Within is the sixth studio album by Canadian progressive metal band, Protest the Hero released July 17, 2026. The album marks as the group's first truly independent release, in contrast to their fourth studio album, 2013's Volition which was independently financed through crowdfunding by fans via IndieGogo.https://dyinscene.com/archive/protest-the-hero-to-release-upcoming-full-length-on-razor-tie-records/https://idioteq.com/protest-the-hero-on-within-growing-older-without-growing-bitter-and-keeping-the-ship-alive/
Following six years since their previous album, Palimpsest in 2021, Within is also notable as Protest The Hero's shortest full-length, to date (despite being less than a minute longer than their 2016 subscription-based EP, Pacific Myth). https://metal.academy/releases/69850
Within was preceded by the album's only single, "Mouthpiece" on June 4, 2026. https://www.theprp.com/2026/06/04/news/protest-the-heros-long-awaited-new-album-within-due-in-july-mouthpiece-music-video-launched/ Upon its release, The album was met with critical acclaim from critics and fans alike. https://newnoisemagazine.com/reviews/album-review-protest-the-hero-within/https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-protest-the-hero-within
Background Vocalist Rody Walker explained, "There is definitely a theme on the album about a return to nature. It's referenced in almost every song. Truthfully, water and ocean metaphors are just so fucking easy. Pacific Myth is all about how easy and kind of cheap it is. And it's so easy and cheap that I accidentally continue to do it over and over again."
Track listing
Personnel Protest The Hero Rody Walker – lead vocals, writing, lyrics Luke Hoskin — lead guitar, backing vocals, writing Tim MacMillar – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, writing
Additional session musicians Cameron McLellan – bass, production, engineering, editing Milen Petzelt-Sorace – vocal production, editing, arrangement, backing vocals , writing Nathan Bulla – drums, percussion Jadea Kelly – additional vocals Chris Cresswell – additional vocals William Lamoureux – violin, cello, producer , writing Mike Ieradi – additional writing Dylan Ryche – acoustic guitar Jill Sauerteig – additional cello Nat Andres — backing vocals Jordan Bernard — backing vocals Kaitlin Bernard — backing vocals Rylie Ewing — backing vocals Sandy MacMillar — backing vocals Megan Marsh — backing vocals Tyler Parish — backing vocals
Technical Derya Nagle – guitar production Adam "Nolly" Getgood – mixing João Carvalho – mastering Sebastian Sendon – mixing assistant Darren "Jeter" Magierowski – additional drum engineering Jill Zimmermann – additional drum engineering Martin A. Wittfooth – album artwork
Charts + Chart performance for Within Chart (2026) Peakposition UK Independent Albums Breakers (Official Charts) 20
References