Protest the Hero - Topic

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Protest The Hero have carved an identity for themselves that is so revolutionary within heavy music that to call them “unique” would be like calling Louis C.K. “pretty funny” or the classic “Star Trek” television series “influential sci-fi.” The band effortlessly balances high-minded artistry with wit and whimsy, substantive viewpoints with wanton tomfoolery and masterful musicianship with true songcraft. Across Protest The Hero’s cinematic fourth album, Volition, spider-fingered arpeggios, walloping bottom heavy brutality and dynamically theatrical vocals the group have made their stock-in-trade remain unrivaled. Their storied career has earned them a Revolver Golden Gods Award, two Canadian Independent Music Awards, a Juno nomination, and millions of views online leading to a #1 debut in their home Canada. But it’s the groundswell of loyal supporters who’ve connected with the band’s spontaneity, authenticity and depth that continues to propel them forward: when they set out to crowdfund Volition, PTH met their goal in 24 hours and had more than tripled that sum when it was over. “We thought, ‘This very well could end our band,’ but we dove in headfirst,” frontman Rody Walker explains regarding his band’s crowdfunding experiment. “The fans responded in a way we could have never expected. It really rejuvenated us. It was a breath of new life.” Lead guitarist Luke Hoskin concurs. “We were dumbfounded when it surpassed [our goal] so quickly. We knew we’d be tapping into our core fans, but we didn’t know so many of them would help spread the word.” The Indiegogo campaign backers will each receive something special, while Volition will enjoy the benefits of a traditional label model (including marketing, publicity, retail and distribution muscle) thanks to a new partnership with Razor & Tie for the record’s official unveiling. “A lot of the songs are about integrity in rock n’ roll,” Walker explains. “Some people say rock music is dead because they aren’t hearing it on the radio. Radio is dead! Rock music itself is very much alive and well.” Protest The Hero’s hyper-charged bombast is as urgent as their spiritual forefathers in Canadian agitators Propaghandi and they are as skilled as any of the musical shamans who the fill pages of guitar and bass blogs. Metromix once wrote that Hoskin and Tim Millar are “deserving of their own Guitar Hero game.” Bassist Arif Mirabdolbaghi displays a dexterity and fluidity that sends fans furiously searching online