Album Review: Parkway Drive - Reverence

While contemporaries such as The Amity Affliction recycle past glories, Parkway Drive have sought to reinvent themselves somewhat. The Byron Bay heavy-hitters don't lack ambition, but then few bands ever achieved much by aiming to headline their local RSL.

Right from opener Wishing Wells' fury - arguably one of their most intense songs yet - there's plenty to unpack. Metalcore purists will again be dismayed because this is anything but identikit 'core, if such a tag even applies here. Those enamoured with Vice Grip (from 2015's Ire) though will approve of the more straight-ahead (and somewhat cheesy) The Void. And it's difficult to deny the sonic thrust of bangers like Prey and Absolute Power. They're more streamlined, but pack hooks the size of Donald Trump's ego. Such songs have been penned to slay enormodome and festival pits and will sound absolutely massive when unleashed in their natural environment.

Winston McCall has further extended his vocal capabilities. The occasional, still-developing clean vocals slot alongside the growls, with spoken word passages and rapping appearing. There's a noticeable Nordic metal influence, and boosting the adventurous side is more prominent use of strings and choirs. Haunting, melodic closer The Colour Of Leaving represents another step forward, resonating strongly and underpinned by a darker lyrical outlook.

Album number six is not a dramatic, Suicide Silence-esque overhaul; rather an evolution that remains identifiably them.