What makes Horizons by Parkway Drive notable?

Horizons debuted at number 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart and received critical acclaim for its blend of heaviness and lyrical depth. The album solidified Parkway Drive's reputation within the metalcore community and influenced countless bands that followed, contributing significantly to the genre's landscape in the late 2000s. Released as Parkway Drive's third album, Horizons marked a significant moment in their career following the breakthrough success of their previous album, Killing with a Smile. By this point in their trajectory, they were establishing themselves as prominent figures in the metalcore scene, combining heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics, resulting in an evolving sound that appealed to a broader audience.

Horizons works well if you're into steady energy throughout listening, an anthem for personal struggle and cathartic release in climactic moments.

How many songs are on Horizons?

Horizons has 12 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Horizons

Parkway Drive · 2007

38 min · 12 tracks · heavy metal

A relentless blend of technical metalcore riffs and raw, emotive vocals that captures the intensity of youth and existential struggle.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Sirens’ Song — This track showcases the band's signature mix of melodic introspection and aggressive breakdowns, encapsulating the emotional duality present throughout the album.
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Carrion — With its infectious chorus and intricate guitar work, this song exemplifies Parkway Drive's ability to craft anthemic tracks that resonate deeply with fans.
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Idols and Anchors — This track combines philosophical musings with powerful instrumentation, reflecting the band's growth and commitment to exploring deeper themes.
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Horizons — The closing title track sums up the album’s exploration of personal struggles and resilience through both lyrical poignancy and dynamic shifts in sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album combines technical metalcore elements with emotional depth, creating a compelling yet familiar experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a short instrumental track that sets a dark tone before launching into aggressive riffs and intense vocals.
Several tracks feature tempo changes, alternating between fast-paced sections and slower, more melodic passages.
The lyrics often explore themes of struggle and introspection, with a focus on personal and existential challenges.
The final track, 'Horizons', serves as an atmospheric conclusion, contrasting the heaviness of earlier songs with a more reflective sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady energy throughout listening
an anthem for personal struggle
cathartic release in climactic moments
focused engagement with each track

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seek standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released as Parkway Drive's third album, Horizons marked a significant moment in their career following the breakthrough success of their previous album, Killing with a Smile. By this point in their trajectory, they were establishing themselves as prominent figures in the metalcore scene, combining heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics, resulting in an evolving sound that appealed to a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: August Burns Red· Killswitch Engage· As I Lay Dying