Protest The Hero – Gallop Meets The Earth

Somehow up until now I have managed to avoid listening to Protest the Hero.  What an unfortunate reality.  The Whitby, Ontario progressive metal five-piece has to be one of the most enjoyable things associated with the hardcore genre I’ve heard in years.  Being introduced to the band through their Live CD/DVD, Gallop Meets The Earth, has let me take in both Protest’s immense technical complexity and undeniably raw stage presence.

First off, there aren’t many hardcore acts out there that can coherently synthesize such a wide range of influences.  The lead guitar always ploughs ahead with some sort of intense power-metal solo, lead vocalist Rody Walker seamlessly switches back and forth between guttural grunts and ear piercing Dragonforce-like screams, and a meaty, riff heavy harmony guitar gives the entire ensemble an undoubtedly heavy feel.  Of course ,if you’re already familiar with Protest, then this isn’t news.

So fans will undoubtedly ask: “what can a live package provide that I don’t already have?”  Well, it offers all the intensity and energy typical of Protest‘s live performance compressed into a 53 minute recording that doesn’t force you to squish beside that “sweaty muscley dude” dominating the mosh pit to have a good time.  Those who have seen Protest live can likely attest to the band’s incredible stage presence, and that’s what makes this live recording so valuable.  But Gallop Meets The Earth also captures some very playful commentary, really revealing that the band lives for the music and the thrill of the show.  Walker has a rare chemistry with the audience that really adds an extra punch to the set.

And that’s not even touching on the DVD portion, which has received much more love than most CD/DVD releases ever see.  The menus are beautiful, the transition scenes between menus are unnecessarily detailed, and the bonus features feel comprehensive and meaningful.  The bonus features include some lengthy tour footage, every Protest The Hero music video, and an odd section where the band demonstrates their dedication to their fans after missing a concert – which takes the form of the band making a music video for the Golden Gods Awards while wearing 80’s neon spandex – it may sound odd, but it’s undeniably entertaining.

The performance itself has been shot at various angles, and the editing matches Protest’s lively set.  The venue, The Sound Academy in Toronto, may be a modest size, but try telling that to the band.  Each member, from guitarist to vocalist uses the entire stage to its fullest, constantly provoking and interacting with the audience.  There’s a reason Protest beat out long established hardcore band Alexisonfire for “Favourite Metal Artist/Group” during the Canadian Independent Music Award, and this set captures that in spades.

Gallop Meets The Earth is the ultimate live package for any Protest the Hero fan.  The performance is entertaining, the band’s chemistry with the audience uncanny, and the bonus features provide that extra little glimpse into the band’s world that fan’s will crave.  The album is both a great place for newcomers to hop on the bandwagon, and should easily satisfy fans until Protest’s next studio album.