Protest The Hero's second album, Fortress turned 10 this year and we have commentary on the album from vocalist Rody Walker. Enjoy the read and let us know your thoughts on Fortress ten years later.

First of all, how does it feel knowing Fortress turns 10 this year?

I want to say it doesn't feel like that much time has passed but it really does. I think about Luke and I driving into the jam space everyday and I wonder if I would be willing to do the same thing today. Probably not, thank goodness for technology! I never have to leave my house now.



How did you feel when the album came out?

There was a nervous excitement in the air. We were all really happy with the record, but it's still difficult to push back that overwhelming thought of "the sophomore slump". Kezia had been released to such positive reviews and had propelled us to new heights I think we were all a little nervous about how this record would be received, especially because it was a bit of a departure from what we had done previously.



Where do you think the album fits in the band's legacy?

I don't really know. I think it's probably our most metal record. When someone lumps us into the category of "metalcore" it's usually because they're thinking of this record.

How did the band approach writing?

We went into a rehearsal factory at Dufferin and Dupont everyday. Our space had like four different rooms. The guys would set up in the large room and just run ideas while I would sleep in another room. Eventually they recorded them and while they continued to write, I would write my part on my computer in the other room... between naps. It was weird, we had a giant vase that we filled with cigarette butts. I don't really recall drinking very much, which seems unusual for us, but it seems as though we took it very seriously. This is the last record I was actually there for everyday.