Parkway Drive Brings Some Friends From Down Under for the Monsters of Oz Tour at Stage AE

By Nate Follmer

The Monsters of Oz Tour stormed into Pittsburgh’s Stage AE, delivering an onslaught of musical mayhem that could only be delivered by such a powerful lineup as Make Them Suffer, Northlane, The Amity Affliction and Parkway Drive. This tour, featuring some of Australia’s heaviest hitters in the metalcore and heavy music scene, promised an unforgettable night, and it certainly delivered.

Kicking off the night with unrelenting energy, Make Them Suffer set the bar high with their unique blend of symphonic metalcore. The haunting beauty of their keyboard melodies juxtaposed with the brutality of their breakdowns was nothing short of breathtaking. Vocalist Sean Harmanis’s guttural growls and the band’s collective intensity laid down a heavy foundation for what was to come.

Northlane took the stage next, unleashing a sonic barrage that left the audience in awe. The technical prowess of their performance paired well with the energy of the crowd. Songs like “Bloodline” had the crowd in a frenzy, showcasing Marcus Bridge’s ability to connect with the audience on a profound level. Their stage presence and connection with the crowd was magnetic. Near the end of their set, guitarist Josh Smith made his way out into the crowd and surfed back to the stage without missing a beat.

The Amity Affliction, known for their emotionally charged lyrics and anthemic choruses, really kicked off a night of intense moshing that didn’t stop until Parkway Drive’s final notes. Joel Birch’s emotionally raw vocals struck a chord with the crowd as they sang along to hits like “Pittsburgh” and “I Bring the Weather With Me.” Their performance was a cathartic experience, leaving fans both moved and energized. The stage production enhanced the overall atmosphere, creating a visual representation of the band’s emotional depth. It was a sensory experience that complemented the music perfectly.

Parkway Drive took the stage like a thunderous force of nature. Their metalcore onslaught was relentless, and the mosh pit became a swirling vortex of exhilaration that sent crowd surfers across the barricade all night. Winston McCall’s commanding stage presence and the band’s unwavering precision were awe-inspiring. Fire and smoke added a visual spectacle that matched the intensity of their music. Flames erupted in perfect synchrony with the crushing breakdowns, and the lighting design added an otherworldly dimension to the experience.

That night was also the 18th anniversary of Parkway Drive’s debut album ‘Killing With a Smile’. I don’t think Pittsburgh could have given this occasion a bigger celebration. The intensity was amplified as Parkway Drive left the stage and the crowd started chanting “One more song!” Parkway Drive delivered with even more fire, their signature rolling drum cage and 2 more songs ending the night with “Wild Eyes“.

What truly stood out about the Monsters of Oz Tour was the sense of camaraderie among the bands. Despite their distinct styles, they created a cohesive and electrifying experience for the audience. The energy outside was infectious, as fans from all walks of life came together to celebrate the power of these heavy hitting bands.

In the end, the Monsters of Oz Tour at Stage AE was a triumphant display of the raw energy and passion that defines Australian metalcore and heavy music. Make Them Suffer, Northlane, The Amity Affliction, and Parkway Drive each brought their unique flavor to the stage, resulting in a night that left everyone in attendance thoroughly rocked. It was a showcase of the best that Australian heavy music has to offer, and it left no doubt that these bands are here to conquer the world, one epic performance at a time.