Metalcatto
It’s not that I’m a Protest The Hero expert, but I’ve been a fan since Kezia. That means I’m OG, and my opinion matters more than some noob’s, right? Anyway, I don’t think the band has an album below a 4.0 out of 5.0. Its blend of Prog, Mathcore, and Metalcore has made this project one of the most unique out there. Not to mention the almost optimistic feeling in each one of its releases, no matter how dark the subject actually is. So how do you top such an impeccable career? Let’s find out with Within.
It’s tricky because Within feels incredibly effortless, upbeat, and fun—and yet as technical and as deep as any other album Protest The Hero has put out there. The writing is creative, bold, and keeps you entertained from start to finish. The band has total respect for your time. You won’t need any patience because from the start, the album juggles so many fun ideas that you can’t help but smile at its ingenuity. The riffs are sharp, the rhythms are unpredictable, and the whole thing moves with the kind of confidence that only comes from years of honing a craft.
Again, just as before, Within is full of intricate, almost machine-like segments of technicality, yet the band never loses its human touch. This is due to the vocal work. Say what you want about the “friendly” vocals, but they give the album that light vibe without sacrificing any skill. If anything, the album shows a band that has become more refined with time in terms of songwriting. The tracks are direct and lack any unnecessary filler. I can’t help but compare this strategy to Archspire—both bands know exactly what they want to deliver and waste no time getting there. But how about the issues now?
Sure, I’m more biased than ever. The album has next to nothing wrong in my book. However, if there’s one thing I need to point out, it’s that Within is consistent. It doesn’t differentiate much from the band’s catalogue. So in a way, it’s Protest The Hero on autopilot. The music is still excellent and breathtaking, and we could do this ten times more, but if you love the band’s previous work, you’re kind of getting more of the same. It’s not a problem if you’re a fan, but it does mean that Within won’t surprise you the way Kezia did back in the day.
Anyway, I can’t have too much of a good thing, and Within is just another excellent album from an excellent band that has the rare honor of having a catalogue with no missteps. How, after decades, is this possible? I have no clue. But you know what’s awesome? To pick up one of your high school favorites and find that twenty years later, not only are they not washed, but they’re still taking newer acts to school. That’s the mark of true greatness.
Label: Independent
Release date: 17 July, 2026
Website: https://protestthehero.ca/
Country: Canada
Score: 4.0/5.0
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