THE PROTOMEN - THIS CITY MADE US

[@Gunplabro]

The real Act 3 was the friends we made along the way.

[@MrSilvUr]

I still believe.

[@GrandadsLounge]

This awesome band Will fade away.

[@loganmccurter]

This made my day

[@lupusalbus3795]

I still hope, and hope rides alone!

[@jafetguzman5012]

The robots we made along the way*

[@eat-lc5rx]

2024 and I still blast the two albums when the urge hits. Great for road trips. Just know there's still a lot of us waiting patiently. Hopefully I'll catch another live show sometime soon. Good luck on 20th anniversary show.

[@disastertruck]

It wouldn't be a Protomen album without 'this ciitYYY' somewhere in it

[@WildcardZwei]

+disastertruck *without :P And I totally agree.

[@joeytoby1]

+disastertruck In the album? Heck, they do that every other song!

[@brandonwilson955]

MEGA MAYUNNNN

[@MrSilvUr]

I can't think of any Act 1 songs that did it off the top of my head.

[@WrightOnTarget]

@@MrSilvUr Will of One. Granted, it's "This Burning City"

[@lephalacat]

Oh boy, as a Modern English Literature major, a switch flicks in my head each time I come across a contemporary literature/discourse and the space of "the city" is mentioned even once. Because of this frickin song. My mindset goes from "dilligently studying this new work" to *"THIS CITY MADE US, THIS CITY ATE US ALIVE"*

[@Gemini_Samura1]

I'm upset I'm only hearing this masterpiece in 2020. Good GOD.

[@chingalingaling]

MMHMMM!

[@swagmessiah666]

doesnt matter when you're listening to it. Welcome to the club

[@chuckporter9526]

At least you didn't hear it when it first popped up... and then you're still waiting for the album to drop years later. Don't turn your back on the city.

[@FlamingZelda3]

you're actually quite fortunate you didn't find it till just now, expecting an album for years has been agony.

[@siriusql]

I've been avoiding anything from act III for the past few years, but I just can't help it anymore. I've joined the wagon around 2017 .... The waiting is already hard for me, can't imagine for older fans.

[@M.F.Hafizhan]

Will mankind finally realize that the Hero that will save them was inside themselves all along? Or will they once again fail to see their own potential? Stay tuned for the next episode of THE PROTOMEN!!

[@slateoffate9812]

M.F. Hafizhan Who's to say they have any potential to begin with? Humanity's greatest talent is self-destruction.

[@FoundSonofMary]

I've stayed tuned. Its obviously not happening.

[@cyberninjazero5659]

Or will Dr Light learn how to program a Robot that actually fulfills its function for once in his life

[@BakuTex]

CyberNinjaZero What do you mean? Yeah Protoman failed the battle, but Megaman was pretty much steamrolling through Wily's army. The only reason he also "failed" was because, just like with Protoman, he started seeing humanity was just waiting for someone to fight their battles for them instead of standing up for themselves. Even more so when they mocked Protoman after his death. So both of them did what they set up to do, but humanity let them down.

[@cyberninjazero5659]

@@BakuTex >He was just like protoman Exactly Light can't program a damn robot to save his life

[@aradragon9342]

From what I gathered from the song's lyrics, this song takes place sometime after Mega Man abandoned the apathetic people of the City and Let Dr. Wily continue to rule over them. It is sung from the perspective of Mega Man who is probably talking to the Female lead from Hold Back The Night, trying to warn her that if she's going to fight against Wily, she should be prepared to fight alone, because no one else in the City will risk their lives for her cause, and let her die alone if she fails, just as they did with Proto Man. Meanwhile in the background, the people of the city wallow in despair over their situation, blaming Proto Man's death and Mega Man's desertion for their continued enslavement instead of taking responsibility for letting Proto die and betraying Mega's faith in them.

[@edoardomaster64]

Good analysis, I agree with your interpretation. I think the female lead is Roll.

[@CoriSparx]

I used to think it was Roll and Dr. Light trying to convince Megaman to come back to the city and help them fight, but this makes WAY more sense

[@datanotfoundpleasetryagain3559]

I'm pretty sure the female lead is supposed to be Roll. I know it doesn't sound like her based on what we know, but this is the Protomen. They're already taking liberties with the source material.

[@DCBiscuit]

My interpretation is that it’s Light talking to Roll and the people of the city himself. The City made the people miserable, The City is what made people crave change where there was none by their own hands, The City (or rather the sociological system of it) is what is preventing them from being free of tyranny. To me, it feels more like a call *to* action rather than a warning *of* action.

[@gyrrakavian]

I wonder if she'll start going by the codename Roll.

[@WorldMind]

I heard Act III will be released with Half Life 3.

[@jeremysteck439]

HL3 OST CONFIRMED

[@OnlyWednesdayMu]

what have you done WHAT HAVE YOU DONE

[@mesgegra_yt]

mistakes were made

[@Mclucasrv]

This is a sad truth

[@ShadaOfAllThings]

It'll be the second disk in the new Tool Album

[@orionslaver432]

If This City Made Us and Hold Back the Night are indicative of the rest of Act III, we're in for an absolute beast of an album.

[@dmon007]

Hello from the pandemic-filled world of tomorrow! The album is still, uh, "on the works".

[@jesusimpersonator1648]

if these people tell this story to their children, then maybe someday, they will know Act III is just a man, who knows he is free

[@exaber08]

Hello, I am from the future. Only infinite pain will await, but you must stay stong. Surely it will be out soon! Until then, Hold Back The Night!

[@frankwilson628]

The Fight for the rest of the album is already done…

[@NapazTrix]

Aaaand nothing.

[@DraegonX]

Putting the two singles together makes an interesting phrase: "This City Made Us Hold Back the Night"

[@ethanphilpot7643]

Out of all of their songs, this one feels the most faithful to Megaman. Seriously that guitar riff sounds like something straight out of one of the X games and it's great

[@redrolo149]

This city, will not fade away.

[@Pentarax]

The title "This City" makes me wonder if they'll ever do a cover of "We Built This City on Rock and Roll". Because I think that'd be awesome.

[@williambarnes5023]

WE BUILT THIS CITY WE BUILT THIS CITY WITH HANDS OF STEEL

[@FellshardYT]

This city made us; This city ate us alive; This city now will fade away!

[@Kulsprutejojjo]

I'm pretty sure this song could motivate any human to stand up and fight against Wily's robots. My pulse rose and I felt ready to face the gates of hell. Truly Act III is gonna be an awesome album.

[@noellesato311]

Well, if there are no heroes left in man... What about a Woman? Roll...

[@xenio_m]

I'm pretty sure this song could motivate any human to anything, it's the ultimate call to arms

[@miltontheportablephone2222]

For sure. As a recent fan of the Protomen I can't get enough.

[@Gunplabro]

Ironic...

[@starking2162]

There's no hero coming...

[@adamb89]

This rocks hard. The Protomen have really developed their skills over the years, and man does it show. Whenever Act III does come out, it's gonna kick us all in the face, and have us begging for a right hook.

[@Snomwithaknife420]

Adam B exactly

[@starking2162]

If not when...

[@timobrien2738]

When not if. Star king. Pessimism helps no one.

[@edoardomaster64]

epic

[@woodlefoof2]

@@timobrien2738 😂 seeing act 2 came out 10 years ago I can understand him thinking act 3 is a myth

[@Pre1321]

2023. I still believe, friends, along with Rothfuss and George R.R. Martin.

[@peanutgallery4]

And Gabe Newell

[@yuri0001]

It's coming in 2025. I have a feeling.

[@Grapesoflol]

and The Middle Passage

[@FlamingZelda3]

You guys think Act III will have a more "Human" sound to it? What I mean is this: Act 1 is very distorted with heavy guitars to show the darkness the city is under and reflect the robots, Act 2 has an 1800s western sound to it, until the transformation into an 80s synth paradise. So if the end of the story is a test as to whether mankind will fight for themselves wouldn't that mean the Album would have a more organic human type sound (like this song)? Just a thought.

[@reomemewagon]

I love the salt blowing off of the pillars. That's a cool animation.

[@StarFoxHeroSJ]

+Kafei Houraisan Aizawa That...may be a biblical reference to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, where Lot's wife turns into a pillar of salt. In which case...well, that's ominous.

[@fourcrippledhorses]

+StarFoxHeroSJ ...And squicky. I sure fucking hope Lot isn't Light.

[@mr_girr3488]

+StarFoxHeroSJ its also a refrence to a city of sin, which in this instance would be a city that fell because of its on sin: not acting

[@CoriSparx]

+fourcrippledhorses Well, I hope he is, since Lot was one of the only three people to survive the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah in the story... O.o

[@830toAwesome]

+Kafei Houraisan Aizawa It's salt, it's ash from fire.

[@DefenderofFuture]

Release Act IV and leave Act III in our hearts.

[@Retro-Future-Land]

It's very cool how they bring in the masculine, then feminine voice a short time afterwards and vice versa. Like a battle or back-up voice against the 'city' / 'enemy' etc. Reminds me a bit of War of the Worlds Spirit of man.

[@BeardGrizzly]

I truly hope you guys never stop making music. Seriously, keep it up.

[@FoundSonofMary]

They stopped.

[@Trotoloko]

@@FoundSonofMary NO... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FoundSonofMary]

@@MaybeAnnatar oh man, a small measure of hope!!! Thanks for the info!

[@FoundSonofMary]

@@MaybeAnnatar thank you friend! I'm going to get on that!! Psyched!

[@JesusChrist-bd7ur]

I hope light and wily confront each other in this act

[@WhenYouGoMadd]

YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN! YOU'RE ALL YOU'VE GOT!!

[@protoomega7]

evrything they have done and will do is pure glory to my ears.

[@carlosrivera5390]

I KNOW

[@FelineSamantha]

This song gave me chills! I can tell already, Act III is going to be incredible!

[@CelesteIB]

+Mysterious Racer X Almost? It's most certainly painful! D:

[@Barga6464]

I still believe. I know you all didn't quit on this. We will wait.

[@Nubsteplawl]

PLEASE COME OUT ALREADY I NEED ACT 3 IN MY LIFE

[@ICARUSLIV3S]

ACT III WHEN

[@Ryan-mr3zf]

N E V E R E V E R

[@veluxcion5798]

N E V E R E V E R F O R E V E R N E V E R

[@veluxcion5798]

+Mysterious Racer X but half life 3 was confirmed, but act three is just in the darkness

[@Pokemonvkirby12]

agreed

[@pleaserespond3984]

A few weeks after Tool's next album. Gotta stagger those releases, you know.

[@mastermaniac1911]

This is too powerful. Please don't let it die without a fight.

[@Fatboyftw32]

Holy shit. I think this blows all the songs in acts 1 and 2 out of the water and that's not an insult because acts 1 and 2 were pretty fucking awesome as is.

[@SomethingRedundant]

This song was practically made for chase / race sequences and chase montages Amazing pace and energy. Seriously, put it to ANY chase scene and it’ll work

[@dandems8]

Saw this band live @ PAX East 2016. Hands down one of the best shows I have ever been to. You think this is good...and then you see them play it in front of you and it is mind-blowing. Will always be a fan of these amazing musicians. Thank you for the incredible music you all create!

[@GurahkWeavile]

Act 3 is definately going to Rock & Roll!

[@wormgroup]

Part of me expects Wily to die of old age by now. BRING ON ACT III

[@JesusChrist-bd7ur]

never

[@Blackheartzero]

With how psychotically hopeless this is all turning out, I totally expect that if there _is_ a revolution, it'll finally get Megaman to return to the city... _... as Quint,_ who will be working for Wily to snuff out the flame of rebellion once and for all, of his own free will.

[@Wolvinof]

Imagine if that actually ends up being a big twist in Act III. Roll(?) finally gets through Wily's fortress and reaches his room, ready to face him, bring justice down on his head and finish the fight Thomas started, the fight Joe, Protoman and Megaman lost, the fight to save the City... Only to find the man himself has already been dead for a VERY long time, leaving his machines to mindlessly uphold the tyranny of a corpse.

[@josephjackson9679]

Sorry to say that there wont be Wily in this in all likelihood. Vocalist for him from Act 2 left.

[@sentinel-zx7mj]

​@Wolvinof Judging by the series tone and themes with wily's act ll vocalist leaving I wouldn't be surprised if that twist actually happens in act lll.

[@queensinthesky]

So Maiden sounding! I love it.

[@partytom4184]

+Daniel Murphy Exactly what I thought! Really going hard on these singles so far. It's gonna be raaaaddd.

[@isectoid9454]

+PartyTom *its gonna be Raaaaad duuuude!*

[@eckitronix]

+isectoid If I was required to not agree, I still would agree. #LONGLIVETHEPROTOMEN and #screwhashtags

[@isectoid9454]

Mega Dan Nice Hashtag.

[@eckitronix]

isectoid XD Thanks. BTW, have I seen you before? Hopefully not in the way that I was a douche or anything.

[@tchao1995]

Oh man, ACT III sounds so fire I wonder when its going go come out. 😏😂

[@SiouxTube]

Any day now. Surely.

[@Tselel]

My secret hope for Act III is for Bass to make a cameo, but that's a bit cray. I mean Roll's been pretty much confirmed, and that's sweet as is.

[@animek22x]

+Tselel Is it Roll, really? Or is it Joe's old girlfriend?

[@Swix_FGC]

+animek22x Joe never had a gf. if you are talking about the girl at the bar in breaking out that was some random woman.

[@animek22x]

Swxkaw Yeah, I know - that's who I meant. XD But I called her his girlfriend for brevity's sake.

[@Tselel]

animek22x I believe it's Roll. If it isn't, then we have a new girl who has some sort of relationship with Rock.

[@8000Kakaroto]

+Tselel I hope Bass appears only so he can be done with a bass voice-type. As a joke.

[@magicalhamster]

We must keep fighting so that one day our children can walk this City freely and listen to Act III in our stead.

[@magicalhamster]

We must keep fighting so that one day our children can walk this City freely and listen to Act III in our stead.

[@Acrosurge]

Relevant in 2021.

[@luciooliveira6292]

I hope that act 3 will be a story of a man that finally stand up and fight

[@kimbawolff2155]

this song is all the hype ill ever need for Act III. I saw them for the 6th time on Saturday and they never cease to amaze me. also it's not a Protomen show unless Panther's mic cuts out mid song. I'll definitely be attending the Act III release show.

[@Tsureiki]

That Spark Mandrill homage at 1:46 is so cool. That has to be intentional, def best MMX song.

[@milomajic]

can't wait till act III! that way, I can listen to the whole trilogy back to back. they fail to disappoint always!

[@lookagain3305]

Just stubbled across this band. WOW. this track needs to be in a movie soundtrack.

[@RadikAlice]

That's the sign of a great rock opera. Just how I felt when I first heard Act I And funny you say that, their album The Cover Up is a movie soundtrack

[@cardboardgod]

1:47 sounds like Spark Mandrill stage. That's good. Whole song is good. I want the whole album right now... ugh...

[@LeonardoBoiko]

Cardboard God I wonder if Act III will go X-ish.

[@Darlos9D]

Leonardo Boiko Yeah I was getting kind of an MMX vibe from the whole thing. Like, this song sounds like what the original SNES games wanted to sound like.

[@ScribeAwoken]

+Cardboard God A friend of mine thought that the intro to Light up the Night was also Spark Mandrill-ish.

[@NaokiP72]

+Cardboard God The intro to Built to Last also reminds me of Spark Mandrill. Commander would slap us all here.

[@Darlos9D]

NaokiP Imai I assume he doesn't like hearing "this sounds like this mega man song"?

[@starwalker9188]

Just looking at the lyrics, all this song says to me is that it was about Protoman waking up after being rebuilt. The lyrics all fit extremely well with his death at the ending of Act 1, and his mindset from that album.

[@protrive6447]

i think you might be right

[@Yeeren]

I got chills. Time to emerge from the ruins and ashes. Can't wait for Act III to come out already!

[@arthurporter131]

Oof, me too bud :(

[@Yeeren]

@@arthurporter131 :(

[@SolomanVandy]

The hype for this album is palpable

[@dwarfdigger135]

I really really don't think you people understand how powerful this song is

[@StreetSoldier88]

I seriously can't stop listening to this song, I don't think I can handle the wait til Act 3 now that I've got a taste.

[@tooradical7556]

bro please come back

[@Umberman]

THIS CITY MADE US *NO ONE CAN SAVE US NOW*

[@alexanderthegreat3383]

God damn, this song slaps so ridiculously hard. I can't wait for Act 3 to drop.

[@The_Letter_W]

If I get to hear this one live tomorrow evening I can die happy.

[@DisasterTheoryX]

If Fleetwood Mac were new in 2015 this is what they would sound like...... Holy shit this is bad ass.

[@jortalus]

The more I listen to this song, the more I want this act to be like 3 hours long. I don't think I'll ever get enough of this group's amazing music. I already listen to Acts 1 and 2 on loop constantly, so I'm super excited for another full release.

[@MikeAshkewe]

2024 and this STILL slaps and invigorates like few songs can

[@jimtroeltsch5998]

It's coming , I still believe. But we need to make it happen. We can't rely on hero's to do this for us.

[@OverlordGameworks]

So I have a theory. This is about Protoman. I was thinking that this track fits Light bringing Protoman back online. After all, Wily did it once and Megaman has taken off into the sunset. At first I thought this was about Roll but the part where it explains a thousand voices called his name and how there was a crash that broke the silence. That totally describes the fight!

[@fawfulmark2]

These 2 singles along with this Album Cover seem to allude to it be about Roll confronting Megaman after he exiled himself in Act I and try to give humanity another chance.

[@littlepandaexpress]

I love the vocals! I'm digging this!

[@METATRONmusic]

3:54 gave me the biggest eargasm I've had in years.

[@santrow1]

Humanity rides alone. So does Hope.

[@Tacticslion]

Maybe they should start dating! Solve two problems at once!

[@Hudson187]

Perfection. Pre-ordered when it was live online. Couldn't attend the July Connecticut show -- come back soon; I miss you Commander.

[@incendiesproductions]

Man, the Marillion and Iron Maiden influences are so strong here. That call back to Keep Quiet is incredible. I cannot wait for Act III! :D

[@reilover69]

Their music made me.

[@Dracowulf7]

I'm still here...

[@kiddokreations5138]

This sounds so much better then the live version. Clearer and...awesome.

[@WildcardZwei]

After all the covers lately and the feel of this, I could totally see them doing an Iron Maiden cover album. I mean, they did The Trooper, but it would be sick as hell to hear them do Futureal, Fear of the Dark, Run to the Hills, Number of the Beast, Rainmaker, Aces High...etc etc etc.

[@FunwithDolls]

I think I got most of the lyrics down, but there are parts I'm really unsure of. If anyone spots something wrong please let me know. ---------------------- there was a moment in the darkness just before the blinding light the world was standing there before you just out of sight feel the thunder start to move you feel your pulse begin to rise the nights a shock that cuts right through you and you come alive this city made us this city gave us life there was a crash that broke the silence a thousand voices call my name like a moth into the fire i got to find the flame this city made us this city ate us alive this city now will fade away it's crying out I know you think you can control it I've seen the way a crowd can turn givin' everything you got still they want to watch it burn this city now will fade away it's crying out it's not too late they've set the fire now I'll fan the flame I'll give you one more word of wisdom get down and face the gates of hell you're on your own they're all you've got (our hero save us rip up the veil of night)? this city now will fade away it's crying out it's not too late this city now wont miss the night don't let it go with out a fight this city now will fade away [synth voice] Where is our savior no one can save us now why wont you save us why wont you save us now

[@PowerToMario]

+FunwithDolls I always heard it as "This city gave us...light!" But I think 'life' makes more since from the verse before it.

[@drakesyn7805]

I think the line on the last verse is "I'll give you one more word of wisdom, before you stand and face the gates of Hell." I think.

[@animek22x]

+FunwithDolls I think it's "Our hero FAILED us," since Mega Man betrayed them. It would make sense, since the humans are all they have now. No more robots.

[@whiltx]

+FunwithDolls you're on your own you're all you've got

[@searchthenight]

+FunwithDolls lyrics.wikia.com/wiki/The_Protomen:This_City_Made_Us here are the official lyrics that are with the single itself.

[@NEHWind]

This is fantastic. In my eyes it's a perfect blend of Act I and Act II with the music from the Mega Man games with even a dash of the Ruby-Spears cartoon.

[@ElementShoota]

this is the greatest workout song

[@BlueZephor]

I'm gonna cry. This is so good.

[@munsunsnight]

En nivel épico de la rola va más de allá, no es de comprensión sencilla pero al mismo sí lo es. Agradezco haber escontrado ésta música. Salve, saludos desde Guatemala lml

[@shadown64]

Can't wait for the third album. So pumped.

[@---cy5gh]

THERE ARE HEROES LEFT IN MAN

[@Jameskoek]

Hey Kingdom Hearts 3 came out, maybe act 3 will some day....15 years from now.

[@Falcoln999]

It has been a theme lately, has it not? The forgotten, reclaiming it's place at the top of our foremost memories. Coming back, in a blaze of glory. KH3 isn't the only thing that has performed magic of late. :)

[@SiouxTube]

It's only been 5,467 days so far since Act II. Surely, the next part is going to come out soon. It just needs a little more time in the oven. Yep.

[@Jameskoek]

I saw them play this live at the Roxy a few weeks ago, it was one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced.

[@sonsofmim]

The Protos saw the future.

[@danielfontenot7214]

This looks to be a great album, I'm gonna be sad that this will be the last one in this series. I don't know if the PROTOMEN will make other series' off of X or Zero, possibly even the ZX rebirth story. But I'm glad that they made their albums and I'd love to see the electrifying conclusion of this story. Take your time and keep up the good work.

[@inkhat]

Who's excited!? I'm excited!!!

[@gull1265]

there was a moment in the darkness, just before the blinding light

[@kesterfae5447]

It looks like maybe Roll has left the city to convince Megaman to return. That might account for the man to be turning back to the city. But then who knows for now, eagerly waiting :D Come back Megaman, save us!

[@WildcardZwei]

+Krystufa Why would you want a boy who spitefully let "waves of men" fall to save you? I mean, he probably will, but still...

[@kesterfae5447]

Being a huge Megaman fan, I would love to see him still rise up and liberate humanity from Wily's opression, becoming the hero I always saw him as. Even if it was at a terrible cost. I'm not expecting Light to survive this to the end after what he's had to put up with. It would be my ideal act 3. Epic. But really, I'm happy either way. Their music is wonderful. Whatever it turns out to be, I know I'll enjoy it.

[@bluerascal370]

Still hoping Act III will release. Keep up the great work, Protomen!

[@PBCollects]

WHY DID I NOT KNOW THIS CAME OUT

[@Gooberjoovies]

Well I guess it sounds okay, nothing spec- *riff kicks in* Welp I just came. Sweet.

[@ravenglenn6473]

Panther is on some Brad Delp shit in this one, good god he can sing high

[@Leon23546]

It has improved lots from the live version. Really good song. Now you just gotta put up the lyrics please!

[@Frankagator]

Oh my god my body wasn't ready for how good this was. Ugh. So much want for act 3.

[@slimesaurian]

ROCK BAND 4 BABYYYYYY!

[@JonahUniverse]

best song i heard in 2015, hands down.

[@LiamStanway]

This song is my sexual preference

[@AriGriffin243]

This is the song I use to test out new earphones.

[@doug-the-mug1067]

all aboard the hype train, choo choo

[@dorkandproudofit]

Imagine the Protomen playing some massive arena or a festival like Wacken. Kilroy makes his intro, the stage goes pitch black, and a giant screen in the back shows a blue line pulsing with that opening bass like a heart monitor. Then when the bass guitar kicks in, a purple line is added below the blue one. Then, just as Panther starts singing the words "this city made us", you see the letters of "Protomen" moving past each other a la the opening to The Terminator... and just as the guitars and drums kick in, they form the logo.... then KABOOOOM CUE PYROTECHNICS AND METAL!!!

[@IvanTheMouse]

I have read some of the tentative lyrics for this song made and posted by fans and i already have speculations how Act 3 will end, but I won't post it just as a respect to the band and because it is still speculation. But this is pretty good.

[@ToastyRoyale]

Getting super hyped for act III. Amazing song as usual.

[@ToastyRoyale]

Still hyped

[@fedupN]

Wow. Very very nice. You have my interest again, good sirs/madams!

[@TsunamiRage21]

saw these guys do this song live on the 12th and it was AMAZING. as great as theae guys are in the srudio, their live shows are on a whole nother level.