Darker Still

Darker Still is the seventh studio album by Australian metal titans Parkway Drive, marking their most significant stylistic departure to date. Following a period of near-dissolution due to mental health struggles and interpersonal tension, the band collaborated with producer George Hadji-Christou to create a record that leans heavily into traditional heavy metal, hard rock, and gothic influences. Moving away from the 'breakdown-centric' metalcore of their early career, the album emphasizes mid-tempo grooves, theatrical vocal performances by Winston McCall, and expansive arrangements including pipe organs and acoustic guitars. Critics noted the album's divisive nature among long-term fans while praising its creative bravery and arena-ready polish. It earned multiple nominations at the ARIA and AIR Awards, cementing Parkway Drive's status as a premier global heavy act capable of headlining major festivals. The record serves as the final part of a trilogy of evolution that began with 'IRE' and 'Reverence'.