August 2026 Featured Release - The Infinite Edition

I know that Within was just released a few days ago, but I have been wanting to make Fortress a featured album here for the Infinite for a while. So consider this as your pre-requisite material before checking out the newest Protest the Hero record eh? (if you enjoy it of course)

Protest the Hero - Fortress (2008)

https://metal.academy/releases/1801

I have to admit that I still haven't explored Protest the Hero further after really digging their 2006 debut album "Kezia" (4/5) when it was featured here a few years back. I really should correct that at some point.

Here's my review summary:

After the marvelous Kezia, Protest the Hero made another album with the hopes of recreating those wild wonders. Would the frantic guitar, fast drumming, hammering bass, and soundwave-defying vocal range continue the awesomeness? Yes and no! Though not as perfect as Kezia, it's heavier, faster, and more technical. Vocalist Rody Walker continues his melodic singing, screaming, and growling, now in greater balance and more powerful maturity. Guitar duo Luke Hoskin and Tim Mullar pull their hammers out of the stone and swing them through different time signatures literally second after second. Drummer Moe Carlson pedals through interesting fills and rhythms. And bassist Arif Mirabdobaghi taps through his overshadowed skills. The album has been split into 3 sections, almost like in Kezia, and each one has many chaotic moments to make me jump in joy. The inventive riffs go along with the catchy hooks in the vocals. I would recommend this album to any fan of progressive metal and metalcore. With all those skillful changes, you'll be shocked at how what seems impossible is possible!

4.5/5