LogFAQs > #978799303

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THE PROTOMEN - ACT II: THE FATHER OF DEATH

Year: 2009
Genre: Rock Opera that transitions from Spaghetti Western to Synthpop
RYM Score: 3.69/5 [1,132 Ratings]
Length: 12 Songs, 57:19

No helpful quotes on Wikipedia, so take some bits from Rate Your Music reviews:

"This album is probably one of the best Rock Operas that Ive heard in a good while and while this album centers around the Mega Man franchise, it feels more than just that. [...] This album has two major thematic parts separated by its genre. The past and exposition is portrayed in a Spaghetti Western sound, then is later transitioned from this western theme to a synth-heavy sound that portrays the dystopian future."

"A massive (if objectively bizarre) achievement in spattering genres across the canvas like a punk rock Pollock. One of the Most albums ever made, sweeping and impassioned and filled with detail even across its many progressive soundscapes. About as theatrical as it gets but without ever acknowledging it, there's no musical theater-esque wink at the audience. It's all just grandiose, pulpy excitement and dramatic highs."

"As a musical experience this record is incredible. There's only one thing holding this back from being perfect, and that it all feels a massive stage production and less like a band playing music together. [...] I love it, but sometimes it feels too Broadway for me."

Example Tracks:

The Good Doctor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toeh0-0B4mE

Breaking Out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4X1ZXokS_s

[I am aware that "Light Up the Night" is the big single which appeared as Rock Band DLC, however as this is a story heavy album, I feel it best to show how each half of the story begins.

Act II is a massive indie rock opera concept album that is very loosely inspired by the Classic Mega Man franchise--by which I mean there are characters named Albert Wily & Thomas Light and robots, which is pretty much it. This is an epic tale of how the city fell into a 1984-style dystopia, broken into stories of how the world fell under darkness & picking up years later as someone finally rebels against Wily's society. The skillful way the album slowly transitions from a heavily Western inspired sound to the synth-heavy rock the band is known for is truly masterful and helps keeps things fresh throughout the album's runtime.

-BUT- this is an extremely story heavy concept album. While there are some songs that could be hit singles--particularly on the second half--there are definitely several tracks that exist more to move the story along than be something you'd likely listen to on their own. The album also included extensive liner notes with full narration to help set the scenes---those are included in the links posted above, so if you're interested in the story, I highly suggest using those & reading along for the full experience. And yes, I am aware there are people who are going to HATE this nomination as a result, -but- it is one of my favorite albums of all time. Also there are, you know, two other less story heavy albums to pick from.

You should pick this album if you want an extravagant theatrical production that tells a complete story.

{EDITOR'S NOTE: Act II is a prequel to their original album, so don't be concerned by the II in the title.}]