian act with sights set on world domination. After tonight though, that's no longer a pipedream, it's happening right before your eyes and you'll see first-hand what they're capable of if you scored a ticket... if you didn't, disrespectfully uppercut yourself.

As pioneers and purveyors who single-handedly lead the charge in establishing Australia's heavy music scene into what it is today, there is no doubt Parkway Drive are the biggest band in the country and as they etch closer to taking the crown from AC/DC's 50-year reign, it's an exciting time for fans new and old to bear witness to the outfit, who are currently at their magnum opus level of musicianship and stage performance.

Review by Paul 'Browny' Brown @brownypaul

Setlist

Carrion
Prey
Glitch
Sleepwalker
Vice Grip
Boneyards (feat. Michael Crafter)
Horizons (First time since 2018)
Cemetery Bloom
The Void
Wishing Wells
KWAS Medley: Gimme a D / Anasasis / It’s Hard to Speak Without a Tongue / Smoke Em If Ya Got Em / Mutiny / Romance Is Dead
Dedicated
Idols and Anchors
Chronos (First time played in Brisbane)
Darker Still
Bottom Feeder
Crushed
Wild Eyes