The Protomen
Science fiction rock opera band inspired by video games and pop culture.
The Protomen are an American rock band that composes and performs science fiction rock opera concept albums inspired by pop culture including films and video games. Formed in 2003 and based in Nashville, Tennessee, they first gained exposure with their 2005 self-titled debut rock opera. The act is one of the most renowned in the video game music and geek rock genres and was among Nashville's highest-paid stage acts.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Murfreesboro, Tennessee, US
- Genre
- Rock opera
- hard rock
- progressive rock
- rock and roll
- geek rock
- Years active
- 2003–present
- Label
- Sound Machine
Facts from the source article.
History
The Protomen formed in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, taking their name from the Mega Man character Proto Man. The band consists mostly of Middle Tennessee State University recording program graduates, and originated to meet class deadlines and recording requirements. Their first live performance was in April 2004, and most members had graduated and moved to Nashville by 2005. In a 2009 interview, lead vocalist Panther described gathering friends from local Murfreesboro rock bands to fill a perceived void in rock and roll with music based on a 1980s video game. The band has strong ties to the Murfreesboro and Nashville independent music scene, with some members performing in multiple bands. Commander B. Hawkins stated the album was made to oppose the pristine sound taught by recording teachers and fellow students. The debut album was recorded over two years in various Murfreesboro studios using analog production techniques. The first recorded track, "Due Vendetta", was completed in April 2003. The album was produced by then-member Heath Who Hath No Name, and the first CD pressing of 94 discs had screen-printed covers and hand-stapled libretto booklets.
Artistry
The Protomen combine a wide range of instruments and processes including synth, distortion, violins, choirs, brass, and acoustic guitar, and draw from genres such as hair metal, arena rock, Americana, rockabilly, power ballads, and funeral marches. Critics describe the sound as large, overwhelming, epic, passionate, operatic, theatrical, cinematic, and intense. Their musical style appears to some critics to bridge mainstream music and underground geek rock genres, and the band can also be considered glam rock and filk. There is disagreement about whether the Protomen belong to video game-related genres like Nintendocore; some sources use that label, while critics such as The Circle Pit describe them as a distinct progress away from Nintendocore clichés. Consequence of Sound classifies them as nerd rock (or geek rock), informed by Devo and punk, rock, and new wave, but excludes nerdcore. The Protomen do not consider themselves a video game band, though they acknowledge the association. The lead vocalist, who performs as Raul Panther III, stated in an early interview that they never intended to play video game covers and were unaware of the video game cover band wave until after forming. The group cites influences including artists like Syd Mead, films such as Eddie and the Cruisers and Streets of Fire, books like 1984 and Atlas Shrugged, as well as Sergio Leone's films, the song "The Mexican", and musical groups Radiohead, Styx, Toto, Queen, and Alabama.
Reception
In the video game music and geek rock genres, the Protomen are considered legendary. The Tennessean reported that the band is nationally and internationally renowned within alternative audiences rather than mainstream rock listeners, noting that they receive coverage in Electronic Gaming Monthly and perform at Comicon instead of Rolling Stone spreads or Lollapalooza slots. The band attracts a national geek-friendly fanbase and a cultish local following. Nashville Scene described them as one of geek culture's biggest rock acts. Video game music publication VGMO introduced them with the question, "Do they even need an introduction?" Janky Smooth's positive review stated that no other touring band matches their epic albums and massive live sound, and that their palpable love for their art makes other bands seem to perform for the wrong reasons. Tor.com contributor Richard Fife reported being blown away by the technical complexity and rock opera feeling reminiscent of Meatloaf, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and GWAR, and described an energetic audience that shook the floor and chanted for an encore. Strong audience responses are typical, with Columbia, South Carolina's Free Times noting that the band was always referred to in reverent tones on music-themed message boards and put on a live show with a chorus, costumes, and craziness. RVA Magazine reported that the band launched Plaza Bowl into a frenzy with no one standing still. Nashville Scene recounted that the band cultivates an energy and fan response bordering on frothing.
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