At the start of 2020 our lives came screeching to a halt. People worked from home, they ordered their groceries instead of shopping in person, and we sufficed with facetime and zoom calls rather than gathering with friends, but one of the most devastating effects on our social lives (at least for me) was the absence of large gatherings, and more specifically concerts, Concerts have always been a place I felt safe, a place where I could be myself and never had to worry about being judged. A place where crowds were made up of people just like me. When 2021 rolled around and shows began making a comeback, things were still very slow. Bands weren’t sure who – if anyone – would show up, venues were trying to figure out how to safely host throngs of fans while maintaining the togetherness and sense of community that concertgoers crave, and all the while many of us were feeling the mental drain and fatigue that the pandemic was causing all of us. Some bands planned tours but then turned around and had to cancel them as members began to realize that their mental health had been damaged by this entire situation. One of those bands was the Australian Metal band Parkway Drive. The cancellation of their 2022 tour was devastating to many of their fans here in the U.S. When they announced late in 2022 that they’d finally be hitting the road in early 2023, alongside Memphis May Fire and Currents, I can only imagine how fans felt. So far, they’ve been selling out venues left and right, and their stop in Phoenix, Arizona was no different. 

            By the time Currents took the stage of the Marquee Theater, the venue was already at 85-90% of its full capacity. I was overjoyed to see the venue this full for the opening band. Currents came out and jumped straight into one of their most popular songs “Monsters”. This band was a perfect fit for this tour. Their brand of Metalcore was something that sat right between Parkway Drive and Memphis May Fire. Not as heavy as Parkway Drive, and not as melodic as Memphis May Fire, they really brought the best of both worlds. Currents has a phenomenal stage presence, which to me worked well in bringing this entire show to another level. The energy exuded from this band, and their vocalist Brian Wille had the crowd moshing, cheering, and screaming along with many of their songs. Their set was short, boasting only about six songs, but in reality, that was a perfect amount for a band like Currents. It left the crowd wanting more, which is exactly what you want out of an opener.

            After one of the quickest intermissions, I’ve ever seen at a concert, Memphis May Fire was set to play. Their show began with some atmospheric backing track adding heaviness and anticipation to the room. One by one the band members made their way onto the stage. After the instrumentalists were in place, Matty Mullins came out, jumped onto the riser and the crowd lost their shit. Matty has been known for his boundless energy, his flawlessly beautiful vocals, and his indefatigable charisma and positivity that seems to be more infectious than covid itself. Memphis May Fire opened their set with some of their biggest songs off their newest album Remade in Misery – like “Blood and Water”, “Left for Dead”, “Death Inside”, “Bleed Me Dry”, and “Somebody” – which was surprising to me because usually, bands save their biggest hits for last. Eight out of the ten songs in their set were off their newest album, one (“Vices”) was off Challenger, and one (“The Sinner”) off The Hollow. This band was explosive with energy, and it didn’t just seep into the crowd, it slammed into them like a tidal wave. The emotional resonance that any Memphis May Fire lyrics hold was visibly evident in the crowd’s reactions. There was moshing, there was endless crowd surfing, and there were tears in many eyes of attendees in the front row. I love the connection that this band has created with its music over the years. From heavy and intense, to beautifully melodic and heartfelt. This band is deep in a way that almost all listeners can relate to. I for one can relate to many of their songs and have – on more than one occasion – sat and listened with closed eyes allowing their healing melodies to wash over me. As all good things must come to an end, so must Memphis May Fires set that night. I was sad that their set seemed to go by so quickly, but you know what they say…time flies when you’re having fun.

            Here we were, emotionally overstimulated, perspiring like an Olympic athlete after running a marathon, yet despite our condition we are ready. We are more than ready; we are craving what comes next. Parkway Drive made their way onto the stage, and we were off! There was no stopping this freight train of sonic excellence and ruthless positive energy. This band plowed through the crowd with unyielding positivity. Their smiles were beaming brightly under a dazzling array of stage lights, the fans weren’t the only ones that were happy to be there. This band was ecstatic to be performing, you could tell that they had missed the rush that only a stage and hundreds of screaming fans can provide. After facing pandemic lockdowns, and a mental health hiatus Parkway Drive was back and better than ever. The band opened their set with the banger “Glitch” off their newest album Darker Still. They went from one song to another in almost rapid-fire succession. Parkway Drive kept the energy flowing from beginning to end and played a well-balanced set consisting of songs from their 2009 album Horizons to their latest album Darker Still which was released last year (2022). 

            I cannot emphasize the amount of phenomenal energy that flowed from each of those bands and into the crowd that night. What I love the most about shows like these is how deep and meaningful the songs are. These tracks have left lasting impressions on the people who listen to them. Sure, a concert can be fun, lighthearted, or entertaining…but to me what takes a concert from good to great is when it’s meaningful. When songs hit home when people can’t help but tear up from the emotions coursing through their systems, and when the catharsis blooms within your heart. All recent trials, traumas, and tribulations begin to ooze out of your pores onto the dance floor and then evaporate into the ether. That is what makes a concert great for me. This tour brings that meaningful facet along with so many others that I truly couldn’t imagine letting it pass me by. If you feel like maybe your life has been lacking recently, or maybe you have been going through some rough times on your own, this concert is the perfect place to let it all go and allow some deep healing to take place.