Biography

Emerging from vibrant Vienna, The Black Proteus is an innovative 8-bit rock quartet as diverse as the city itself. The band, with roots that stretch across Austria to Slovenia and Turkey, stands as a dynamic representation of Vienna's rich cultural tapestry. They expertly blend the nostalgic tones of 80s and 90s video game sounds with the robust energy of rock to pioneer a unique genre they call 8-bit rock.
With their second EP 'We Met Again', released alongside their new single and music video 'Waiting for You', The Black Proteus connects the dots back to their debut EP from 2018. This new EP continues the narrative that began six years ago, and together, the two records form what the band considers a virtual album. The latest EP marks a deliberate shift in their musical direction, adding even more traditional rock elements to their signature 8-bit rock style.
The single 'Waiting for You' maintains The Black Proteus’s distinctive sound, merging rock with retro console sounds. The accompanying music video, produced by Studio Zima, heightens the nostalgia, featuring a wide range of memorable objects like retro gaming consoles, floppy disks, and video cassettes. True to their visual style, The Black Proteus dons their iconic space suits, continuing their thematic exploration of time and space. The song and video poignantly depict the emotional turmoil of mismatched expectations and the feeling of being overlooked by loved ones, which, as we see in the video, sometimes erupts in comically destructive ways. Yet, the most crucial message is the importance of reconciliation in the end.

Since their inception six years ago, The Black Proteus has made significant strides in both the studio and on stage. They first made waves with 'Brand New Start' and their debut EP 'We Meet Again', establishing a sound that blends grunge and alternative rock. Their album 'Loading...' marked a major evolution in their style, incorporating the sounds of gaming consoles into their rock base, further enriching the texture of 8-bit rock. This unique blend of sounds has brought them significant attention, featuring prominently on Austrian radio stations and at music venues across Europe.
Last year's '8-Bit Invasion Tour' took them across Italy, Austria, Spain, and Slovenia, showcasing their ambition to transcend borders. This year marks a significant milestone as The Black Proteus reached the finals of the esteemed Wacken Metal Battle, recognized as favorites by an international jury. The victory provides an opportunity to perform at the renowned Wacken festival in Germany, one of the largest rock festivals globally, drawing 75,000 attendees annually.
As they prepare for this year's '8-Bit Invasion Vol. 2' tour across Austria, Germany, and Amsterdam, The Black Proteus invites fans to join them for electrifying performances that promise a fusion of 8-bit rock and immersive space-themed spectacles. The Black Proteus encourages fans to stay tuned on social media for the latest updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.