Live performance review from Metal Valentine:
Intro
纏繞 (Entanglement)
Amongst the Lost
Figment
Eternal inferno
Beginning
To the Heaven
臨界 (The Critical)
活化工廈 (Revitalise Chemical Factory)
All hail the mighty Protoss. Few heavy bands have had the longevity of this revered unit, which has been active (on and off) since the mid-00s. The crowd knew the score: one guy started stretching while another put on safety goggles – a smart move, presumably to guard from any projectiles or contagious flying fluids. The five-piece finally cracked from their foul chrysalis and set the scene with a buffeting onslaught to blow any dust out of the PA system. Then, an indecipherable gale of gurgles and screeches, signalling that a prehistoric evil had awakened and the room was strapped into a ride they wouldn’t be getting off until the final evil note was delivered.
Suddenly, the crowd began parting from the back and a deathly chill blew into the room. A figure dressed as Pyramid Head made his way slowly into the fray. Instead of getting into the percolating moshpit, he stood to one side, surveying the scene sinisterly. “Shout out to Silent Hill!”, came the call of approval from hirsute frontman Randy. The mere presence of this diabolical video game character seemed to invigorate the band somewhat.
Smoke rose spookily as it was time for Protoss to prove why they’re deathcore masters: capped guitarist Sing laid on some fearsome distortion for Amongst the Lost, but all eyes were on bassist Carson, a true showman whose energy and motion didn’t let up for the full set. A deep gurgling, like a drain clogged with rancid, decomposing body parts, emanated from Randy on Figment. Then, a screech. A squawk. There are few vocalists in Hong Kong who have the dexterity and demonic inclination for extreme metal as he does. Eternal Inferno was the musical equivalent of a crocodile’s death roll. Randy leaned back, smiling with his arms outstretched, as he surveyed the mayhem unfolding all around him, forged by the abattoir squeals generated by San’s guitar. A Middle Eastern-sounding melody rang out before being quickly swallowed by a rumble. The music dropped out just to cymbals for a second as the pit was allowed a moment’s breather. It was temporary, and chaos soon resumed – photographer Aaron was almost barged over in the foaming melee.
Snap, snap, snap went drummer Tung’s snare on Beginning before his rolling thunder rhythms were joined in an unholy alliance by Randy’s screams, and tunnelling, spiralling guitar melodies. Pyramid Head was seen nodding approvingly from the sidelines but wasn’t tempted to enter the big pit beside him. “BROOOOO” then “REEEEEE” went the singer’s ungodly, inhuman noises on To The Heaven, linking up with complex, knotty guitar work, including chiming, ominous noises from Sing, who then laid down some tremolo as his copilot San cycled through chords.
Tung powered through the entire set without a hint of emotion on his face – bookish and clean-cut, unlike his bandmates, he looked like he should be in a different group, but defied all impressions by laying down the kind of drum mastery a band of this dead-star density requires. 臨界 (The Critical) delivered crushy, mushy breakdowns that gave way to a buzzsaw bridge. 活化工廈 (Revitalise Chemical Factory) opened to a blizzard of strobes, villainous growls and deathly bass runs, leaving a sour, acidic taste in the mouth. It was the last chance to whack one more bruising blow or two on a fellow punter. Notes slowed in a simmering heat death before drawing in, a spider winding up its prey, to a spine-chilling singularity.
-El Jay
Live Review from Underground Heavy #1:
The next beast to take to the Rock School stage was the 5 piece Metal crew known as Protoss. Which of course is a race in the popular video game: “Starcraft”. Not the broom broom kind, but the people-identefier-er-thingy. You know what I’m talking about. The Protoss, are known for their advanced technology and their strict religious code of conduct. I’m guessing what the band took from the name, was the ‘take no prisoners’ in war time policy. And thus play some pretty brutal music. Good ‘fuck you’ screams were bellowed by their front man. They work best during their real sludgy cut tempo breakdowns. Recommended for those who are after an ideal head banging opportunity and those with an interest in badass riffing. The guys are very tight and also started the evenings first Circle Pit, which means they do their job in getting the crowd going. Kudos! The Protoss legion (referring to the band here) have interesting song structures and go places sometimes one would not expect. Dare I say , advanced, Protoss? See what I did there?
Tim – Hong Kong Independent Music Blog
Live Review from Underground 42:
jumping instantly into meaty metal, my first impression is metallica without the orchestral element. a little unrefined and raw, but the attitude and noise level won’t leave metalheads wanting. listening to them is like walking on your tiptoes across a bed of blunted nails. not incisively sharp, but you can definitely feel every step. very full, rich sound without a strongly distinctive character, just all around dark chocolatey goodness (or badness, as the attitude may dictate).
Amos
Live Review from Underground 21:
More hardrock than Orthon. Dead Kennedys with Linkin Park/Rage Against the Machine rock rap. At times Beastie Boys twin vox – works really well. Like track 3 – Crystal Night – a ballad spacey guitars song. Protoss rock out. Protoss are indeed the heaviest band of the night. I lose my pen as I move to get a better spot to watch this band – sorry Protoss – didn’t catch the song titles. This band are a fitting end to Underground 21. Come back to Underground soon!
Nick Lovatt
