The Call of the Protomen

"Good evening, Citizens of Chattanooga," said a man wearing an all silver face mask as he spoke into the microphone in an automated-like voice. Wearing an army-green jumpsuit and black combat boots, the mysterious speaker talked of a battle and asked "Will you fight with us?" to which the crowd responded with an arousing "yes!" I wasn't sure which battle I had just joined but I was excited and curious to see where this was going.

Thus was the beginning of a rock-opera that only the Protomen could tell. The Nashville-based band, all wearing black western gear, their faces covered in silver metallic and black paint, stood erect, ready to rock as the mysterious silver-masked man exited the stage, the hum of synthesized keyboards slowly building, sounding vaguely familiar, triggering forgotten memories of long-played Nintendo tournaments in high school.

In a shared billing with Harrison Hudson and Moonlight Bride, the Protomen took over JJ's Bohemia a few weekends ago with their Mega Man-influenced-rock-epic that spanned everything from classic rock to new wave to early-nineties video game music.

The show, much like their self-titled first release, is a majestic rock-opera telling the story of Mega Man, the iconic, Japanese video game legend that has graced the screens of many gaming systems, most notably, the Nintendo Entertainment System. Mega Man, or "Rockman," derived from the Japanese phrase for "Rock and Roll," has one role, as least in the original game, and that is to fight the evil Dr. Wiley, a mad scientist hell-bent on controlling the world with his vast army of robots, and restoring peace everywhere. And that, as they chant defiantly throughout their shows and albums, is exactly what the Protomen intend to do as well.

All eight members of the band play as if their lives depended on it; and according to them, it does, each and every show. With code-names like Commander, Murphy and Heath Who Hath No Name, they raise their arms in long, sudden strikes, saluting the audience and each other, building the morale of their ever-loyal fans -- one of whom followed them from their St. Paul, Minnesota show -- toward their cause. The lead singer, donned in a bright blue motorcycle helmet reminiscent of the helmet Mega Man wore himself, called him their "strongest ally."

Mostly original music, the Protomen lashed us with an unbeatable performance worthy of war-time medals of honor. Fast, scintillating guitars, loud, crashing drums and melodic and robust keyboard action that made me feel as if I was in the video game itself, it was truly one of the best and most creative live shows I've been to in a long time. As if that wasn't enough, the band performed a passionate cover of Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone," made famous by the 1986 Tom Cruise hit Top Gun.

To the delight of everyone in the overcrowded bar, the Protomen announced it wouldn't be long before they would release a new album, promising to continue the fight for peace and justice in the galaxy. And with that, the mysterious man in the bright blue helmet said in his deep, automated-like voice, "GAME OVER."

I am now one of the converted. I, as well as the rest of us at Resistance Magazine, stand alongside the Protomen in the fight against those who symbolize tyranny and injustice. Their fight has become our fight. And, like the Commander, Murphy and rest of the band, our weapon of choice is good music. The battle may be over, but the war has just begun. The Protomen will be back here to fight once again and Resistance Magazine will be here with them. Will you?

To enlist in the Protomen's fight for peace and justice, follow these links:

http://www.protomen.com/protomen.htm

http://www.myspace.com/theprotomen

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Man_%28character%29