GALLOP MEETS THE EARTH

After only two studio albums and almost exactly 10 years since formation, it was finally time for Protest The Hero to make a testament of their live performances thus far. Gallop Meets The Earth was recorded during the band's tour supporting their well-deserved breakthrough album Fortress and can pretty much be considered to be a perfect tribute to the newly established fanbase.

It felt like I would really enjoy this release after looking at the setlist, unfortunately this wasn't really the case. Yes, the band does almost perfect renditions of all their tracks, which might impress any Technical Death Metal fans, but I'm generally not in it for that thrill. My main interest lies with the amazingly crafted compositions that Protest The Hero and many of the other young Metalcore acts seem to write with ease. These tracks are definitely in place here but what I lack is that extra push from the performances that would not only make them technically magnificent but also emotionally grabbing.

The band does a solid job going through the motions of their gig but the lack of communication experience with the audience definitely makes itself apparent whenever Rody Walker tries to speak to the audience between the songs. Most of these monologues come off sounding awkward and almost alienating to the audience. Maybe it would have made more sense if I actually attended the show but, as it stands today, Rodys remarks just sound very cruel, to my ears, and really do nothing for the listeners who haven't had the opportunity of attending one of their gigs.

Overall, it's far from a bad live album but there are a few obstacles along the way that Protest The Hero have to overcome in order to become one of the great live bands out there. Instrumental skills do not automatically make your music appealing to the audience.

**** star songs: Sequoia Throne (4:22) No Stars Over Bethlehem (4:35) Bloodmeat (4:00) Palms Read (3:22) Goddess Bound (3:10) Spoils (2:56) Nautical (6:39) Limb From Limb (5:34)

*** star songs: The Dissentience (5:32) Blindfolds Aside (5:29) Goddess Gagged (4:43)

Here's what I'd do - buy this for the live CD. Maybe you can use the DVD for a bookmark - just kidding. In fact it's listed right now for $14 on EBay; totally worth it for the live CD. I think PTH might the most impressive musical unit under the metalcore umbrella. Their songwriting abilities, and the way they play as a unit, are rare. Going to a concert, or watching a concert DVD, is mostly about connecting with the audience. That's where the band falls short. The audiovisual quality of the DVD could also be improved. The extra features are fun if you like PTH. Obviously, I respect the band and I love their music. This just isn't the best representation of them. So, I'll have to take away some credit for the DVD. The rest if the package is terrific. I'd give it 3 & 1/2.