Released 13 years ago this October
Volition
Protest the Hero · 2013
54 min · 11 tracks · progressive metal
A complex tapestry of intricate riffs and dynamic rhythms showcases the band's technical prowess and lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Drumhead Trial — This track exemplifies the album's intricate songwriting and features rapid tempo changes that highlight both technical skill and emotional intensity.
-
→
A Life Embossed — Lyrically rich and musically expansive, this song encapsulates the album’s exploration of personal struggle with its evocative imagery and soaring melodies.
-
→
Tilting Against Windmills — With its aggressive instrumentation paired with thoughtful lyrics, this track illustrates the band’s unique blend of metalcore energy and progressive complexity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and dynamic shifts but has some unevenness in cohesion and durability.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in dynamics, alternating between quiet, melodic sections and intense, heavy riffs.
- The lyrics often explore philosophical themes, with multiple songs featuring intricate storytelling that complements the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- thoughtful lyricism with energy
- dynamic shifts in pacing
- intricate musicianship throughout tracks
- cathartic release in climaxes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Volition is Protest the Hero's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Scurrilous. At this stage, the band had established themselves as a leader in the progressive metal scene, pushing boundaries while exploring themes of societal and personal introspection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Between the Buried and Me· The Contortionist· August Burns Red
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Clarity 5:32
- 2 Drumhead Trial 4:28
- 3 Tilting Against Windmills 4:14
- 4 Without Prejudice 4:15
- 5 Yellow Teeth 4:09
- 6 Plato's Tripartite 5:22
- 7 A Life Embossed 5:33
- 8 Mist 5:52
- 9 Underbite 3:45
- 10 Animal Bones 4:37
- 11 Skies 6:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.