Customer Reviews

Fortress

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Protest The Hero came into the light a few years ago with their sophomore album, "Kezia", to much fanfare and much polarizing of several fanbases. The boys from Canada had matured much from their debut album "A Calculated Use of Sound", juxtaposing slithering leads, blazing double-tap sections, crushing riffs, and catchy hooks all together to form their own version of the now ubiquitous mathcore style, but with enough signature style to stand out, for better or for worse.

Two years after "Kezia" made its splash (Three counting the original Canadian release), PTH has returned with "Fortress", in the hopes of recapturing some of that intial glory. For the most part, these five extremely talented musicians (The average age of the band is under 21 years old) have yet again carved out a sonic masterpiece. If you liked "Kezia", you will love "Fortress".

From the get-go, PTH is ready to show they aren't simply a one-trick pony: The blistering leads are there, enforced, and even more complex than before. Their presence isn't as saturated as it was in previous albums, but they are used to greater effect. The chugging riffs have even disappated somewhat, and in the place of these PTH has brought out the big chords: Massive-sounding, epic, legato chords that give the songs on "Fortress" a much more epic feel than any of the previous albums. The bass has taken a much higher priority in the mix this time as well, and that is extremely fortunate: The bass lines slide and wiggle inbetween the guitars and drums, rarely mimicing the two young virtuosos as it creates another layer to the overall sonic blast.

The sticking point is the same as it was before: The falsetto wails of Rody Walker, while much more controlled and somewhat more spaced out, are still present. If you couldn't get past him before, don't bother this time.

As PTH has progressed musically, their comparisons have as well: The fact that Rush and Queen comparisons are now surfacing as opposed to Dillinger Escape Plan and Thursday are a testament to this band shedding their inexperience and finding their own sound.

The progressive world is better for this album. Highly recommended.

While it may be early in the year, after listening to "Fortress" nonstop for the last two weeks, I think I can safely say that this will end up in my top three for the year. It's not very often that an album comes along, that is so good that it shatters all preconceptions that you had about a particular genre and creates its own.This becomes clear in the first 60 seconds of "Bloodmeat". Everything that is thrown into the blender really would look like a mess on paper, but it all comes through so clear and perfect. Think of the Mars Volta with Coheed and Cambria, rocking out with Iron Maiden and Dream Theater, all conducted by Frank Zappa with his trademark sense of humor surfacing here and there. There's also a strong pop sensibility that runs throughout the whole album that lets you know these guys haven't forgotten that this is indeed a rock album. It may be proggy and dense, but never to the point where it is completely impenetrable. Vocals range from clean, nasal, screaming and grunting. Very diverse, but every style is right for the part. And the guitars...my god, the guitars.

While describing an album that you're really excited about, it's hard not to throw around adjectives like "amazing" and "mind-blowing", and "stunning", but after one listen, I think you'll agree with me. The musicianship is top-notch, to say the least. The song structures are other-worldly. There is not one wasted note in the whole mix. It also has to be said that it never sounds the same twice.

Without any reservation whatsoever, it gets a 10/10 from me. Ignore the samples here and just get the album. If you're already here looking and you've managed to get all the way through my review, then it's almost a guarantee that you've found your album. Enjoy.

It is incredible that anyone at any time in their life can accomplish what these guys do, but the fact that these guys are doing it in their early 20s is even more fascinating. Seriously, this album is so well thought out, the lyrics are really crazy and far out there, the things they sing about have the most bizarre metaphors and they always give off a feeling as though they are in a battle, VERY EPIC! That's not even about how awesome these musicians actually are, which is what I love most about this band, the instrumentals, odd time measures, and a hefty dose of insanity that they throw into the mix for every song allows you to be able to interpret this band as one of the best out there today! Great great album and an improvement from Kezia!

After being an avid listener of metalcore for a few years now, I've come across a vast array of bands that attempt to be technical, progressive, or just unique in any way and end up failing miserably. I thought this would always be the case until the day I popped in my earbuds and listened to Fortress. Suffice to say I was surprised. I would easily go so far as to say this is the quintessential technical metalcore album.

The main thing one will notice and most likely be impressed by on this album is the musicianship. Fortress, while still metalcore at heart, takes a much more metal-sounding approach than the previous album, Kezia, allowing for more "wiggle room" with the music. The guitarists come up with a decent variety of entertainingly clever riffs and fills throughout the album, generally tending to exude a somewhat "epic" sound. Bassist Arif has his shining moments, as well; there are a few solos throughout the album, and aside from this, he is audible through the entire record, which can be rare for a bassist. Drummer Moe exhibits some sick sticksmanship, whether pounding on the double bass drums or cracking out a nice jazzy fill. But the single most impressive aspect about the musicianship on the album is this: every instrument flows together. Perfectly. There is never a song where the guitarists take front-and-center with an all-consuming solo, or anything of the sort. At any moment in time throughout the album one could listen closely and state something notable about any given musician playing at the point. This musical union is, in my humble opinion, a rarely attained and highly valuable feat in the world of metalcore, and is a primary reason why I find this album to me so satisfying.

As for the vocals...well, let's just say Rody Walker has some pipes. High-pitched pipes, but pipes nonetheless. The clean vocals given by Walker are extremely proficient, hitting extremely high notes with ease and always remaining accessible. His harsh vocals are strategically placed and never overbearing; the high screams always fit perfectly with the accompanying music and his low-pitched growls add good emphasis to any part in which they appear. While the vocals may take some getting used to for many listeners, I find them to be both pleasurable and more than sufficient for their purpose. The lyrics in the album, which tell about war, goddess worship, and all sorts of oddly fantastical subjects, do occasionally seem to be a bit far-fetched. However, they often fit well with the epic-sounding atmospheres radiated by the musicians.

Something that you may think Protest the Hero will still have trouble with, even with all their musical prowess, is repetition. All too often, bands with incredible amounts off potential fail to reach it because they are unable to write a song that is differentiable from their others. Protest the Hero strike down this stereotype, too, though. Some guitar riffs do seem a tad recycled at times, but each song on this album is distinctively different from the next, and there is not a single one that fails to bring something utterly different to the table. Due to this, it is hard to specify strong tracks on the album, because they are all just plain delightful...and this could be nothing but a very, very good thing for Protest the Hero.

To end, I shall say this: buy this album, in the name of all that is holy, unholy, and everything in between. This record is, to be frank, the best album I've heard in ages. To hear such young musicians producing such fantastic music does my heart good, and makes me absolutely giddy to hear what they have in store for the future. I think it goes unsaid that I've already preordered Scurrilous.

There is a lot of "best album ever" and "heard it before" both in the previous reviews. The reality lies somewhere in between, but much more on the side of best album ever.

If you like any variation of metal, I have to think you will like this band, and particularly this album. If you listen to a little bit and don't like it, just give it a minute - it will change! And I have to agree with someone that if you do not like it the first time through, then don't bother anymore.

There are several reasons I felt compelled to review. First of all, comparisons to Dream Theater, Cynic and others (Coheed and Cambria) are laughable. I will say that some reviewers have decided that the lead guitar parts are weak, and they could, at times, be called just that. There is a lack of diversity in the fingertapping and arpeggios throughout. That said, there is not one stretch of monotony on the entire album. And, that confined repetition does not do justice to the overall guitar playing - the timing of everyone in the band is top notch, including the guitars, and the guitar harmonies are exquisite and well thought-out. Catchy rythyms abound and there is clearly no lack of creative force. Simply put, if you think you have heard this before, so be it. But you may also be a snobby self-proclaimed "prog expert!" Who cares!

The biggest thing for me with this album is that many times when you find an album that is this musically diverse, tight, and fast, you tend to find the vocals sound like an afterthought. Meshuggah may be one of the best musically technical bands around, but in my opinion the vocals are very lacking. Then again, I do not like one-dimensional anything, and say what you want but Meshuggah's (and MANY others') vocals are just that. Not so here - the vocals are just as integral as any other instruments. Good range, and like the overall product, some screaming, some catchy, some commercial, and some humorous aspects. Solid singer if not spectacular, and this alone adds so much to this music.

Bass playing is phenomenal, drumming is as masterful as possible. These guys are YOUNG, and with any luck they will be around for a long time. I have a hard time thinking that any fan of metal would not enjoy this album for what it is, and it is a breath of fresh air. The piano parts are a welcome break from the action, but are in no way up to par with the rest of the album - they are quick filler. However I think there are maybe two of those parts, and they do not take away from the whole.

This is the best album I have heard since Baroness last year, worthy of purchase and I am confident that most people reading this review will more than get their money's worth. This album has a lot of passion in it, which is sorely lacking these days.

Maybe I fell in love with this album when "like suicide, like suicide" in "Palms Read" is wailed over an instrumental ensemble that communicates any emotions or message that Protest the Hero choose to lay over it with vocals, but in this example perfectly enfuses the listener with angst.

Or maybe it was when I heard "Wretch" in its entirety for the first time and got lost in its intricate web of riffs, rhythms, and guitar effects that change up and mix themselves around like aces in a deck of cards, but are somehow always found in the chaos and pulled out without error or hesitation in exactly the right order in the manner of a street magician.

Maybe it was when the piano solo at the end of "Spoils" came on and I realized that this band could pull off multiple genres while retaining their emotionally charged touch that gives every song on Fortress its incredible quality.

Maybe it was when I realized that every time I listened to this album it always imbued me with a hopeful, optimistic mood despite its moody, often tense and sometimes violent lyrics.

Maybe it was when I realized that when I listened to certain particularly evocative passages of songs, my thoughts turn to someone I hold particularly close in my heart. My feelings are perfectly matched by the angst-filled lyrics due to a certain ambiguity and reticence I feel in the relationship I have with this person. But its hard to not to think my anxious mood is merely love when Rody Walker belts out "she is the dusk, she is the dawn, she is the moon, she is the stars" amidst a soaring background, followed up by a otherwordly solo and then a dizzying barrage of guitar that makes what little of my brain that's still thinking sensibly completely melt. And then, as if to pull me back to Earth, rebuking me for dreaming while everything is getting away from me, he screams "SHE IS HERE, SHE IS GONE!". Against some fading guitar tones, he repeats, as if only to me, in a whisper: she is gone.

Yeah, I'm about 12 listens in, and Fortress blows away anything else I have heard in 2008, any other metal album I have ever heard (except maybe Songs for the Deaf by Queens of the Stone Age), and as each song flies by me again, it climbs up my top 20 album alltime ranking spot by spot.

If you have not heard this album, hear it, as soon as possible. You will probably not be blown away on first listen - there is simply too much to take in, as some songs have 15-20 separate riffs and musical themes in their 3-5 minutes. Don't be turned off by the occasional death-metalish growled vocal or shrieked high note. Don't be intimidated by Dragonforce-esque soloes (one of their guitarists actually guests on one track and rips off two amazing soloes) that are mind-numbingly fast yet retain their musical qualities and tonal value on listen after listen, gaining luster and coherence with each successive play.

And, because this is at its heart a metal album, even if it strays frequently from "metal" with its forays into subtle horn and string sections as well as piano soloes and dramatic pauses, do not be afraid to crank this thing's volume until the riffs bleed out into you and you meld with the tones and make them your own. Yeah, I get a little poetic and indulgent in language when talking about this album.

And a little damp in the underwear as well.

Rating: 9.5

So this is my first review ever, and im glad to say it's Protest the Hero's "Fortress". Their hasn't been a cd in quite some time that has both lefted me in awe from start to finash, and has touched all of my favorite influences in music at the same time.

Let me first state how amazing this band truely is. With all members in there young 20's, its simply a miracle that they could create this overwelming cd. PTH have a wide range of influences and sounds ranging from the Hardcore scene, to punk, and even blues. All of the members and extremely gifted at there instruments. The two guitars shred like no other, and harmonize there sweeping and heavy riffage better than any band i have ever heard. In addition, I dont know how the bass stays up with the guitars and even has sweeping leads as well. (The Dissentience) The drums have really picked up since there last deubut on Vagrant Records. And to top it off the vocals are what makes the album a masterpiece. Its refreshing to hear a metal band without constant screaming. His vioce reminds me of a "hardcore" version of The Mars Volta. And when the screams come, you know its a heavy part in the song that they are emphasizing. If you enjoyed "Kezia", then you will love this album as much as i do. This technical, catchy, and epic band will go down in the record books if they continue to produce solid albums like this one.

1. Bloodmeat (9/10) The first single on the ablum, sets the attitude for rest of the cd. The drums really stand out on this record. There are some really epic parts in this song where the singer really shows off his vioce. At the very end, they close off with brutal breakdown, that will make you want to get up and start moshing. Overall, its one of my favorite tracks on the album

2. The Dissentience (9/10) The songs opens up with a grungy rift rift that leads to some amazing technical drumwork. Following with a heavy breakdown with deep screaming and high screaming over eachother. At 2:30 in the ablum they have an amazing time change with a catchy drum beat and a wicked bass lead. Another very good song.

3. Bone Marrow (10/10) This is my favorite song on the album. The song contains the heaviest breakdowns, most catchy chorus and sections, and a piano conclusion to die for. You must hear this song, if you already havent!

4. Sequoia Throne (8.5/10) Sequpia Throne contains the most sweeping in the whole album. At first i really enjoyed this song. It's very technical and full of arpeggios and constant sweeps.

5. Limb for Limb (8/10) This song never really grew on me, but i imagine it well in the future. It's a faster song, and contains a really cool keyboard solo. PTH have it all!

6. Palms Read (9/10) Another great song. The intro is amazing. IT starts out with a heavy opening, and opens into an epic sweep, then into a heavy and really technical verse. PTH always surprise you...i mean theyll just stop and have an amazing bass line, as heard in this song...and then just continue playing. And then at the end, as the song fades away, they just start playing again and have an ear shattering instrumenal.

7. Spoils (9.5/10) Another one of favorites...This song has some of the most catchy sweeps i have ever heard. (Killing The Human Abstract) They even have some cradle of filth like lryics in the middle of the song. The song closes with another grreat piano intro. They continue to amaze me with their musicical talent.

8. Wretch (8.5/10) A very different song. ITs still the same PTH, but they just have some of the wierdest guitar riffs, and sounds. But im not complaining!

9. Goddess Bound (8.5/10) Not much to say about this song. ITs good, just like the others...its fast and techical.

10. Goddess Gagged. (9/10) Another good song. Pretty simulur to all of their other songs... I kind of wish they closed the album differently. The song just ends like a normal song. They should of threw something in their finalizing the great album

Overall, i cant say enough to express my thoughts about this band. They are so creative and original, and have really opened up my mind about music. But my fingers are tired up typing...I hope this review was beneficial to you, and hopefully youll get pick this album up!

-Samm

It is that simple. This is the best album I have ever heard. I am not overstating my enthusiasm. It's rare that I would throw out the word perfect, but this album is extremely close. No band, as far as I know, has ever done anything close to what Protest the Hero has done on Fortress. The guitars switch from extremely fast and technical, to heavy, chugging riffage, to groovy, catchy riffage. The changes happen at break-neck speed that would make the Dillinger Escape Plan blush. As someone already noticed, not a single note is wasted.

The lyrics are brutal. The vocals vary in range as much as the guitars do. He switches from hi-pitched melodic singing to hi-pitched punk screams to mid-range and low-range growls. The vocals always fit with whatever instrumentals are occurring at that time.

If you're tired of the direction metal is heading, (IE the thousands of metalcore bands producing the same crap and high fiving each other as they run away with your money) give Protest the Hero a shot. If you're into the hardcore scene, but are looking for something a bit more technical, give Protest the Hero a shot. If you've never listened to metal in your life or think it sucks, give Protest the Hero a shot. Will this album make you like metal as a whole? Probably not, but only because they are setting new standards for metal and single handedly steering metal in a more progressive direction.

BUY THIS ALBUM. GET IT ASAP.

I found the experience that is PTH on Amazon, and I bought both Kezia and Fortress at the same time. Usually I listen to them both at the same time, intermingled. I don't really know which album is which at this time. Together, they are great; amazingly energetic, engaging, multiple genre music that can blow out your windows.

This is a wall of guitars, riffing and shredding with dizzying technique. The rhthym section also shreds and doubles up and down. When I listen to this music I imagine the band being all crazy legs and arms flailing all over the place unitl their bones start breaking and then they just keep going. In a single word this music is frantic. If my head explodes that's fine. There are acoustic and progressive elements that keep it super fresh.

The ridiculous technical prowess of these "kids" makes me hope they can stay together for an extended time and grace me with more heavy progressive/metal/mathcore/hardcore/punkplus. Hey, I just made up "punkplus". Make sure you credit me. Nevermind, buy this album now.

This definately gets a huge nob as the best album of 2008. Protest the Hero have stepped up their enitre existence this time around. The evolution from their previous album Kezia to Fortress is phenominal. The band is playing like no one else in the genre today. Their inovation and use of sweeping arppeggios and finger tapping greatness knows no bounds. While lead singer Rody has expanded his vocal range ten fold handling the deepest growls to the greatest high pitched singing since King diamond's Abigail. He has become one of the most distinct voices to grace the music scene today.

The album itself as an entity is excruciatingly heavy. Their creative edge on the riffs and musical stance in mind numbing. These Canadian geniuses are on the verge of setting a new standard for the way things should be done. Far away from the poppy crap that the "metal" scene has been spewing out for ages this is something fresh and revitalizing to stand up to the hip hop jugernaut currently dominating the air waves.

If you don't already have it get it. This album is not something to sleep on. If you do you are crazy retarded. Just buy it listen to it and forget about all the crap released in the past this is what metal or post hardcore or metalcore whatever you want to call it is supposed to be.