Protest the Hero

{{short description|Canadian progressive metal band}} {{Use Canadian English|date=November 2016}} {{Infobox musical artist  | name = Protest the Hero | image = ProtestAtSOMF.jpg | caption = Protest the Hero live at Southern Ontario Metal Festival, August 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPtksPIAmIA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/FPtksPIAmIA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Protest The Hero – Turn Soonest to the Sea (live @ SOMF) |publisher=YouTube |date=2012-05-28 |access-date=2016-10-21}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | landscape = Yes | background = group_or_band | alias = Happy Go Lucky (1999–2001) | origin = Whitby, Ontario, Canada | genre = Progressive metal, mathcore, metalcore | years_active = {{Start date|1999}}–present | label = Spinefarm, Razor & Tie, Vagrant, Underground Operations | associated_acts = Cheddar Cheese & the Mousetrap, Lamb of God, The Kindred, Mystery Weekend, Periphery, Propagandhi | website = [http://www.protestthehero.ca/ protestthehero.ca] | current_members = Rody Walker Tim MacMillar Luke Hoskin | past_members = Moe Carlson Arif Mirabdolbaghi Mike Ieradi }}

'''Protest the Hero''' is a Canadian progressive metal band from Whitby, Ontario.<ref name="Punktv.ca Interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.punktv.ca/?c=105&a=1149|title=Protest The Hero Talks about their new album, Kezia!|author=Dixon Christie|date=2006-10-30|access-date=2007-05-09}}</ref> Originally named '''Happy Go Lucky''',<ref name="Music Vice">{{cite web|url=http://musicvice.com/_feature_interview_protestthehero_july2008.html |title=Music Vice Features – Protest The Hero interview with Rody at Warped Tour 2008 |author=Brian Banks |date=2008-07-25 |access-date=2008-07-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926105021/http://musicvice.com/_feature_interview_protestthehero_july2008.html |archive-date=September 26, 2008 }}</ref> the band changed their name to Protest the Hero and released their debut EP, ''Search for the Truth'', in 2002. In 2005, the band released their first album ''Kezia'' on Canadian indie label Underground Operations.

On January 23, 2006, the band signed with Vagrant Records for ''Kezia'''s American release on April 4, 2006. Their second album, ''Fortress'' was released by Underground Operations in Canada and by Vagrant Records worldwide on January 29, 2008.<ref name="Sputnik music Fortress">{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/news.php?newsid=4090|title=Protest The Hero's Fortress|date=2007-08-13|access-date=2008-01-16}}</ref> The band released their third studio album, ''Scurrilous'', on March 22, 2011.

Expressing frustrations with record labels, in January 2013 the band announced that they would crowdfund their fourth album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/protest-the-hero-new-album--3#/ |title=Protest the Hero NEW ALBUM | Indiegogo |access-date=2015-10-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907065543/https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/protest-the-hero-new-album--3 |archive-date=2015-09-07 }}</ref> The Indiegogo campaign was a runaway success, and the independently-released ''Volition'' debuted on October 29, 2013, distributed with the help of Razor & Tie. In October 2015, the band announced that their next release would take the form of an EP, distributed via subscription service Bandcamp, entitled ''Pacific Myth''.

The band started the production process of their fifth studio album in January 2018.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=An Update on LP5! - News |url=https://www.protestthehero.ca:443/news/61/an-update-on-lp5 |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Protest The Hero}}</ref> The process was delayed due to issues with vocalist Walker's voice, which arose during the Fortress X Tour in June 2018.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=LP5 Production Continues with 2 Middle Fingers Flung Skyward! - News |url=https://www.protestthehero.ca:443/news/62/lp5-production-continues-with-2-middle-fingers-flung-skyward |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Protest The Hero}}</ref> The album, titled ''Palimpsest'', would release two years later on June 18, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NEW Album - Palimpsest - Out June 19th - News |url=https://www.protestthehero.ca:443/news/63/new-album---palimpsest---out-june-19th |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Protest The Hero}}</ref>

==History== ===Early years (1999–2003)=== right|thumb|150px|Walker in Jan. 2004 The band started as Happy Go Lucky in 1999 and, shortly after, they recorded their first demo. In 2001 they changed their name to Protest the Hero. They released their first EP, ''Search for the Truth'' 7" vinyl, which included only two songs. They were included in the compilation ''(Coles) Notes from the Underground'' that same year. Luke Hoskin stated on his Formspring page that ''Search for the Truth'' was recorded when they were 13 years old.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formspring.me/LukeHoskin/q/424336942 |title=FormSpring blog page |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801082106/http://www.formspring.me/LukeHoskin/q/424336942 |archive-date=2012-08-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The day that the band members finished their senior finals, they went on a three-week "Rock the Vote" tour from Toronto to Halifax to garner recognition and raise awareness for the upcoming Canadian election.<ref name="The Sheridan Sun Online">[http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/feb_26_2009/entertainment_protest_the_hero.html]{{dead link|date=March 2011}}</ref>

===''A Calculated Use of Sound'' and ''Kezia'' (2003–2006)=== A music video for their song "These Colours Don't Run", from the EP ''A Calculated Use of Sound'', was released in 2003. The video begins with the band discussing the meaning of the song and features the band playing the song live at numerous locations in Toronto, with the album music dubbed over the actual live recording. At each location, the band would hand out lyrics to passers-by and encourage them to listen or sing along. right|thumb|150px|Millar in Jan. 2004 In 2004, the band recorded their debut album, which released the following year. ''Kezia'' is a concept album, described by the band members as a "situationist requiem". The album achieved universal acclaim with many reviewers praising the album for its technicality and Walker's vocal range.

From September 2005 until the beginning of June 2006, the band toured across Canada, the United States, and Great Britain in support of ''Kezia'' with bands such as Death by Stereo, Bad Religion, Anti-Flag, The Fall of Troy, The Bled, and DragonForce. They then took part in the Vans Warped Tour during the Summer of 2006. Following this, they toured with Avenged Sevenfold and 3 Inches of Blood until October 2006 when they began "The" tour with Trivium, The Sword, and Cellador, taking them across Canada and the United States. In September 2006, guitarist Luke Hoskin was detained at the Vancouver–US border for possessing a bag with less than 0.2 grams of marijuana, preventing him from continuing on their tour with Trivium and The Sword.<ref name="Guitarist Luke Hoskin detained">{{cite web |date=2006-10-25 |title=Protest The Hero: Detained! |url=http://sputnikmusic.com/news.php?newsid=1733 |access-date=2008-01-18}}</ref> In his place the band recruited Marco Bressette from the Canadian rock band Hypodust from September until November 2006. In November 2006, Protest the Hero toured with bands Bullet for My Valentine and As I Lay Dying. Beginning in the middle of December 2006, they embarked on a cross-Canada tour, named ''Bring Out Your Shred'', with I Hate Sally and The Human Abstract. This tour was the first in which Kezia was played in its entirety.

===''Fortress'' (2006–2010)=== In late May-early June they co-headlined the Tour and Loathing 2007 Tour with co-headliners All That Remains, Blessthefall, Threat Signal, and The Holly Springs Disaster. After extensive touring the band returned to the studio in 2007 to record their sophomore effort. The resulting album featured 10 tracks that showcased the band heading in a more technical metal style than ''Kezia''. During the ''Fortress'' tour the band released a live album (''Gallop Meets the Earth'') featuring tracks from their first 2 albums. Protest the Hero played ''Fortress'' from start to finish at their shows from November 20 to December 23, 2009. This stretch marked the last of the band's shows for a while as they took the first part of 2010 to work on a new album, which was to feature a more progressive sound.

thumb|250px|Live in Burlington, May 2007

In January 2009, Protest the Hero toured with As I Lay Dying, The Human Abstract, and Mychildren Mybride. Then they started a European Tour with The Human Abstract and The Chariot. In April 2009, they headlined the Heads Will Roll tour in the US with Misery Signals, The Number Twelve Looks Like You, Fall From Grace, and Scale the Summit. From September 8–17, 2009, they supported In Flames and Killswitch Engage with Between the Buried and Me.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=122289 |title=In Flames and Others Team Up for Canadian Tour |publisher=blabbermouth.net |date=June 20, 2009 |access-date=2009-09-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626060355/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=122289 |archive-date=2009-06-26 }}</ref> On November 21, 2009, at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, the band performed their album ''Fortress'' in its entirety for the first time. On November 26, 2009, they played in Halifax and on November 27 in Newfoundland, the only two eastern Canada tour dates for the year. Before the release of Scurrilous, Protest the Hero toured Europe in February as direct support for Darkest Hour (band). Born of Osiris and Purified in Blood were the other opening acts on the tour. Protest the Hero was the third band announced to be playing at Australia's Soundwave in February/March 2011, and in March and April of that year the band supported the ''Scurrilous'' album, headlining a tour across Canada and the United States with Maylene & The Sons Of Disaster and TesseracT.

===''Scurrilous'' (2010–2013)=== On January 28, 2008, the band began a tour through Canada with A Day to Remember, Silverstein, The Devil Wears Prada, and illScarlett. In April they toured with Chiodos before joining Warped Tour 2008. They were on tour with The Acacia Strain, Whitechapel, and Gwen Stacy after Warped Tour in the United States; and then will be on a European tour with, Parkway Drive, Despised Icon, Architects, Whitechapel, and Carnifex. The band officially began recording of their third album on August 30, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/jrodywalker |title=Rody Walker (jRodyWalker) on Twitter |publisher=Twitter.com |access-date=2011-03-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506371973&ref=ts#!/profile.php?id=506371973&v=wall&ref=ts |title=Niet compatibele browser |publisher=Facebook |access-date=2011-03-02}}</ref> On December 15, 2010, Walker posted a video indicating the completion of work on the third album.<ref name="Protest The Hero Complete Album Number Three">{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/article/40939|title=Protest The Hero Complete Album Number Three|date=2010-12-15}}</ref> ''Scurrilous'' was released March 22, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152480 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911171032/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152480 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-11 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – PROTEST THE HERO To Release 'Scurrilous' In March |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=2011-03-02 }}</ref> Following the summer of 2011, where Protest the Hero played festivals across Europe, they embarked on a small Ontario tour in September with support from The Kindred (formerly known as Today I Caught the Plague). Protest the Hero then ended 2011 and kicked off 2012 with a tour across America with Scale the Summit and Last Chance to Reason. Protest the Hero continued their efforts to promote ''Scurrilous'' and have commenced a 2012 UK Tour that features support from German post-metal band, Long Distance Calling, Norwegian punk band Blood Command and Uneven Structure. They announced tours with Periphery, Today I Caught the Plague, Jeff Loomis (formerly of Nevermore), and The Safety Fire for the US. Another tour is scheduled with metalcore band Underoath, We Came as Romans, and Close Your Eyes commencing in May in South America. On August 27, 2013, the band announced a fall North American tour, along with Architects, The Kindred, and Affiance, promoting their album ''Volition'' commencing in Ottawa on November 7, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/protest-hero-announce-fall-2013-tour-architects-kindred |title=PROTEST THE HERO Announce Fall 2013 Tour with ARCHITECTS, THE KINDRED |work=Metal Injection |date=2013-08-27 |access-date=2016-10-21}}</ref>

===''Volition'' and line-up changes (2013–2015)=== On January 8, 2013, Protest the Hero released the following statement on their Facebook page in regards to their upcoming album in the summer of 2013: "We have some big announcements coming next week concerning our new album – which is a few songs away from being written. We plan on recording in March or April and have a new album out in the summer. We have been recording pre-production with our old friends Cam and Anthony. The material is more challenging than ever before and we know we'll have to work hard to bring it to life. Looking very forward to a bold 2013!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/protestthehero/posts/10151391956686147 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/11662966146/10151391956686147 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Protest The Hero – Timeline |publisher=Facebook |access-date=2016-10-21}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On January 15, 2013, Protest the Hero announced that their fourth studio album would be crowdfunded through Indiegogo. The band claimed that they want to forgo record companies and that they have "finally decided to take matters into [their] own hands." The album had a fundraising goal of $125,000, a goal that was reached within 30 hours. By the end of their campaign, the band reached $341,146 in fundraising, nearly tripling their original goal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indiegogo.com/protestthehero|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216075708/http://www.indiegogo.com/protestthehero?c=home|url-status=dead|title=Protest the Hero NEW ALBUM|website=Indiegogo.com|archive-date=16 February 2013}}</ref>

On June 6, 2013, the band announced in an interview that original drummer and founding member Moe Carlson would part ways with Protest the Hero in order to pursue an education and career in tool and die manufacturing. Chris Adler of Lamb of God would be stepping in as his replacement for the recording sessions of the band's new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aux.tv/2013/06/exclusive-protest-the-hero-reveal-lamb-of-gods-chris-adler-as-replacement-drummer-on-new-album/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Protest the Hero reveal Lamb of God's Chris Adler as replacement drummer on new album|website=Aux.tv|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=2009-06-07|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811102202/http://www.aux.tv/2013/06/exclusive-protest-the-hero-reveal-lamb-of-gods-chris-adler-as-replacement-drummer-on-new-album/|archive-date=August 11, 2016}}</ref> On August 15, the official title and release date of the album were announced: ''Volition'' to be released on October 29, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/protestthehero/posts/10151816749456147 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/11662966146/10151816749456147 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Protest the Hero Facebook post|publisher=Facebook|date=2013-08-15|access-date=2013-09-01}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On October 10, 2013, Protest the Hero announced that Mike Ieradi, formerly of The Kindred, will be their new drummer. On the evening of March 30, 2014, during a show in Raleigh, North Carolina, Rody Walker confirmed that bassist Arif Mirabdolbaghi had left the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2014/04/01/protest-hero-bassist-arif-mirabdolbaghi-officially-part-ways/ |title=Protest the Hero and Bassist Arif Mirabdolbaghi Officially Part Ways |publisher=MetalSucks |date=2014-04-01 |access-date=2016-10-21}}</ref> On April 2, 2014, the band announced that Mirabdolbaghi had left the band to focus on other projects. The band's producer Cameron McLellan, who had also performed on several songs on ''Volition'', was announced as the touring bassist and has since remained with the band as an unofficial member.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2014/04/03/protest-hero-bassist-arif-mirabdolbaghis-departure-open-involvement-road |title=Protest the Hero on Bassist Arif Mirabdolbaghi's Departure: "We Are Open to His Involvement Down the Road" |publisher=MetalSucks |date=2014-04-03 |access-date=2016-10-21}}</ref>

===''Pacific Myth'' (2015–2017)=== On October 15, 2015, the band announced that their next release would not be a conventional album, but would instead be a subscription-based release of six tracks through the online music service Bandcamp.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/protestthehero/posts/10153617044686147 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/11662966146/10153617044686147 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Protest The Hero – Timeline |publisher=Facebook |access-date=2016-10-21}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="bandcamp1">{{cite web|url=https://protestthehero.bandcamp.com/pacific-myth |title=Pacific Myth | Protest the Hero |access-date=2015-10-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016041044/https://protestthehero.bandcamp.com/pacific-myth |archive-date=2015-10-16 }}</ref> Each of the songs, including artwork, instrumental versions, and high-quality downloads, were released through Bandcamp once per month to paid subscribers until March 2016, forming an eventual EP entitled ''Pacific Myth''. The first track, "Ragged Tooth," was released to subscribers on the same day.

In August 2015, it was announced that Protest the Hero would embark on a Canadian tour for the 10-year anniversary of their debut album ''Kezia'', featuring the band's original line-up playing the album in its entirety.<ref name="Kezia 10th Anniversary Tour">{{cite web|url=http://www.protestthehero.ca/news/56/kezia-10th-anniversary-shows|title=Kezia 10th Anniversary Shows|date=2015-08-31}}</ref> In January 2017, the band embarked on a North American tour as direct support for August Burns Red with In Hearts Wake and '68 (band).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2016/10/18/august-burns-red-announce-messengers-tenth-anniversary-tour-with-protest-the-hero-in-hearts-wake-and-68/|title=August Burns Red Announce Messengers Tenth Anniversary Tour with Protest The Hero, In Hearts Wake, and '68|date=2016-10-18|website=MetalSucks|access-date=2017-01-12}}</ref> In September 2017, the band played a 5-show Canadian tour called ''And The Quest For More Treats...'' with support from Red Handed Denial, The Frame Defect, and Earth's Yellow Sun. On October 6, 2016, Protest the Hero released a limited run of Pacific Myth in its entirety on vinyl, allowing members of the subscription service to pre-order the EP. The EP was released to the public on November 18, 2016.<ref name="loudwire">{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/protest-the-hero-pacific-myth-album-release-plans/|title=Records - Protest The Hero Reveal 'Pacific Myth' Album Release Plans|date=6 October 2016 |publisher=loudwire.com|access-date=2020-03-18}}</ref> The fourth track, ''Cataract'', features guest vocals by a friend of the band and lead vocalist of Mandroid Echostar, Michael Ciccia.

===''Palimpsest'' (2017–2023)=== On June 6, 2018, the band announced that they were forced to cancel their upcoming summer tour in Europe and Japan, and postpone the recording of their next studio album, due to Rody Walker developing "vocal issues" that might develop into "irreparable damage" if not taken care of.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/protestthehero/posts/10156187813521147 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/11662966146/10156187813521147 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Log In or Sign Up to View|website=Facebook.com|access-date=13 October 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

A new single titled "The Canary" was released on April 16, 2020, on streaming sites. On the same day, the album's title, ''Palimpsest'', along with the track listing and its release date set for June 19 was announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/protest-the-hero-releases-first-single-video-the-canary-from-forthcoming-palimpsest-album/|title=PROTEST THE HERO Releases First Single/Video 'The Canary' From Forthcoming 'Palimpsest' Album|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=April 16, 2020|date=April 16, 2020}}</ref> Along with the 10 tracks that are listed for most editions, two bonus tracks called "Gift Horse" and "The Dueling Cavalier" exist that are included in a special vinyl bundle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sheethappenspublishing.com/shop/1043/protest-the-hero-ultimate-vinyl-bundle-ultimate-vinyl-bundle|title=Protest The Hero - Palimpsest Ultimate Vinyl Bundle - Sheet Happens Publishing|access-date=2020-04-17|archive-date=2020-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416231807/https://www.sheethappenspublishing.com/shop/1043/protest-the-hero-ultimate-vinyl-bundle-ultimate-vinyl-bundle|url-status=dead}}</ref> The second single, "From the Sky", was released on May 14, 2020. The band modified the release date of the album from June 19 to June 18, 2020, in observance of Juneteenth, and the album was released to pre-order subscribers a day earlier on June 17, 2020.

In November 2021, Luke Hoskin announced his retirement from touring, although he remains a band member for songwriting and recording purposes. Ben Davis of The Kindred was announced as the band's new touring lead guitarist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/protest-the-hero-lead-guitarist-retirement-touring-new-bassist|title=Protest the Hero Lead Guitarist Announces Retirement From Touring, New Bassist Announced|publisher=Loudwire.com|access-date=March 3, 2026|date=November 24, 2021}}</ref>

===''6th Studio Album '' (2023-present)===

Several previews and behind-the-scenes recordings regarding the upcoming 6th album release have been shared publicly through social media and other online platforms. The following timeline compiles currently available material associated with the project’s development.

1. January 9, 2023 - ‘Pre-production footage’ An Instagram post shared by the band documented pre-production work for new material. [https://www.instagram.com/p/CnNOT-jOYW9/ Instagram post]

2. September 27, 2024 - ‘“Truke’s Done” studio clip’ An Instagram reel featuring the caption “Truke’s done” was posted during the recording process and included a brief excerpt of new material. [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAbTA9ouGwN/ Instagram reel]

3. 2024 - ‘Jadea Kelly guest vocal recording’ A social media post later shared on Reddit appeared to show Canadian singer-songwriter Jadea Kelly recording guest vocals for an upcoming Protest the Hero release. The original source is believed to have been a temporary social media story. [https://www.reddit.com/r/protest_the_hero/comments/1hij8rd/new_protest_the_hero_ep/ Reddit discussion]

4. December 28, 2024 - ‘Rody Walker vocal tracking’ An Instagram reel posted by vocalist Rody Walker showed vocal recording sessions for unreleased material. [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEImuO_RIz2/ Instagram reel]

5. March 28, 2025 - ‘Nathan Bulla drum tracking’ An Instagram reel documenting drum recording sessions featuring Nathan Bulla was published during the latter stages of production. [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHwec3pujO6/ Instagram reel]

On May 25th 2026, the band wiped their Instagram page and posted a cryptic image sparking rumours and excitement of new music. On May 29th 2026, the band posted a short video snippet with a preview of a new single/music video with a date attached of June 5th, 2026. Album details are also expected to be revealed the same date.

== Overview ==

Protest the Hero are a progressive metal band originating from Whitby, Ontario. They’ve released 6 studio albums and 2 EPs so far.

== Musical style == Protest the Hero incorporate complex instrumentation and have been categorized as progressive metal and progressive metalcore. They have also incorporated elements of mathcore, melodic hardcore, post-hardcore, thrash metal and skate punk, according to ''Loudwire''. The publication stated that the band "pile different styles on top of each other depending on which era you’re examining." AllMusic stated that the band's sound was "reminiscent of a combination of Coheed & Cambria, At the Drive-In, and Every Time I Die."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blum |first=Jordan BlumJordan |date=2026-02-16 |title=The 11 Best Progressive Metalcore Bands of All Time |url=https://loudwire.com/best-progressive-metalcore-bands/ |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Protest the Hero Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio &... |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/protest-the-hero-mn0000549695 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=AllMusic |language=en}}</ref>

==Awards== In 2004, the band won the Canadian Independent Music Award for Favourite Metal Artist/Group, beating out the better-known Alexisonfire.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cmw.net/cmw2004/pressindiewin.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224072320/http://www.cmw.net/cmw2004/pressindiewin.htm|url-status=dead|title=Canadian Music Week 2004|archive-date=24 December 2007|access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref> They were nominated for the 2006 Canadian Music Week Indie Awards' Favourite Metal Artist/Group, which Kataklysm won in March of that year. Also in 2006, the band was nominated for the CASBY Award.<ref name="Punktv.ca Interview"/> In addition, members of the band appeared in a televised commercial for the musical instrument store, Long & Mcquade. Bassist Arif was also featured in the Closet Monster music video "Mamma Anti-Facisto (Never Surrender)"; he can be seen to the left of London Spicoluk during the main group scenes.

The band has also released videos for the songs "The Divine Suicide of K.", "Blindfolds Aside", and "Heretics and Killers" from ''Kezia'', and for "Bloodmeat", "Palms Read", "Spoils", "Sequoia Throne" and "Limb from Limb" from ''Fortress''. The video for "Heretics and Killers" received airplay on MTV2 and FUSE, partially because of the interesting premise of the video: the band play the flying monkeys from ''The Wizard of Oz'' who work odd jobs after The Wicked Witch is killed. At the 2009 Golden God Awards, Protest the Hero won best Viral Video.<ref>{{cite web|author=bravewords.com |url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/110846 |title=Golden God 2009 winners |publisher=Bravewords.com |access-date=2011-03-02}}</ref> The video features Rody, Luke, and Tim doing a dance on the side of a road when their van broke down.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fFCONxIl98 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/9fFCONxIl98 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=The Reason we missed salt lake show |publisher=YouTube |date=2008-10-13 |access-date=2016-10-21}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The band won the 2014 Juno Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year for the album ''Volition''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yearly summary: 2014 |url=http://junoawards.ca/awards/yearly-summary/?group_id=207&category_ids=207&from_year=2014&to_year=2014&submit=Search |work=JunoAwards.ca |publisher=Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences |access-date=March 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528200522/http://junoawards.ca/awards/yearly-summary/?group_id=207&category_ids=207&from_year=2014&to_year=2014&submit=Search |archive-date=May 28, 2015 }}</ref>

==Band members== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

;Current members * Rody Walker – lead vocals (2001–present) * Tim MacMillar – rhythm guitar, piano, backing vocals (2001–present)

;Current session musicians * Cam McLellan – bass, production (2013–2014, 2017–present, session; 2014–2015, 2015–2017, touring)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://loudwire.com/protest-the-hero-lead-guitarist-retirement-touring-new-bassist/ | title=Protest the Hero Lead Guitarist Announces Retirement from Touring, New Bassist Announced | website=Loudwire | date=24 November 2021 }}</ref> * Luke Hoskin – lead guitar, piano, backing vocals (2021–present; 2001–2021 full-time member)

;Current touring musicians * Henry "Hank" Selva – bass (2021–present) * Ben Davis – lead guitar, backing vocals (2021–present) * Matt Kidby – drums (2023–present)

{{col-2}} ;Former members * Moe Carlson – drums (2001–2013; 2015, touring) * Arif Mirabdolbaghi – bass, backing vocals (2001–2014; 2015, touring) * Mike Ieradi – drums (2013–2022)

;Former session and touring musicians * Jadea Kelly – vocals (2004–2013) * Chris Adler – drums (2013) * Eric Gonsalves – bass (2017–2021) {{col-end}}

===Timeline=== {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:100 bottom:100 top:0 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2001 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:1 start:2001 ScaleMinor = increment:2 start:2002

Colors = id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals id:lead value:teal legend:Lead_guitar id:rhythm value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar id:piano value:purple legend:Piano id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:drums value:orange legend:Drums id:tour value:yellow legend:Touring_musician id:session value:skyblue legend:Session_musician id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album id:other value:gray(0.5) legend:Other_release

LineData = at:01/01/2002 color:other layer:back at:01/06/2002 color:other layer:back at:01/05/2003 color:other layer:back at:30/08/2005 color:studio layer:back at:29/01/2008 color:studio layer:back at:05/08/2008 color:other layer:back at:29/09/2009 color:other layer:back at:22/03/2011 color:studio layer:back at:29/10/2013 color:studio layer:back at:15/03/2016 color:other layer:back at:18/06/2020 color:studio layer:back

BarData = bar:Choad text:"Rody Walker" bar:Truke text:"Luke Hoskin" bar:Ben text:"Ben Davis" bar:Yimmy text:"Tim MacMillar" bar:Riff text:"Arif Mirabdolbaghi" bar:Cam text: "Cam McLellan" bar:Eric text:"Eric Gonsalves" bar:Hank text:"Henry Selva" bar:Jadea text:"Jadea Kelly" bar:Moe text:"Moe Carlson" bar:Chris text:"Chris Adler" bar:Ieradi text:"Mike Ieradi" bar:MHK text:"Matt Kidby"

PlotData= width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(12,-6) bar:Choad from:01/01/2001 till:end color:vocals bar:Truke from:01/01/2001 till:27/11/2021 color:lead bar:Truke from:01/01/2001 till:end color:piano width:7 bar:Truke from:01/01/2001 till:end color:bvocals width:3 bar:Truke from:27/11/2021 till:end color:session bar:Truke from:27/11/2021 till:end color:lead width:9 bar:Ben from:27/11/2021 till:end color:lead width:7 bar:Ben from:27/11/2021 till:end color:tour bar:Ben from:27/11/2021 till:end color:bvocals width:3 bar:Yimmy from:01/01/2001 till:end color:rhythm bar:Yimmy from:01/01/2001 till:end color:piano width:7 bar:Yimmy from:01/01/2001 till:end color:bvocals width:3 bar:Riff from:01/01/2001 till:02/04/2014 color:bass bar:Riff from:01/01/2001 till:02/04/2014 color:bvocals width:3 bar:Riff from:31/08/2015 till:04/12/2015 color:tour bar:Riff from:31/08/2015 till:04/12/2015 color:bass width:7 bar:Riff from:31/08/2015 till:04/12/2015 color:bvocals width:3 bar:Cam from:06/06/2013 till:02/04/2014 color:session bar:Cam from:06/06/2013 till:31/08/2015 color:bass width:3 bar:Cam from:04/12/2015 till:end color:bass width:3 bar:Cam from:02/04/2014 till:31/08/2015 color:tour bar:Cam from:04/12/2015 till:10/01/2017 color:tour bar:Cam from:10/01/2017 till:end color:session bar:Eric from:10/01/2017 till:27/11/2021 color:tour bar:Eric from:10/01/2017 till:27/11/2021 color:bass width:3 bar:Hank from:27/11/2021 till:end color:tour bar:Hank from:27/11/2021 till:end color:bass width:3 bar:Jadea from:01/01/2004 till:06/06/2013 color:session bar:Jadea from:01/01/2004 till:06/06/2013 color:bvocals width:3 bar:Moe from:01/01/2001 till:06/06/2013 color:drums bar:Chris from:06/06/2013 till:10/10/2013 color:tour bar:Chris from:06/06/2013 till:10/10/2013 color:drums width:3 bar:Moe from:31/08/2015 till:04/12/2015 color:tour bar:Moe from:31/08/2015 till:04/12/2015 color:drums width:3 bar:Ieradi from:10/10/2013 till:04/08/2022 color:drums bar:MHK from:01/01/2023 till:end color:tour bar:MHK from:01/01/2023 till:end color:drums width:3 }}

==Discography== ===Studio albums=== {|class="wikitable" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2" style="width:200px;"| Album details ! colspan="7"| Peak chart positions ! rowspan="2"|Certifications (sales thresholds) |- ! style="width:30px;"|CAN <ref>[http://www.billboard.com/artist/353368/protest-hero/chart?f=309 Protest The Hero Album & Song Chart History] billboard.com. Retrieved on March 10, 2011.</ref> ! style="width:30px;"|JPN (Billboard) <ref>[http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=top_albums&year=2008&month=02&day=4 Billboard Japan Top Albums Sales | Charts | Billboard JAPAN] (in Japanese; retrieved November 28, 2015)</ref> ! style="width:30px;"|JPN (Oricon) <ref>[https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/393073/products/ Protest The Heroの作品 | ORICON STYLE] (in Japanese; retrieved November 28, 2015)</ref> ! style="width:30px;"|US <ref>[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=protest the hero|chart=all}} Protest The Hero Album & Song Chart History] billboard.com. Retrieved on March 10, 2011.</ref> ! style="width:30px;"|US Ind ! style="width:30px;"|US Rock ! style="width:30px;"|US Hard Rock |- | 2005 | '''''Kezia''''' * Released: August 30, 2005 * Label: Underground Operations | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 250 | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | |- | 2008 | '''''Fortress''''' * Released: January 29, 2008 * Label: Vagrant Records | style="text-align:center;"| 1 | style="text-align:center;"| 66 | style="text-align:center;"| 86 | style="text-align:center;"| 95 | style="text-align:center;"| 10 | style="text-align:center;"| 24 | style="text-align:center;"| 14 | *MC: Gold<ref name="CRIA">{{cite web|url=https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/?fwp_gp_search=Protest%20the%20Hero|title=Gold/Platinum|publisher=Music Canada|access-date=2016-02-16 }}</ref> |- | 2011 | '''''Scurrilous''''' * Released: March 22, 2011 * Label: Vagrant Records | style="text-align:center;"| 8 | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 106 | style="text-align:center;"| 81 | style="text-align:center;"| 12 | style="text-align:center;"| 20 | style="text-align:center;"| 4 | |- | 2013 | '''''Volition'''''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ProtestTheHero/status/368014523573100544 |title=Protest The Hero on Twitter: "Our new album "Volition" will be out on October 29th worldwide. Touring in november with some awesome bands to be announced. #volition" |publisher=Twitter |access-date=2016-10-21}}</ref> * Released: October 29, 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aux.tv/2013/06/exclusive-protest-the-hero-reveal-lamb-of-gods-chris-adler-as-replacement-drummer-on-new-album/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: Protest the Hero reveal Lamb of God's Chris Adler as replacement drummer |website=AUX.TV |date=2013-06-06 |access-date=2016-10-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811102202/http://www.aux.tv/2013/06/exclusive-protest-the-hero-reveal-lamb-of-gods-chris-adler-as-replacement-drummer-on-new-album/ |archive-date=2016-08-11 }}</ref> * Label: Razor & Tie | style="text-align:center;"| 7 | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 20 | style="text-align:center;"| 1 | style="text-align:center;"| 7 | style="text-align:center;"| 3 | |- | 2020 | '''''Palimpsest''''' * Released: June 18, 2020 * Label: Spinefarm Records | style="text-align:center;"| 3<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charts |url=https://musiccanada.com/charts/ |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=Music Canada |language=en-US}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | |- ! colspan="13"|"—" denotes a release that did not chart. |}right|thumb|300px|Opening for Alexisonfire, live in St. Catharines, January 2004

===Extended plays=== *''2-Track Demo'' (2002, Self-released as Happy Go Lucky) *''Search for the Truth'' (2002, Underground Operations) *''A Calculated Use of Sound'' (2003, Underground Operations) *''Sequoia Throne Remix EP''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=418411 |title=Protest The Hero To Release Remix EP – News Article |publisher=AbsolutePunk.net |access-date=2011-03-02}}</ref> (2008, Underground Operations) *''Pacific Myth''<ref name="bandcamp1"/> (2015–2016, Independent, serial subscription released via Bandcamp) *''Fabula & Syuzhet'' (2020, Independent)

===Live albums=== {|class="wikitable" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2" style="width:200px;"| Album details ! colspan="5"| Peak chart positions |- ! style="width:30px;"|JPN DVD <ref>[http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/393073/ Protest The Hero | ORICON STYLE] (in Japanese; retrieved October 19, 2015)</ref> ! style="width:30px;"|US Ind |- | 2009 | '''''Gallop Meets the Earth''''' *Released: September 29, 2009 *Label: Underground Operations | style="text-align:center;"| 299 | style="text-align:center;"| 47 |}

===Compilation appearances=== *''(Coles) Notes from the Underground'' (2002) ("Break the Chain" and "Asperity of Sin") *''Greetings from the Underground'' (2004) ("Soft Targets Dig Softer Graves") *''Things Could Be Worse'' (2004) ("Break the Chain") *''Orange and Grey'' (2005, DVD) ("Silent Genocide," "These Colours Don't Run," "Red Stars Over the Battle of the Cowshed" and "Loathing In Laramie")<ref>[http://www.punkbands.com/news/3853/ "Orange And Grey Compilation DVD Released"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827062157/http://www.punkbands.com/news/3853/ |date=2009-08-27 }} PunkBands.com. Retrieved on May 26, 2009.</ref> *''The Power of Music'' (2005) ("An Apathetic New World") *''Warped Tour 2006 Compilation'' (2006) ("Heretics and Killers")

===Music videos=== {|class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Song ! Director |- | 2004 | "These Colours Don't Run" | rowspan="3"| Marc Ricciardelli |- | 2005 | "Blindfolds Aside" |- | 2006 | "Heretics and Killers" |- | 2007 | "The Divine Suicide of K" | Colin Minihan |- | rowspan="3"| 2008 | "Bloodmeat" | rowspan="2"| Marc Andre Debruyne |- | "Sequoia Throne" |- | "Palms Read" | rowspan="2"| Sean Michael Turrell |- | rowspan="2"| 2009 | "Spoils" |- | "Limb From Limb" | rowspan="2"| Marc Andre Debruyne |- | rowspan="2"| 2011 | "C'est la Vie" |- | "Hair-Trigger" | Marc Ricciardelli |- | rowspan="3"| 2013 | "Clarity" |Kenneth Wilcox & Todd Hennessy |- | "A Life Embossed" | |- | "Underbite" |Marc Ricciardelli |- | rowspan="2" | 2014 |"Tilting Against Windmills" | |- | "Mist" |Marc Ricciardelli |- | rowspan="2" |2020 |“The Canary” | |- |“From The Sky” | |}

===Video game appearances=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Song !! Game !! Year |- | "Divinity Within" || ''NHL 07'' || 2006 |- | "Bury The Hatchet" || ''Guitar Hero II'' (as DLC) || 2007<ref group=notes>''Guitar Hero II'' was released in 2006, but the song was not released as DLC until 2007.</ref> |- | "Goddess Gagged" || ''NHL 2K9'' || 2008 |- | "The Dissentience" || ''NHL 09'' || 2008 |- | "Heretics and Killers", "Bloodmeat", "No Stars Over Bethlehem", "Sequoia Throne" || ''Tap Tap Revenge 2'' || 2008 |- | "Bloodmeat" || ''Guitar Hero World Tour'' (as DLC) || 2009<ref group=notes>''Guitar Hero World Tour'' was released in 2008, but the song was not released as DLC until 2009.</ref> |- | "Limb From Limb" || ''Guitar Hero (iOS)'' || 2010 |} {{reflist|group=notes}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{cc}} * {{YouTube|pthofficial}} * {{allmusic}} * {{IMDb name|nm8784114}}

Category:Protest the Hero Category:Musical groups established in 1999 Category:Mathcore musical groups Category:Canadian metalcore musical groups Category:Canadian progressive metal musical groups Category:Musical groups from the Regional Municipality of Durham Category:Juno Award for Heavy Metal Album of the Year winners Category:1999 establishments in Ontario