Parkway Drive in Munich – 20th Anniversary Tour (Concert Review)
- L7
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Expectations
This was my very first time seeing Parkway Drive live, and the excitement was high. I had watched some live videos online before and quickly realized how big this band has become. In my head, I always pictured them as a “smaller” metalcore act, but after 20 years they’ve clearly grown into something much bigger – musically and visually.
The fact that their shows sold out so quickly said everything: this night was going to be huge. And with two strong metalcore bands as support, it was set to be a full evening of heavy energy. Even if I can only name a handful of Parkway Drive songs myself, I was sure this concert would be unforgettable for everyone in the arena, whether longtime fans or newcomers.
Arrival, Merch & Beer
Olympiahalle in Munich has always been good to me in terms of sound, and this time was no different. I know some followers told me they had issues with the audio mix in certain spots, but from where I was sitting, the sound was excellent. Add to that Munich’s always lively atmosphere, and the whole setting was perfect for a big show.
Getting there was easy: from my hotel, it was just a direct U-Bahn ride to Olympiapark and then a short 10-minute walk like most people did.
Beer was Löwenbräu, priced at 6,50 euros plus 3 euros deposit for the cups. The best part: they had Parkway Drive tour cups with multiple designs. I spotted at least five different ones, picked up two, and loved them. Always a great souvenir.
The merch was impressive, though not everything matched my personal style. The most interesting item for me was the simple but strong 20th anniversary tour shirt, with the band logo, “20 Years,” and all dates printed on the back. It cost 45 euros and the quality was great. There was also a special Munich poster for 40 euros, but I decided to skip it.
The Amity Affliction
First up were The Amity Affliction. They came with a lot of energy and clearly had their own fanbase in the crowd. Their set felt a little short – I think they could have played two or three more songs – but what they delivered was solid. Their mix of melodic parts with heavy breakdowns worked well, even if the sound felt slightly overdriven in my area. Still, it was enjoyable and left a good impression.
Thy Art Is Murder
Next came Thy Art Is Murder, and they were a surprise for me. I wasn’t fully aware of how big they are, but once the show started and I saw how many people around me were singing along word for word, it was clear: this band is huge in the scene.
Their performance was brutal, powerful, and perfectly executed. Personally, I enjoyed them even more than Amity because their style simply fits my taste better. They also had strong visuals on the side screens, which added even more to the intensity of the set. Later I found out all three bands – Parkway Drive, Amity, and Thy Art – are from Australia, which suddenly made sense. Apparently, Australia is a real incubator for metalcore.
Parkway Drive
And then it was time for Parkway Drive.
This was not just a concert, it was a complete show. The intro video, showing a short recap of their 20-year journey, set the emotional tone before the band entered the arena – not from backstage but walking straight through the crowd, heading to a smaller stage in the middle.
From there, chaos began. One of the first songs was “Prey,” and hearing the entire arena sing and jump in unison was incredible. I had a seat, which gave me the perfect overview of the whole Olympiahalle – thousands of people moving together, feeding off the energy on stage.
The stage setup itself was something special: two connected platforms, with a bridge that moved during the show. There were fire effects, sparks, dancers, and even violin players joining for a few songs, creating a hauntingly melodic contrast to the heavy riffs.
And of course, the most anticipated moment for many: “Crushed.” The Instagram-famous firestorm. Flames on the stage, flames on the bridge, the drummer spinning inside a cube surrounded by fire – a spectacle unlike anything I’ve seen from a metalcore band before. Each member wasn’t just playing, they were performing like actors in a theater of metal.
Final Thoughts
For someone who wouldn’t call themselves a longtime Parkway Drive fan, this night was a revelation. The music was strong, the show was massive, and the atmosphere was electric.
This is what happens when a band knows exactly what they want to deliver: heavy music, visual storytelling, and an unforgettable live experience. Add fair ticket prices to the mix, and I can only recommend: next time Parkway Drive comes to town, don’t hesitate. You won’t leave disappointed.
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