This Is Our Versailles

I am ecstatic to bring you this glorious, brand spankin' new album by the incredibly talented boys of Protest The Hero. Scurrilous was just released today is Protest's third studio album, and I'd like to call it my favourite so far, but that would be rude to the other two. If you don't know them, Protest The Hero is an incredible Progressive Metal band from Whitby, Ontario, known for their incredible lyricism, difficult time signatures and rhythms, and their mind-blowingly technical guitar work. After releasing a couple of EPs, Protest's first album Kezia dropped in 2005. Blowing minds everywhere, they began to tour and their fan base grew far beyond the boarders of Canada. In 2008, Protest The Hero released the album Fortress, which showed the guys had learnt a hell of a lot more since their last album. 


As far as Scurrilous is concerned, it is definitely a different sounding Protest. But it's not a bad thing! I was originally a little bit hesitant to really give it a chance; I had moved on from Fortress a while ago. However, after listening to the entire album, I was impressed. After listening a second time, I was dumbfounded. This album is definitely more melodic, with less screaming and growls than the Fortress; and this also is not a bad thing. This album is a clear picture of lead singer Rody Walker's vast vocal range. It's a definite step away from the current standard of Metal, where as the lyrics are sung to you, not yelled at you (there's still nothing wrong with that either). And on top of that, the lyricism of this album is absolutely incredible. Big kudos to Rody Walker and Arif Mirabdolbaghi for some truly gorgeous musical prose. I had always enjoyed Protest for their lyrics, and following Fortress with such magical and imaginative lyrics, Scurrilous did not let me down. 


Now, I'd love to post the entire album here, but I'm pretty sure that may be frowned upon. So, as painful as it was, I picked you out a selection of songs that really tickled my ear drums. Enjoy!




[EDIT: I forgot to mention that the album is the sound of gophers cannibalizing each other, fangs barred, and claws extended; vicious gaping maws. Thanks Rob]



Protest The Hero - Hair-Trigger
Protest The Hero - Tandem
Protest The Hero - Tapestry
Protest The Hero - The Reign Of Undending Terror
Protest The Hero - Termites

New(ish) Music

So school's been giving me a royal kick in the ass, and I wasn't able to listen to all of the great new albums that came out on Tuesday. I know, I know, I'm falling behind. Anyways, here's what came out on Tuesday, and what we think about it. 

Toro y Moi - New Beat
Off of the album Underneath The Pine


Toro Y Moi - New Beat

The second studio album from Chazwick Bundick, otherwise know as Toro Y Moi, definitely lives up to the awesomeness of the first album. Sticking true to his last album, Underneath The Pine comes with the same feel, but brings a whole bunch of new sounds that will still have you loving life. Better then the first? It's too close to call.

Protest The Hero - C'est La Vie
Off of the Upcoming album Scurrilous


Protest The Hero - C'est La Vie

Now don't get too excited, Protest The Hero didn't release a new album...yet. March 22nd is when this Canadian Progressive Metal band drops their 3rd studio album titled "Scurrilous". This is just a small taste of whats to come. I'm definitely marking the date in my calendar right now.