2003 marked the release of Protest the Hero’s CD,
A Calculated Use of Sound. For only being 16-years-old at the time of making it, it is borderline amazing and completely inspiring. Unless this band is a fluke (it appears so), they give some hope for young punk/metal bands. I immediately fell in love with this album and I managed to see them in my hometown shortly after the release of this EP. In all honesty, they blew me away. I was shocked at the fact five guys who are so young could make music this good and perform it so intensely. They had already established their own unique sound. It is a perfect blend for fans of progressive punk and metal. To this date, I’ve probably seen them around nine of ten times now and they just keep getting better and better each time I see them. But onto the album…
I’m going to say this right off the bat, this is a solid CD and not just for their age. It’s progressive, melodic and very energetic. Like I stated previously, it’s a perfect blend for fans of progressive punk and metal, with a little thrashy side. I think people’s biggest issue with this album is the vocals. A lot of people I’ve spoken to say how they liked the music, but just couldn’t get into the vocals. Vocally, there is obvious room for improvement, but even at a young age, Rody Walker still had a good range, and more on the high pitched side, which I think really defines their sound. Personally, I didn’t have a hard time getting into the vocals because I thought they had an original sound going on and it didn’t really bother me. Aside from that,
A Calculated Use of Sound is complete with vocal harmonies, screams and chants. The lyrics (written by bassist Arif Mirabdolbaghi) are delivered well. The energy and emphasis put into them make them even more effective, it also helps that there is usually an important meaning behind each song (rather it be the issue of homophobia or stressing the insignificance of war).
The musicianship displayed on the album is great. They’re all very tight at playing together and everyone has their chance to shine on this album. Tim Millar (guitar) and Luke Hoskin (guitar) both play their share of intricate material while keeping the riffs fast, heavy and original. The lead guitar is balanced equally between Luke and Tim and basically every riff has a harmony or lead riff over it. All this while accompanied by Arif’s smooth and mostly complicated bass lines. Moe Carlson (drums) follows along with the fast and heavy guitar, having his beats match up with each riff perfectly. The effort and determination of making this album great is very clearly displayed.
To summarize,
A Calculated Use of Sound was a great way for Protest the Hero to start getting their name out there. I think the reason they are so well liked is because they’re basically a fusion of all their influences combined. Their ability to combine many different genres and styles and bring them together catches the attention of many, but at the same time can turn some people away from them. But whether it is their fast-paced style, the angry/aggressive vocals, or the original and complex riffs, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Recommended Tracks:
An Apathetic New World
Fear and Loathing In Laramie
I Am Dmitri Karamazov And The World Is My Father
Official Site: http://protestthehero.com
Record Label(s): http://undergroundoperations.com
http://vagrant.com
