ALBUM REVIEW: Palimpsest – Protest The Hero
It is crazy to even comprehend that it has been a huge seven years since Canadian progressive metal trailblazers PROTEST THE HERO released their last full length effort Volition but the last few years have been a bit of a crazy endeavour. Right in the middle of a stellar tour celebrating the anniversary of their revered Fortress release frontman Rody Walker encountered vocal issues which, if not rectified could have potentially caused career threatening damage. Many prayers to the metal gods later and thankfully he has made a remarkable recovery and is sounding in tip top form as the release of their hotly anticipated fifth studio album Palimpsest draws ever closer on June 18th via Spinefarm Records. Will this release quench all the building anxiety and help PROTEST THE HERO reclaim their throne?
The Migrant Mother hits the ground running as a grandiose nature and pulsing drums set the tone. The main question mark which hung over this release was whether Rody would have the capacity to continue being the prominent figurehead which he has grown such adoration for. Within minutes this doubt is quickly dispelled as his vocal prowess is as hair raising as ever. The punchy tempo and punk-like vibe are a nod back to what brought the Canadians to the dance with their debut album Kezia which is guaranteed to satisfy their core fan base. The Canary showcases some addictive grooves and intricate hooks from the offset as the captivating narrative lures you in. The charged pace and dramatic chorus hit that sweet spot. From The Sky continues the theatrical prose as hefty bass lines, alluring riffs and an enticing underlying energy take centre stage. As the track progresses a soothing piano section tees up a glorious crescendo.
Harbourside provides the first interlude excerpt of Palimpsest which offers up a brief moment of opulence before welcoming the endearing eccentricity of All Hands. The technical proficiency PROTEST THE HERO have in their arsenal shines through in abundance, harbouring the incredible ability to up the ante and engage the listener but without overwhelming the arrangement. The Fireside is bursting with buoyant vibrancy and flamboyance as Rody begins to sling out rapid fire vocal sections with ease. This track is coated with anthemic qualities that will have you constantly returning for more. Soliluqoy maintains the sprightly vibe and engrossing lyrical concepts whilst throwing in some cheeky blast beats for good measure. The instrumental wizardry ebbs and flows to keep you on your toes.
Reverie reprises the theatrical nature instilled previously as expertly executed guitar flourishes leave a lasting impression. There is an intriguing power metal style quirkiness about this composition that slots seamlessly into PROTEST THE HERO‘s repertoire. Little Snakes feels especially poignant as the darker tones which lurk beneath blend with the emotive vocal deliveries to provide one of the most enthralling pieces Palimpsest has to offer. Mountainside presents an additional interlude, displaying a short whimsical respite before the instantaneous impact of Gardenias come to the forefront. The thumping kick drums are like a bolt of lightning to your chest as the punchy instrumentation twist and turns with Rody unleashing a barrage of electrifying screams and growls.
As the finish line starts to become visible the final interlude, this time in the form of Hillside offers a moment for contemplation as solemn piano strokes fill the air. Rivet gears up for one final burst of intense energy as an array of soft unobtrusive guitar work jostles for the spotlight with thrash injected segments. This piece was an ideal choice to round of proceedings as it possesses all the hallmarks of an invigorating theatrical curtain closer.
PROTEST THE HERO may have been out of the spotlight for a considerable amount of time but Palimpsest is bursting at the seams with so many impressive and cathartic moments that it was worth every agonising second of their absence. The conceptual narrative which is inserted within each engaging chapter urges you to peruse through the key moments in history that inspired their creation and will undoubtedly have listeners frantically returning for more. Welcome back PROTEST THE HERO, please don’t scare us like that again!
Rating: 9/10
Palimpsest is set for release on June 18th via Spinefarm Records.
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