The Protomen Compose Epic Opus From Nerdy Premise (Dec. 2010)

Under The Radar

The Protomen

Originally published for the Bismarck State College Mystician back in December, 2010.

Genre: Glam Rock/Experimental/Elecrtonica

For most, video game music has never been seen as an established genre. But many avid gamers enjoy the music composed for their favorite video games. Some even purchase their official soundtracks. This trend has grown into a community of musicians creating elaborate renditions and remixes of their favorite songs. The Tennessee-based act, The Protomen, have taken the trend further, creating an elaborate rock opera based off the classic Nintendo game Megaman.

The Protomen are a concept band that combine Glam Rock, Electronica, Experimental/Progressive and various other genres. The bulk of their material is part of a multi-album rock opera loosely based on the characters and storyline of the Megaman series. The band reinterprets the game's canon, telling a dark dystopian tale with strong George Orwell and Ayn Rand influences.

The group is composed of a large, rotating line-up of friends who met while attending MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Many were involved in the local music scene before graduating and moving to Nashville. Little is known about the group as they rarely do interviews out of character. The group performs all their shows as characters from the universe they've constructed, claiming to retell the stories they've "witnessed."

The group follows the basic rock opera formula. The lyrics serve as the lines spoken by either the narrator or characters from the story. All the instrumental interludes indicate an action scene, which is usually described in the linear notes of the album.

The story is a dark representation of Megaman's storyline. Dr. Wily isn't just a blundering mad scientist, repeatedly failing to takeover the world. Has has taken over the world and is now a Stalin like dictator in an Orwellian society. The story plays out with the protagonist Dr. Light building the robot Protoman to attack Wily's stronghold and save mankind. Unfortunately, Protoman becomes mortally wounded and the people watch from a distance as he is killed, refusing to help out of fear.

Dr. Light builds Megaman to fill the void left in his heart, creating him to be his younger "son." Upon learning of his brother's fate, Megaman vows to avenge his death and save mankind. Light protests, "They can't be saved by just one man." Meganman then runs away to assemble the troops and overthrow Wily.
The first album, The Protomen, builds off this backstory and tells the tale of Megaman attempting to free society from Wily's reign. The album's sound is very raw, being recorded using analog instead of digital equipment. The overall sound of the album is a mix of abrasive, uneven hard rock and electronica using synthesizers to emulate NES style chiptunes. The band has described the sound as "the sound of the end of the world."

Their second album, Act II: The Father of Death, was much more refined – meant to reflect the age "before the bomb dropped." The album's storyline acts as a prequel and is divided into two parts. The first tells the backstory of Thomas Light and Albert Wily and the events that led to Wily overthrowing the government. The second half observes the first years of Wily's "utopia" and the rise of Light's first progeny, a young man named Joe (a reference to Sniper Joe).

The album's style is divided between these two halves. The story of Light and Wily is told through Country and Classical Opera, with some Psychobilly thrown in. However, the track "How The World Fell Under Darkness" transitions the two, building off the classical opera motifs of the first half and into an ode to 80s Glam Metal. Reflecting the robotic utopia Wily created, the music mocks the cheesy sci-fi concept albums of the 80s, particularly Styx's "Kilroy Was here."

The band's opera is set to be in three acts. The band has announced their album to be released sometime in 2012. For now, they are on a constant touring regimen.
The group has gained a reputation for its energetic concerts. The band is known for elaborate stage decor, costumes and a variety of theatrical antics reminiscent of 70s Glam Rock acts such as David Bowie and Queen. The band is also known for doing a variety of covers, ranging from 80s acts such as Styx, Kenny Loggins and Journey to unexpected artists like Alabama.

The Protomen, sadly, tend to be seen as a novelty act. Due to this reputation and their philosophy of doing interviews in character, they're only known to a small niche of listeners. But despite how nerdy their premise may be, The Protomen prove how artistic and original video game musicians can be with a little extra effort.

Notable Albums:
The Protomen (2005)
Act II: The Father of Death (2009)


Notable Tracks:
"The Will of One"
"The Stand (Man or Machine)"
"The Good Doctor"
"Keep Quiet"