Album Details

• Artist: The Protomen
• Album: Self Titled
• Label: The Protomen
• Year of Release: 2006
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: trismus on 2008-04-17

 
No one was left who could remember how it had happened,how the world had fallen under darkness.
No one who would oppose the robots..
or so Dr. Wily believed...

Yes, that Dr. Wily.

The Protomen is, in its truest sense, a rock opera.  But not only is it a rock opera, it is a rock opera based on the beloved video game character Mega Man. 

And it’s freaking incredible.

It’s so incredible, in fact, you’re going to feel almost guilty for loving it.  ‘Cause, I mean, c’mon, how can someone go around singing the praises of, not only a rock opera, but a video game based rock opera?

But you’ll do it.  Even though you don’t believe me now, even though you’re thinking, “Really, how great can this be?  It’s probably way amateurish, immature, and the production probably sucks”, you’re wrong.  The production doesn’t suck, it’s actually incredibly impressive for a group of guys with no label backing.  Immature, I guess that’s subjective, but amateurish?  Negative.  The Protomen are very capable musicians/composers and it shows, not only in their instrumentation, but in their use of music as a whole.  Choirs lift the cowardly cries of humanity amidst the electric narration and rhythmic orchestration.  The story builds from start to an amazing crescendo and, through every action sequence and dramatic dialogue interaction; you’re run through the story in just the right musical accompaniment. 

The Protomen is much more than an album, it’s a production.

And with just as much of the story being told to you lyrically, there’s a cybernetic boatload of narration that’s not and has to be read within the lyrics sheet.  These supplemental words are just as important as the spoken ones too, filling in all the gaps and proving that The Protomen have some serious writing chops as well.  There are some powerful and, at times, inspirational lyrics buried beneath the guise of a playful video game anthem:

Even here it is not safe
Even this grave has been defaced
Someone has written on this stone
In some angry hand
Hope rides alone.

Appease both the child and honorable patriot within you. 

Join the fight.

“We are the dead.”

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