Protest The Hero - Scurrilous
The third proper album from Protest The Hero, Scurrilous, is a logical progression for this shredfest group. It picks up where Fortress left off and furthers the band more and more from the days of Kezia. This band has with out a doubt left the idea of writing possible single worthy songs in favor of going with what makes them stand out. However, that is not to say previous singles lacked any creativity and intensity.
With that being said this is not a groundbreaking album by any means. There are the blazing guitar speeds, solid rhythms, and scowl and sing combo you would expect. This is what PTH does, and they do it better than anyone. The first half of this cd is somewhat identical to Fortress. Though, the previous albums were filled with two lead guitar players merely trading parts on and off, not really giving either a true voice that has changed. With Scurrilous Luke Hoskin assumes lead duties and Tim Millar handles the rhythm end, providing the first ingredient for a much larger record. The latter half of the record shows progression, and believable or not the songwriting has intensified. All care to marketable music or lyrics has been thrown to the wind and replaced with a devil may care attitude. I doubt you'd hear "Sex Tapes" on the Top-40 anytime with lyrics such as "The Jonas generation's got rings wrapped 'round their dicks..."
This album be seen as their best work to date, simply due to the fact each song is clearly its own. This is the most sonic and melodic difference in this age of the band. While the entire 45 minutes is not going to be the first time you hear what is offered, it will provide you with a very enjoyable, heavy, and technical album unlike any in this genre.
Enjoy Yer' Time With - "The Reign of Unending Terror" & "Tongue Splitter"
Rating - ****
RIYL - Protest The Hero - Fortress, The Human Abstract, Converge - Axe To Fall
sjs
