The Protomen
The Protomen |
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The Protomen is an American rock band best known for composing an original rock opera based on the popular video game, Mega Man. Because of the group's insistence on wearing costumes and using code-names, even when being interviewed[1], The Protomen remain a mysterious entity within the video game music scene. Their costumes and general stage presence has been compared to that of Daft Punk. Despite often being classified as a niche, the Protomen have achieved a cult following[2] thanks, in part, to frequent mentions in popular video game web sites as well as a dedicated fan-base.
History
Actual History
Other than the band was formed in 1993[3] and is based in Nashville, TN[4], not much is known about The Protomen due to their secretive nature and the disingenuous way in which they answer questions put forth to them by interviewers. The band is comprised mostly of MTSU recording program graduates. The band first came to be so they could meet class deadlines and the need to record for [their] grades.[5]
History as told by The Protomen
The band does not break character for interviews, so the Protomen's own descriptions of their history are highly dramatic, in keeping with the style of their storyline concept. According to members Murphy and Panther, the band met by accident in "the middle of the state of volunteers" and "delivered the fury from (their) instruments and an army was discovered."[6] This is dismissed as melodrama.
The band also maintains that they spend their days in a compound called the Thundercon "high atop a green hill overlooking the desolate undertakings of an unrelenting new pop-country shit-storm." Within the Thundercon, the walls are transcribed with the sacred tome which they are meant to spread to the masses.[7]
Story
The story told by the Protomen takes place in a dystopian future ruled by Wily. No one would oppose Wily's rule except for Dr. Light, who worked in secret to create a robot who would fight back against Wily's robot soldiers. This robot, Protoman, stood up against the leaders of the robot army, but was destroyed. No one would help Protoman; all they could do was stand by and watch helplessly.
Not too long after, Light created Megaman and told him the story of Protoman's fight and death, ending with a warning to his son that he cannot win against Wily's robots and that humanity was doomed. Megaman, however, is reluctant to stand by and watch as humanity is enslaved by Wily, so he takes it upon himself to fight back against the robotic army, now led by Protoman, who survived his battle with Wily's forces.
The two brothers then argue about humanity: Megaman claims that there is hope for humanity, and that they are just not ready to fight. Protoman believes they never will be ready to fight and that they are as good as dead. The masses then call for Protoman's death. There is a sudden flash of light, and Protoman falls. As he dies in Megaman's arms, Protoman tells him that if this story is passed on, mankind will find that "...a hero is just a man who knows he is free."
The masses try to comfort Megaman over the death of his brother, but Megaman, enraged by the people his brother fought and died for, leaves but a few parting words: "You are the dead;" then tosses his helmet aside and walks away. Wily then orders the execution of the people. No one is spared. As Megaman walks away, he doesn't turn back at the cries of the people as they die until he hears them cry out in unison, "We are the dead."
Musical Style and Influences
Influences as Observed by Others
The Protomen have been described as "unequivocally unique" by Wired.[8] Their music is heavily inspired by the in-game music of Mega Man, which they fuse with hard rock while never directly borrowing from the original score. The story told by their debut self-titled album is often described as equal parts Mega Man and George Orwell. In their live act, The Protomen have been known to occassionaly play music from the Rocky series of movies. [9]
Influences as Reported by The Protomen
"Makeup and Vanity Set, Jell-o Pudding Pops, Kavinsky, The Secret of the Ooze, Andrew Scott, Justice, Astin Martin Bulldogs and Billy Ocean."[10]
Members
- Current
- Commander - Synth
- Panther - Vocals, Synth, Guitar, Keytar
- Murphy Weller - Synth, Bass
- Scartoe - Lead Guitar
- Heath Who Hath No Name - Guitar
- The Keymaster - Drums
- The Replicant - Trumpet, Chorus
- The Gambler - Female Vocals, Chorus
- K.I.L.R.O.Y. - Emcee, Chorus
- Former
- Doug Fetterman - Guitar
- Demon Barber* - Drums
- The Merchant - Chorus
Discography
Full length
- The Protomen - 2006 - Independent release
- Act II - Forthcoming
Singles
- "Father of Death" / "No Easy Way Out" - 2008 - Limited 7" Vinyl
Downloads
- Beards Going Nowhere
- Breaking Out (Demo)
- Due Vendetta (Fade To Phil)
Live Covers
- Danzig - Mother
- Pat Benetar - Invincible
- Prince - I Would Die 4 U
- Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone
- Iron Maiden - The Trooper
- Styx - Mr. Roboto
- Mike and the Mechanics - Silent Running
- Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak
- Europe - The Final Countdown
- Devo - Gates of Steel
References
Notes
- ^ http://www.gamerhelp.com/article_viewer.cfm?article_id=121540
- ^ http://www.therockvine.com/blogs/VIDEO_GAME_REVIEW_GAMING_ROCK_VOLUME_1_THE_PROTOMEN.html
- ^ http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/interviews/1223-Hope-Rides-Alone-The-Protomen
- ^ http://media.www.kentnewsnet.com/media/storage/paper867/news/2006/02/16/Entertainment/All-About.The.Protomen-1615497.shtml
- ^ http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_nashville_skyline_86/
- ^ http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/interviews/1223-Hope-Rides-Alone-The-Protomen
- ^ http://www.gamerhelp.com/article_viewer.cfm?article_id=121540
- ^ http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2008/11/geekdad-hiptrax.html
- ^ http://blogs.nashvillescene.com/nashvillecream/2008/11/the_spin_the_protomen_eureka_g.php
- ^ http://www.gamerhelp.com/article_viewer.cfm?article_id=121560
External links
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