Pathwalker - 'A Safe Place To Live' - Album Review

It might feel like an eternity now, but when I first met virtually with Pathwalker back in 2022, they were just getting started, fresh on the local German scene with all but high hopes and a few solid singles in their sleeves. Now, almost two years later as we approach the end of what was undoubtedly a fantastic 2023, they have finally premiered their hugely anticipated debut record A Safe Place To Live and it is exactly what was promised, and more. Engaged, emotional and honest, it is everything a rising band could be expected to deliver, and hopefully the start of something even bigger, louder and influential.

Since 2022, I watched Pathwalker closely as they dropped a series of fantastic singles to follow the huge 'Price of Growth' that got my attention in the first place. Meticulous and methodical, Pathwalker marched forward with small but confident steps, playing at bigger shows and slowly getting the attention of people in the modern metal scene that matter. Remaining true to themselves and completely independent to this date, their creation A Safe Place To Live is a true reflection of the mad world we live in - a bit flawed, with expected imperfections, but hiding unlimited potential and beauty once you dive deeper.

Young bands often make similar mistakes, especially when they remain without a big label, trying to copy what establish acts do much later in their careers. The hastiness, the overexcitement, the naivety and total lack of judgement when it comes to release strategy, schedule and marketing. Not Pathwalker though, for they have been operating as a well-oiled machine since day one, and have truly been walking on a firmly set path, gradually evolving and reaching their goals one by one with an impressive maturity, an actually powerful message to the world, and the right musical niche to deliver it in.

There is no doubts that Pathwalker are German and I say this with utmost respect and admiration as someone who has been following the scene for decades and loving every minute of it. It is apparent that they come from a long line of metalcore royalties, with the likes of Heaven Shall Burn, Caliban, Annisokay immediately coming to mind, their rich legacy and influence seen through the lense of a young outfit determined to carve their name in the family tree with pride. Musically and lyrically, Pathwalker reflect a Germanic musical tradition that blends modern metal, metalcore and melodic death with ice-cold precision and wraps it in an uncompromising and brutally honest Northern sensibility.

As a full-lenght debut for Pathwalker, A Safe Place To Live is particularly well-structured, logical and cohesive, seeing its main lyrical themes and dominant musical atmosphere through. First albums can sometimes feel a bit rushed or aimless, but this one is deliberate and forceful, with all 11 tracks working just as well as punching individual singles as they do as one united narrative. Sure, the LP can be more polished and further strenghtened by a more precise mixing and mastering but it is exactly that DIY charm and minor faults that give it the honesty, authenticity and appeal every debut needs and often lacks.

The entire A Safe Place To Live is a turbulent journey of confronting inner demons, self-discovery and improvement as told through the voice of a young outfit still trying to find their place in a world crippled with fear, anxiety and alienation. Pathwalker's message of hope, unity and support is an example for the entire community, as is their charitable work and focus on mental health and support. For their sake, but also for the sake of the whole German and European modern metal scenes, and really for all of us that take part of it directly or indirectly, I hope that Pathwalker carry on like this and achieve their goals.

Pathwalker - 'A Safe Place To Live'

Country: Germany

Released: 17 November 2023

Label: Independent

Tracklisting:

1. 'Price of Growth'

2. 'The Ocean'

3. 'Follow the Sun'

4. 'Black Eyes'

5. 'Where I Belong'

6. 'Dreambound'

7. 'The Forgotten'

8. 'Revolution'

9. 'Your Own Shadow'

10. 'Your Own Fire'

11. 'Fade Away'