Protest the Hero’s Volition is one of those landmark records that tends to stick with you. Fast, technical, melodic, and surprisingly catchy, it’s an album that bridged the band’s cult following with a more accessible, “commercial” sound—without sacrificing the riffs.
For guitarists, it’s also a masterclass in tight rhythm work, intricate lead lines, and creative song structures. In this post, I’ll walk through a special, signed copy of Volition, how it’s presented, and why it’s such a cool piece of gear-adjacent memorabilia to hang in any guitarist’s space.
Overview / First Impressions
This particular copy of Volition is a signed edition, featuring signatures from all members of Protest the Hero. It’s not just a standard signed sleeve either—there’s a personal touch: the owner’s name appears in the liner notes as a backer of the album’s crowdfunding campaign (GoFundMe / Kickstarter-style).
First impressions:
- Fully signed by the entire band
- Backer’s name printed in the liner notes
- Nicely framed so everything is visible and protected
- All discs included and in great condition
Despite a bit of shipping damage, the overall presentation is striking. It’s the kind of piece that instantly starts a conversation when someone walks into your studio or practice space.
Build Quality & Design
We’re not talking about a pedal or guitar here, but the physical package still matters—especially when you’re framing it as a display piece.
The album package:
- Multi-disc set, with all discs stored cleanly and securely
- Artwork and layout consistent with Protest the Hero’s high visual standards
- Liner notes that include the names of crowdfunding supporters
The frame:
- Chosen to fit the entire package: artwork, liner notes, and discs
- Clean layout that shows off the signatures and design
- Provides protection from dust and handling, ideal for long-term display
The frame choice is important here. Rather than just hanging the sleeve, the owner opted for a frame that showcases the whole package—signatures, discs, and liner notes—turning it into a proper centerpiece rather than just a record on the wall.
Features & Functions (From a Guitarist’s Perspective)
While this is a collector’s piece, not a piece of gear, it still has “features” that matter to musicians and fans.
- Full band signatures
Great if you’re into collecting band memorabilia or just want something personal in your practice room. - Backer name in the liner notes
This is a unique connection to the record. It’s not just a signed copy; it’s proof you were part of the album’s creation process. For a guitarist, that’s a cool reminder of supporting the music that inspires your playing. - Multi-disc setup
Practical if you still spin physical media—plus, the discs themselves become part of the visual design when framed.
How It Fits Into a Guitarist’s Space
From a guitarist’s point of view, something like this does more than decorate a wall—it sets a tone for the room.
- Inspiration piece:
Volition is packed with complex riffs, tight alternate picking, and creative chord work. Having the album physically on the wall can be a constant reminder to push your technique and songwriting. - Studio vibe:
Signed records and framed albums instantly make a home studio or practice space feel more “real.” It’s the same reason studios hang platinum records or tour posters—these visuals reinforce your connection to the music. - Conversation starter:
Other guitarists will recognize the band and the album. It’s an easy way to break the ice, talk influences, and maybe end up trading licks or learning songs from the record together.
Limitations / Things to Know
A few practical considerations:
- Shipping damage risk:
This copy arrived with a bit of damage from shipping. If you’re ordering rare or signed items, it’s worth opting for better packaging or insured shipping when possible. - Display vs. use:
Once you frame an album like this, it becomes more of a display piece than a daily-use item. If you want to regularly spin the discs, consider ripping them digitally first or keeping a separate copy for listening. - Fragility of signatures:
Over time, signatures can fade if exposed to direct sunlight. Using UV-protective glass or hanging the frame away from direct light can help preserve them.
Final Thoughts
This signed, framed copy of Protest the Hero’s Volition is more than just a record—it’s a personal slice of prog-metal history. For guitarists, it’s a visual anchor to an album that’s both technically demanding and surprisingly accessible, arguably one of the band’s most commercial-sounding releases while still being packed with insane guitar work.
Despite a bit of shipping damage, the overall piece looks fantastic: clean framing, all discs intact, signatures from the full band, and that extra touch of seeing your own name in the liner notes. If you’re the kind of player who draws motivation from the music on your walls as much as the gear on your floor, something like this is a very satisfying addition to your space.
Resources
If Volition is your thing and you’re a guitarist looking to go deeper:
- Learn a few tracks by ear or with tabs to study the band’s riff writing, odd-time grooves, and chord choices.
- Analyze how the guitar parts balance technicality with strong melodic hooks—useful if you’re writing your own progressive or metal material.
- Explore other Protest the Hero albums to hear how their guitar work evolved before and after Volition.
Even if you’re mostly a digital listener these days, a well-framed signed record from a band that inspires you can be one of the most rewarding “non-gear” upgrades you make to your guitar room.