LIVE REVIEW: Parkway Drive - Fremantle, January 21st 2018

Aussie metal favorites Parkway Drive returned to West Australia this weekend as part of the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of one of their most loved albums, ‘Horizons’ which the band hit the road for to showcase why it’s still one of the favorites from fans. Joining them on tour was Sydney rising stars Polaris and Perth locals Unravel with show number 1 on Saturday night completely sold out and the second night in Fremantle was undoubtedly matched with punters showing up in masses for a second round.

Well, what a weekend that was! It’s a new year, so that means new opportunities, new potential and new bands. One of 2018’s first proper metal concert erupted on the weekend and it was only fitting that Perth’s very own deathcore band Unravel opened the night. Their set was packed with groovy death metal riffs mixed with amazing breakdowns. The band members themselves were oozing with an entertainment and they superbly interacted with the ever-ready, energetic crowd, which even led them to start a circle pit and a wall of death. This act was going to be a tough one to follow and lead to a highly explosive night.

Up next, fresh out of Sydney, were the melodic metalcore masters Polaris. This mob did a lot more than just warm up the crowd. Their high-tempo breakdowns and groovy, almost soul-like funky, riffs combined with their forever catchy chorus’ both dazzled and wowed ongoers. This encouraged fans to mosh on, hard, within seconds of their first song and I’m sure they left no one disappointed. I was definitely left wanting more.

Unravel - Fremantle 2018 | Photo Credit: JV Photo & Film

Polaris - Fremantle 2018 | Photo Credit: JV Photo & Film

Finally, the main act of the night and the band who’s name was on everyone’s lips – Parkway Drive. Tearing onto the stage with an unbelievable amount of energy, they delivered a chaos-packed performance; the likes of which, the lively crowd of metal-heads will never forget. Everyone is a sucker for classics and nothing excited the fans more than witnessing Parkway Drive play all the songs from their ‘Horizons‘ album. You combine these songs with some of their newer hits, and you have yourself one hell of an incredible metal playlist.

Parkways high-energy performance dominated the stage and crowd alike, and this made sure that there was not a single person left standing still. Crowd surfing was one of the many actions that the crowd chose to show their appreciation with, and was a certain highlight of my night. Accompanied by hard moshing and frantic circle pits, the Byron Bay legends gave their fans exactly what they wanted to see. However, the fans managed to answered back as a wave of volume almost over powered Winston McCall’s vocals.

This all-Aussie line up was brutal from start to finish, with all of the performances absolutely spectacular. However, Parkway Drive were the obvious stand out set, and I think it’s safe to say that they are the best at what they do. They definitely deserve to be where they are – in terms of success – and I eagerly await their return.

If this show is the benchmark set for 2018, then I think we can all agree that this is going to be one hell of a ride. So buckle up and hold on, because this journey is only just beginning.