Date: 2020
Total Time: 1:07:00
Label: Epitaph Records
3rd of August, 2019. A day that will be forever carved in the minds of Wacken festival’s spectators. The Australians PARKWAY DRIVE did a performance that will be discussed and praised for a long time. Tens of thousands of people (me included) enjoyed the kings of Byron Bay in a unique show.
This exactly is what the 1st live album of the leaders of the Metalcore scene, entitled “Viva The Underdogs”, is trying to recreate. The name is after a verse from their iconic song “Wild Eyes”. And the truth is that the result is not just satisfying, but, I would say, OUTSTANDING.
Included here are eleven out of the fifteen songs they played that night. Most of them ae from their last two releases, plus “Carrion”, “Idols And Anchors”, “Wild Eyes” and “Karma” which are ever-present in all of the bands setlists. One can also find the studio versions of “Vice Grip” and “The Void” with German lyrics, a tribute to their German supporters, with Winston McCall nailing each and every one of them with a flawless German accent, plus “Shadow Boxing” featuring the German rapper CASPER. My only objection is that the complete set list from their live show should be included in this release and the rest of the songs should be added as a bonus CD.
The production is crystal clear. If you close your eyes, images come into mind from the amazing and ecstatic crowd. Jumping up and down at “Prey” and “Bottom Feeder”. The audience rhythmically singing after McCall’s encouragement, he himself having an excellent night, easily mastering each song’s vocal challenges. But the rest of the band is equally exceptional. A special mention to Jia O’Connor who was in a wheel chair after an accident he had a few days before the show.
PARKWAY DRIVE may had been the “underdogs” during their early years. But now they are at the top of the food chain, and they are there to stay. Their amazing live shows and their superb performance are establishing them even more as the undisputed champions of their genre. If they have lost the aggressiveness of their first releases and they are trying to shake the label of the true metalcore band off from their back. Saying that, there are so many bands that changed their style through the years. These aussie lads are rightfully one of the top bands of the modern metal music. Headliners of the biggest festivals, their followers have rewarded them with sold out shows in the biggest venues. They are at the top of the mountain and they have earned it.
The rumours that “Bottom Feeder” caused seismic vibrations to Hamburg’s wider area are yet to be confirmed…
Rating: N/A
Editor: Nikos Vlachos
Related Link: PARKWAY DRIVE – Official Page
