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Project 86 is an American rock band from Orange County, California,[1] formed in 1996. The band has released twelve albums, which have collectively sold nearly 500,000 units worldwide, two EPs, two DVDs, and two live albums.[2]

Key Information

In 1998, BEC Recordings released a self-titled debut album that was well received by critics and consumers. Their second release, Drawing Black Lines, garnered attention from mainstream record labels; Atlantic licensed the album from Tooth & Nail Records, the parent company of BEC. The band's third release, Truthless Heroes, was released exclusively by Atlantic, after the band was bought-out of their original deal with Tooth & Nail. The band parted ways with Atlantic shortly after their third release, upon which they had a short stint as an independent. The band then negotiated a new contract with Tooth & Nail, and subsequently released three more albums, the last one being Picket Fence Cartel in summer 2009. After fulfilling their last agreement with T&N, in December 2011 the band announced a Kickstarter campaign via their official website and Facebook page, stating that "the fans are now our record label." Their eighth studio release, Wait for the Siren, was released in 2012. Their ninth album, Knives to the Future, was independently released by Team Black Recordings in 2014.

History

[edit]

1996–1999: Formation and self-titled debut

[edit]

According to the official Project 86 documentary "XV," Project 86 formed in mid 1996 by vocalist Andrew Schwab in Orange County, California.[3] Guitarist Randy Torres, who was a sophomore in high school, was the first member recruited. The original lineup included Schwab, Torres, Ethan Luck (Demon Hunter, Relient K), and bassist Matt Hernandez (Unashamed, The Dingees).[4][5] Drummer Alex Albert was added when Hernandez left the band after a few rehearsals, then Luck moved to bass from drums. Luck left the band to join The Dingees in Summer 1997, after which high school senior Steven Dail joined in late 1997.[3]

Schwab comments in a 2004 interview regarding the number 86 in the band name: "The generation before us used that phrase to describe when they would reject or remove something...Project 86 is like the whole idea of being rejected, or separate, or not going along with the current."[3] The group did not travel much initially; they decided to hone their sound and live performances before embarking on tours.[6] In 1997, Project 86 was voted one of the top independent acts of the year by HM magazine readers. At Tomfest the same year, their performance was a big hit and Tooth & Nail Records, became interested and subsequently signed them.[3]

Bryan Carlstrom produced their self-titled debut. He had engineered albums by multi-platinum outfits The Offspring and Alice in Chains as well as producing labelmates Stavesacre .[7] Schwab drew upon personal struggles he was experiencing at the time to write meaningful lyrics.[8] Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of nu metal group P.O.D., appeared as a guest performer. The album was released in June 1998 and was well received.[9] It sold over 50,000 copies to date and gained mainstream exposure on MTV shows Road Rules and The Real World.[6] Project 86 was observed by Allmusic to be the "most daring album at the time for its genre".[9] The success of their debut made Project 86 a top seller for BEC/Tooth and Nail.[10] The band embarked on a pioneering tour called "The Warriors Come Out and Play Tour" in May 1999 with friends P.O.D. and Blindside as the middle slot, which drew crowds of 600-1000 across the nation.

2000–2003: Drawing Black Lines and Truthless Heroes

[edit]

[11] The group worked on their sophomore record with producer Garth "GGGarth" Richardson.[12] in Vancouver, BC. Schwab wrote lyrics about a wider variety of issues, rather than just focusing on personal expression with their sophomore release: "The new album deals a lot less with me, and more with the world around us; Issues in people, society, culture".[8] The sound was heavier and more progressive, with more hints of melody as well. As soon as the album was finished it garnered interest from several major labels, and Atlantic records licensed the album for co-release with Tooth and Nail/BEC in March 2000. Drawing Black Lines peaked at No. 37 on Heatseekers,[13] and was well received by critics.[14][15][10][16] By this time, listeners in the band had begun to amass a sizable fanbase.[17] Despite heavy reliance on tour dates and word of mouth to inform people of its release, the album experienced some commercial success when it eventually sold nearly 120,000 copies.[18][19] The band added Cory Edelmann, previously of No Innocent Victim, after the album was finished.[citation needed] Project 86 traveled nationwide with P.O.D., Hed PE, and Linkin Park on the "Kings of the Game" tour in October 2000.[20] They also played a string of shows with Queensrÿche.[21]

In 2002, Project 86 teamed with Slayer producer Matt Hyde to record their next album. The record was envisioned as a critique of post-9/11 America and the music industry. Formatted as a concept album, it told the story of a character attempting to find fulfillment in modern culture. "Songs were written and assembled with a certain ebb and flow in mind," said Schwab, "I approached the album like writing chapters in a book."[17] The group spent over 14 months recording demos for Atlantic, which invested nearly $1,000,000 in the project when it was all said and done.[22] Because of the pressure to produce radio singles, the sound of the album was quite different from its previous releases, as was Schwab's cryptic lyrics, which represented the frustrations of being stifled creatively and feeling powerless in the process. [23]

"Little Green Men"
Some Christians were concerned with the lyrics in Truthless Heroes; in the first track, Little Green Men, Schwab yells "I don't need anybody, I don't need anyone, I don't need your guidance home!".[24] On the other hand, Allmusic writer Bradley Torreano declared it "one of the most topical metal albums of the turn of the century."[25]
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Truthless Heroes was released in September 2002 and peaked at No. 146 on the Billboard 200. Their first and only single, "Hollow Again", peaked at No. 35 on Mainstream Rock Tracks.[13] Atlantic refused to release the second single because they claimed the lyrics conflicted with the Iraq War effort.[22] While lauded by critics for its pounding criticism of the media and entertainment industry,[24][25][26] the album proved to be controversial, particularly the promotional website.[27] The group performed with Taproot on their self-titled tour in fall 2002.[28] In addition, they played shows with Thirty Seconds to Mars, Trapt, Blindside, Trust Company, Sevendust, and Finger Eleven.[citation needed]

2003–2006: Songs to Burn Your Bridges By and ...And the Rest Will Follow

[edit]
Andrew Schwab in 2006

In mid-2003 the band parted ways with Atlantic and their management team. The departure from Atlantic, in particular, was a big disappointment for the band. "All of the hype about our future successes turned out to be just that – hype, " said Schwab in an interview, "We did not go platinum [...] the record fell short of expectations and did not come close to the impact of our previous effort." Project 86 then started an independent label called "Team Black Recordings". Work began on a new album after Hyde was convinced to produce again.[29] Their fourth album, Songs to Burn Your Bridges By, was made available exclusively on their website in Fall 2003.[27]

The following year, Project 86 re-signed with their previous label, Tooth and Nail.[29] Songs to Burn Your Bridges By was re-released in June 2004. The new version included 3 new tracks produced by Aaron Sprinkle and mixed by J.R. McNeely, several new mixes, and featured new artwork.[30] The release peaked at No. 36 on Heatseekers,[13] and was met with positive reviews by critics.[27][30][31] According to Schwab, the album was a return to the bands heavier roots, and a means to express the frustrations the band went through during Truthless Heroes.[32] The group performed at Purple Door, a Christian music festival, later that year. When Project 86 played their set, moshers threw mud everywhere and covered the stage and musical equipment. Thousands of dollars' worth of musical equipment was damaged.[33]

In Spring 2005, Project 86 reunited with Drawing Black Lines producer Garth Richardson to record their fifth album, ...And the Rest Will Follow.[34] After spending several days recording demos, the band flew to Vancouver, British Columbia, to record at The Farm Studios Compound. The band filmed the entire production and later released a DVD documentary entitled Subject to Change: The Making of ...And the Rest Will Follow.[35] The album marked a spiritual change for the group who felt humbled by their past experiences. "The record is about growing up and becoming a man and taking responsibility for your past mistakes," said Schwab, "[We are] refocusing our goals back to what they were when we started, reaching kids and inspiring them to live lives with hope and purpose."[36]

To promote the album, Project 86 released a new song on PureVolume every Monday until the release date.[37] ...And the Rest Will Follow was released in September 2005[38] and debuted at No. 131 on the Billboard 200.[13] Critics were positive about the release.[38][39][40] The band began a fall release tour and traveled with Spoken, Number One Gun, The Fold, and Mourning September.[41] In January 2006, a live performance of the single "My Will Be A Dead Man" was broadcast on Attack of the Show!.[42]

2007–2008: Rival Factions, The Kane Mutiny EP, and This Time of Year EP

[edit]
Vocalist Andrew Schwab performs at a concert. He has shaved his head and is wearing a black sleeveless shirt that displays his tattoos.
Vocalist Andrew Schwab performing at Cornerstone Festival 2007.

In March 2007, Project 86 announced that Alex Albert had parted with the band on friendly terms to pursue other interests.[43] Instead of searching for a full-time replacement, the band recruited Jason Gerken, formerly of Shiner, to play drums on the record.[44] Production of their sixth album, entitled Rival Factions, followed suit with Deftones engineer Ulrich Wild.[45] The album proved to be a large departure from their edgier material by sporting a distinct 1980s sound influenced by goth rock.[46]

In the end, 40 songs were amassed for the new record, but only ten were used.[47] According to Schwab, the album's title was chosen to represent "the tension that exists in everybody [...] the flesh and the spirit." It was also representative of their new musical direction, an attempt to polarize themselves from other heavy rock acts.[44] Similarly to their last record, a documentary was filmed that detailed the recording process, entitled I Want Something You Have: Rival Factions The DVD.[48]

Rival Factions was released in June 2007[49] and peaked at No. 124 on the Billboard 200, the band's highest debut to date.[13] The record sold 6,000 copies in the first week[50] and was well received by critics, who made favorable comparisons to Duran Duran, Billy Idol, and the Killers.[45][49][51] The band proceeded to tour with labelmates MXPX, Showbread, and Sullivan on the summer Tooth & Nail Tour.[52] A performance also took place at the annual Christmas Rock Night event in Ennepetal, Germany, that December.[53]

Project 86 performs at a concert. The entire band plays on a stage in front of a group of people, engulfed in blue lights.
Project 86 performing at Easterfest 2008 in Australia.

Several tracks were recorded and mixed that were not included on Rival Factions.[54] These songs were compiled with their previous remixes to form an EP. A cover of "Lucretia, My Reflection" by the Sisters of Mercy was also included. The Kane Mutiny EP was released exclusively on iTunes in November 2007.[55] Shortly after its release, the band uploaded a cover of "This Time of the Year" by Brenda Lee on iTunes. "Our version was a little bit more like A Nightmare Before Christmas [sic]," declared Schwab.[54] The single was well received and led Project 86 to build an entire EP around the Christmas concept. This Time of Year EP was released in November 2008. Unlike the previous EP, This Time of Year was made available in digital and physical formats.[56] Jason Martin of indie rock outfit Starflyer 59 helped record both albums.[57]

2009–2012: Picket Fence Cartel and XV Live

[edit]

In early 2009, the band returned to the studio with Martin and Ulrich Wild to record their seventh album, Picket Fence Cartel. Time was spent leisurely crafting the album; previous endeavors had been limited by deadlines. "This time around, we said, 'Look, let's not just put out another record,'" said Schwab, "'Let's make sure we get the record to a place that we're happy with it.'"[57] The band focused on a heavy metal sound. However, they did not entirely jettison their 1980s influences as synthesizers percolated several songs. Schwab's lyrics focused on his belief that power and corruption often "run hand-in-hand when it comes to human souls." "The world is teaching us that fame is to be sought after; that recognition will equal success, fortune and, ultimately, peace," he said, "But the search for and attainment of fame and wealth usually destroy us in the end."[58]

The record was released in July 2009 and peaked at No. 137 on the Billboard 200.[59] Critics praised the title for its barrage of heavy rock and spiritually minded lyrics.[60][61][62] Later that summer, Project 86 traveled nationwide on the Scream the Prayer Tour with metalcore outfits The Chariot, Haste the Day, and Gwen Stacy.[63] Coming mid-October, Project 86 started the Picket Fence Cartel Tour with Children 18:3, Showbread, The Wedding, and Yearling,[64] and added a second part in spring 2010 with Flatfoot 56 and Wavorly.[65] The band released their first live album, entitled XV Live, in December 2010 to commemorate their 15th anniversary. The album's songs spanned every studio album with the exception of the first.[66]

Randy Torres, who had been gradually becoming less involved in the band over the previous several albums, decided to leave the band in late 2008 to work for Tooth and Nail records, and later, Microsoft. Steven Dail followed suit approximately one year later, citing the need to stop touring and be home with his family.[citation needed] [citation needed]

2012–2013: Wait for the Siren

[edit]

Project 86 launched a Kickstarter campaign in December 2011 in an effort to "Make the fans the record label" after fulfilling their most recent contract with Tooth and Nail Records. Their eighth studio album titled Wait for the Siren was recorded in January and February 2012.[citation needed]

Wait for the Siren was recorded and produced independently through fan support via the band's 2011-2012 Kickstarter campaign. On May 24, 2012, Project 86 released four preview tracks for the tracks "Fall, Goliath Fall", "Sots", "Off the Grid", and "Take the Hill".[citation needed]

The album was officially released on August 20, 2012.[citation needed]

2014–2016: Knives to the Future

[edit]

In late 2013, Project 86 announced that they were about to work on their ninth album which will also be released independently.[citation needed] He also said they will also do an acoustic EP plus Andrew Schwab will also release a solo album which will also be produced independently.[citation needed] They started an Indiegogo funding campaign on Feb 11 and closed on April 12, 2014 (11:59 pm PT). They successfully got US$89,816 raised of a goal of $50,000.[citation needed]

Schwab announced that pre-production for a new album began on June 6 followed by a month-long recording session in Steelman Studios in Van Nuys, CA. Matt McClellan and the band collaborated on production and Steve Evetts mixed the album. Dan Mumford was scheduled to do the artwork.[citation needed] The band spent the middle of the year in Los Angeles recording 18 new tracks including an acoustic EP. With a career spanning nearly 20 years and selling over half a million records Andrew Schwab feels this album is a special landmark for P86. He says, "We have loved pushing the envelope of evolution on every Project 86 release and this record is no exception. The inspiration behind this record is completely different and it's been incredible to write and record with such a talented group of guys.".[citation needed] Joining Schwab in the studio is Darren King (The Overseer) on guitar, Cody Driggers (The Wedding) on bass, and Ryan Wood (7 Horns 7 Eyes) on drums.[67]

Project 86 announced the title of their album to be Knives to the Future[citation needed] and was released on November 11, 2014.[citation needed] "Spirit of Shiloh", the first song from the album, debuted on SoundCloud.[citation needed]

In 2016, the band started a celebration for their 20th anniversary.[68] They announced that they would release a new record and when supporting their PledgeMusic campaign, they sent an EP to all pledgers, titled Influence EP, which consists of cover songs of bands that all influenced them.[69][70] On September 13, 2016, the band announced their 20th anniversary tour with support from Death Therapy.[71]

2017–2024: Sheep Among Wolves and Omni

[edit]

From October 2016 to October 2017, while the band was writing and recording new music, they released eight new songs total for pledgers who pre-ordered new album on PledgeMusic. On October 9, 2017, it was announced that a new album, Sheep Among Wolves, was to be officially released on December 5, 2017, in celebration of their 20th anniversary as a band. The album featured a three-piece lineup of Schwab, King, and Wolves at the Gate and The Overseer drummer Abishai Collingsworth.

In 2021, the band announced that their upcoming 11th studio album would be their last.[72] On December 15, 2022, the first single for the album, "Metatropolis", was released, along with the album's name, Omni, as well as the announcement that it would be a double album, with Pt. 1 a full length and Pt. 2 two EPs.[73] On January 20, 2023, the band released a second single for the album, "0 > 1".[74][75] After a third single, "Virtual Signal", was released, Project 86 released Omni, Pt. 1 on March 24, 2023.[76][77] Pt. 2 was slated for release on March 1, 2024, with the first single, "Ultraviolent", dropping on December 1, 2023.[78] However, the album's release was moved early to January 12, 2024.[79]

Despite the promotion of Omni as the band's last, in an interview with Heaven's Metal magazine, Andrew Schwab divulged that Project 86 would be rebranded P86:Omni with the new shift in genre, ending the former incarnation of the band and beginning the new one.[80]

Musical style

[edit]

For most of their career, Project 86's music was characterized by heavy rock[81] and Schwab's "loud, eerie, and atmospheric" vocal style.[27] Their sound has been likened to rock groups Helmet, Rage Against the Machine, and Tool.[6] The adjective "intense" has frequently been used as a description.[6][38][36][19] Rick Anderson of Allmusic called the music "dense and crunchy",[82] while Albuquerque Journal writer Ron Gonzales declared it a "blisteringly heavy sound."[81] Commenting on their musical style, Schwab said, "Our goal as a band has been to never make the same record twice. The only rule is that there are no rules. If there is a rule, it's that we try not to over-think things, that the music that comes out is honest and real, spontaneous and from our heart."[47]

When Project 86 released their self-titled record, they were generally acknowledged to be a rapcore band.[83] Schwab has maintained it was never intentional, "I think we got lumped in with that music because we [had] toured with P.O.D. and Linkin Park."[46] According to writer Mark Allan Powell, the music featured "cryptic, down-tuned guitars" and "half-spoken, half-rapped" vocals.[84] Drawing Black Lines saw their style adopt elements of traditional metal, groove metal, and hard rock.[10] The band used their song "Pipedream" as a blueprint to build the album: "We knew that was one of the brightest spots on the album," said Schwab, "I just wanted to take what we did in 'Pipedream' and go further with it".[85] Experimentation with noise occurred in track "Twenty-Three",[16] and would be revisited on their fourth album with "Circuitry".[30]

Truthless Heroes and Songs To Burn Your Bridges By generally focused on a "dark, rock musical direction". The group strayed from the style for their fifth album ...And The Rest Will Follow, opting to flirt with melodies and harmonies.[38] Rival Factions marked a great departure when they embraced 1980s music and utilized keyboards.[47] Their signature hardcore sound was reinstated for Picket Fence Cartel. "We have had a great time adding more melody along the way," insisted Schwab, "but in our hearts, we still really enjoy playing aggressive songs".[58] Even so, some songs retained synthesizers while others boasted folk influences.[58][62]

"Illuminate"
"Illuminate" is the seventh track on Rival Factions. Allmusic writer Jo-Anne Greene called it "a hook-riven, keyboard driven number that sounds to be ripped right out of [a] Duran Duran songbook..."[49]
"To Sand We Return"
The last track on Picket Fence Cartel, "To Sand We Return", contains a folk interlude that Schwab compared to "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin.[86] The lyrics speak about "unapologetically" surrendering to God.[60]
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The band's 2023 album Omni, Pt. 1 saw the band transition from their alternative hard rock to metalcore with heavy industrial and djent elements; Schwab's vocal style for this genre change transformed from expressive yelling into a vicious gritty roar.[87][88] Talking about the dramatic shift in genre with Sound In the Signals, Schwab said, "To be honest, I had a hankering to take the sound of the band in a heavier direction for a very long time, really, since Drawing Black Lines was released—we knew that people who were familiar with the band would be excited, and I personally couldn’t wait to see the reactions. The most common comment [I get] is, 'Who is the guest vocalist?' Many people said this because I took a heavier approach with the vocals this time around; instead of my typical shout, I went more death metal. Many were surprised by this, but I actually have sung this way live for about a decade."[89] Another reason for Schwab shifting the band's genre was professional throat care he underwent during the COVID-19 pandemic, to get rid of a nodule he had developed as far back as Truthless Heroes. This allowed him to experiment with vocal styles, which led to the genre shift.[90]

Influences

[edit]

Rock bands have largely influenced the band like the Deftones, Sepultura, Sick of It All, and Snapcase.[3][46] At an early age, Schwab listened to Slayer, S.O.D., and Metallica.[91] He later discovered East Coast hip hop.[3] During the recording of Rival Factions, the band took heavy influence from post-punk groups like Depeche Mode, Joy Division, Psychedelic Furs, and The Sisters of Mercy.[46] Some of their favorite bands are The Cure, Portishead, Quicksand, Shiner, and Sunny Day Real Estate.[92]

Lyrics

[edit]

Vocalist Andrew Schwab is the band's lead lyricist.[38] Schwab has said most lyrics are based on his emotions.[54] He also tries to incorporate social commentary from literature.[93] Prominent influences include comic book artist Chris Ware and writers Chris Bachelder, Don DeLillo, Aldous Huxley, George Orwell, and T. S. Eliot.[93] He has written lyrics on a variety of topics, including alcohol abuse ("One-Armed Man"),[12] conformity ("S.M.C."),[26] emptiness ("Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)"),[44] greed ("Cold and Calculated"),[86] nightlife ("Molotov"),[44] spirituality ("Chapter 2"),[12] pornography ("P.S."),[27] and child molestation ("Sioux Lane Spirits").[12] He delved into conceptual writing for 2023 and 2024's Omni, detailing a story of an oppressive dystopian society led by a corporation that seeks to merge man with AI technology in order to eradicate God.[94][95]

Members

[edit]
Guitarist Randy Torres and Bassist Steven Dail
Current lineup
Name Instrument Years Other groups
Andrew Schwab lead vocals 1996–present London SiX Echo
Darren King guitars, keyboards, backing vocals 2014–present The Overseer
Cody Driggers bass, backing vocals 2013–present The Wedding
Blake Martin guitars 2012 (Session), 2020–present A Plea for Purging, Haste the Day
Abishai Collingsworth drums 2016–present[96][failed verification] The Overseer, Wolves at the Gate, TRAMPS
Former members
Name Instrument Years Other projects
Ryan Wood drums 2013–2016 7 Horns 7 Eyes
Dustinn Lowry guitars, backing vocals 2012–2014 The Becoming
Mike "Norman" Williams bass 2012–2013 The Agony Scene
Scott Davis drums 2012–2013 The Myriad
Alex Albert drums 1996–2007 Crash Rickshaw, Focused[97]
Corey Edelmann guitars, backing vocals 2000-2002 No Innocent Victim
Matt "Bean" Hernandez bass 1996 Unashamed, The Dingees
Steven Dail bass, guitars, backing vocals 1997–2010 Crash Rickshaw, Neon Horse, White Lighter, Bloodshed, Starflyer 59
Randy Torres guitars, Keyboards, backing vocals 1996–2009 Crash Rickshaw, NYVES
Ethan Luck drums, bass 1996–1997 The O.C. Supertones, Demon Hunter, Relient K, Kings of Leon
Jason Gerken drums 2007–2012 Open Hand, Shiner, Hum
Studio and session musicians
Name Instrument Years Other projects
Andrew Welch guitar 2012 Disciple, TFK
Rocky Gray drums 2012 Living Sacrifice, Soul Embraced, Evanescence, Solus Deus, Machina, Shredded Corpse
Grayson Stewart bass 2023–2024 Great American Ghost, Norma Jean
Matt Marquez drums 2023–2024 Haste The Day, Heartist, Nevea Tears, Norma Jean
Michael Palmquist guitar 2023–2024 Norma Jean
Touring musicians
Name Instrument Years Other projects
Alex[98] bass 2009
Jack Huston[99] bass Maranatha, White Wolves
Jason Wisdom bass 2018 Becoming the Archetype, Solamors, Death Therapy
Josh Hagquist guitar, backing vocals 2011, 2017–2019 The Beautiful Mistake, Stranger Kings
Jon Berndtson bass, backing vocals 2019 The Beautiful Mistake, Years Spent, Get Young, Cue the Doves
Rein Blomquist bass 2018 Kitfai
Arne Steinar Myrvang drums 2018 Kitfai
Joey West drums 2019 Disciple

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[100] 		US
Christ.
[101] 		US
Rock
[102] 		US
Hard
Rock
[103] 		US
Indie
[104] 		US
Heat.
[105]
Project 86 — — — — — —
Drawing Black Lines
  • Released: March 21, 2000
  • Label: BEC, Atlantic
  • Formats: CD, cassette
 — 14 — — — —
Truthless Heroes
  • Released: September 24, 2002
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Formats: CD, cassette
 146 9 — — — 4
Songs to Burn Your Bridges By
  • Released: November 14, 2003
  • Label: Team Black Recordings
  • Formats: CD
 — 14 — — — 36
...And the Rest Will Follow
  • Released: September 27, 2005
  • Label: Tooth & Nail
  • Formats: CD
 131 7 — — — 3
Rival Factions
  • Released: June 19, 2007
  • Label: Tooth & Nail
  • Formats: CD
 124 5 — — — —
Picket Fence Cartel
  • Released: July 14, 2009
  • Label: Tooth & Nail
  • Formats: CD, LP
 137 7 — — — —
Wait for the Siren
  • Released: August 21, 2012
  • Label: Team Black Recordings
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
 127 4 38 7 18 —
Knives to the Future
  • Released: November 11, 2014
  • Label: Team Black Recordings
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
 — 38 — — — —
Sheep Among Wolves
  • Released: December 5, 2017
  • Label: Team Black Recordings
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
 —[A] 19 — — 15 —
Omni, Pt. 1
  • Released: March 24, 2023
  • Label: Spaceuntravel
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
 — — — — — —
Omni, Pt. 2
  • Released: January 12, 2024
  • Label: Spaceuntravel
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
 — — — — — —

Live albums

[edit]
  • 2010: 15. Live.

EPs

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Main.
[107]
"Pipe Dream" 1998 — Project 86
"One-Armed Man (Play On)" 2000 — Drawing Black Lines
"Hollow Again" 2003 35 Truthless Heroes
"The Spy Hunter" — Songs to Burn Your Bridges By
"My Will Be a Dead Man"[108] 2005 — ...And the Rest Will Follow
"All of Me"[108] —
"Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)"[109] 2007 — Rival Factions
"This Time of Year"[110] 2008 — This Time of Year EP
"Dark Angel Dragnet" 2009 — Picket Fence Cartel
"The Butcher" 2010 —
"Destroyer"[111] —
"The Spy Hunter (Live)" 2011 — 15. Live.
"Fall, Goliath, Fall" 2012 — Wait for the Siren
"Omerta's Sons" 2013 —
"Off The Grid" —
"New Transmission" —
"Pale Rider" 2014 — Knives to the Future
"Ambigram" 2015 —
"By Constantine" 2016 — Sheep Among Wolves
"MHS" 2017 —
"Metatropolis" 2022 — Omni, Pt. 1
"0 > 1" 2023 —
"Virtual Signal" —
"Ultraviolent" — Omni, Pt. 2
"Pariah" 2024 —

Filmography

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Project 86

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from Grokipedia
Project 86 is an American alternative metal band formed in 1996 in Orange County, California.[1] Fronted by vocalist Andrew Schwab, the group originated with members including guitarist Randy Torres, bassist Steven Dail, and drummer Alex Albert, drawing from influences in nu metal and hardcore punk to craft a dense, riff-driven sound paired with introspective lyrics on themes of alienation, redemption, and moral ambiguity.[2][3] The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1998 by BEC Recordings, marked their entry into the rock scene, establishing a foundation for subsequent releases that evolved from aggressive early works to more experimental and melodic structures while sustaining a core emphasis on raw emotional delivery.[4][1] Over nearly three decades, Project 86 has issued multiple studio albums, toured alongside diverse acts in both mainstream and faith-influenced circuits, and cultivated a loyal following through consistent output, including the recent two-part OMNI series concluding in 2024, reflecting Schwab's ongoing role as the sole original member amid lineup changes.[5][6]

History

1996–1999: Formation and self-titled debut

Project 86 was formed in mid-1996 in Orange County, California, by vocalist Andrew Schwab, who recruited high school sophomore guitarist Randy Torres as the first member, followed by bassist Matt "Bean" Hernandez and drummer Ethan Luck to complete the initial lineup.[7][8] The band, originally known internally as "The Project," recorded a demo tape featuring early compositions influenced by hardcore punk and emerging rap-metal styles, reflecting Schwab's vision for introspective, narrative-driven lyrics paired with aggressive instrumentation.[9] Personnel changes occurred shortly after formation, with Hernandez departing to join other projects and Luck transitioning out by 1997; Alex Albert assumed drumming duties, while Steven Dail joined on bass, stabilizing the core group of Schwab, Torres, Albert, and Dail that would record the debut.[10] These shifts aligned with the band's efforts to refine their sound amid the late-1990s Christian alternative rock scene, where Tooth & Nail Records and its BEC imprint were promoting acts blending punk energy with heavier elements. On June 16, 1998, Project 86 released their self-titled debut album through BEC Recordings, the Christian music division of Tooth & Nail Records.[11] Co-produced by the band and engineer Bryan Carlstrom, the 11-track record showcased rap-infused verses, rapid-fire guitar riffs from Torres, and Schwab's spoken-word delivery over tracks like "Me Against Myself" and "Six Sirens," drawing comparisons to contemporaries in nu-metal and post-hardcore.[12] The album's production emphasized raw intensity and thematic depth, with Schwab's lyrics exploring personal struggle and redemption without explicit proselytizing. The debut garnered positive reception within the Christian music market, selling briskly to become one of BEC's top performers and securing airplay for singles on trade publications including CMJ and Hits Magazine.[13] Critics noted its energetic fusion of genres as a standout, helping establish Project 86 as an emerging force in underground Christian rock, though mainstream crossover remained limited due to the niche label distribution.[14]

2000–2003: Drawing Black Lines and Truthless Heroes

In 2000, Project 86 released their second studio album, Drawing Black Lines, on March 21 through BEC Recordings, an imprint of Tooth & Nail Records.[15] The album was produced by Garth Richardson, known for his work with bands like Rage Against the Machine, and featured a heavier, more polished nu-metal sound compared to the band's self-titled debut, with tracks such as "One-Armed Man (Play On)" and "Me Against Me" emphasizing aggressive riffs and Schwab's intense vocal delivery.[16] The record's success led to a licensing deal with Atlantic Records, which reissued the album with major-label branding to expand distribution, though the band maintained creative control under Tooth & Nail.[17] The band supported Drawing Black Lines with extensive touring, including the "Kings of the Game" tour in October 2000 alongside P.O.D., (hed) P.E., and Linkin Park, which exposed them to broader audiences in the alternative metal scene.[18] This period marked growing visibility in Christian and mainstream rock circuits, with the album achieving strong sales through grassroots promotion and live performances, exceeding 100,000 copies within a year despite limited major-label marketing.[2] Lineup remained consistent with vocalist Andrew Schwab, guitarist Randy Torres, bassist Steven Dail, and drummer Alex Albert, though additional guitarist Corey Edelmann contributed during parts of 2000–2002.[9][3] By 2001, frustrations with Atlantic's lack of substantive support prompted Project 86 to return focus to Tooth & Nail for their next release, amid Schwab experiencing vocal strain that altered his aggressive shouting style during recording sessions.[19][20] Truthless Heroes, the band's third album, emerged on September 24, 2002, as a concept-driven work exploring themes of disillusionment and false idols, with production emphasizing cleaner tones and melodic elements in tracks like "Little Green Men" and "Team Black."[21] The extended recording process, spanning about a year, reflected experimentation but yielded mixed fan reception for diverging from the raw energy of prior efforts, though critics noted improved sonic clarity.[22][23]

2003–2006: Songs to Burn Your Bridges By and ...And the Rest Will Follow

Project 86 independently released their fourth studio album, Songs to Burn Your Bridges By, on November 14, 2003, through the band's own imprint, Team Black.[24] The record featured 13 tracks, including "The Spy Hunter," "Oblivion," and "Safe Haven," emphasizing the band's aggressive alternative metal style with introspective lyrics.[25] Tooth & Nail Records reissued the album on June 1, 2004, with remastered and remixed audio, updated artwork, and three bonus tracks to broaden distribution.[26] Critics praised the album's raw energy and production, though some noted its experimental edge diverged from prior nu-metal roots toward post-hardcore influences. AllMusic awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting its thematic depth on personal reinvention.[27] Rate Your Music users rated it 3.4 out of 5, appreciating tracks like "Circuitry" for their intensity.[28] To support the release, the band undertook U.S. tours, sharing stages with groups such as P.O.D. and Hed PE.[29] In 2005, Project 86 issued their fifth album, ...And the Rest Will Follow, on September 27 via Tooth & Nail Records.[30] The 11-track effort, produced with a polished sound, included singles like "All of Me" and "Wordsmith Legacy," blending melodic elements with the band's signature heaviness.[31] Reviewers lauded its cohesion and maturity; AllMusic gave it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it a refined evolution.[30] Independent outlets like Sputnikmusic deemed it the band's strongest work, citing balanced energy from earlier albums.[32] The lineup remained stable during this era, with vocalist Andrew Schwab, guitarist Randy Torres, bassist Steven Dail, and drummer Alex Albert.[9] Promotion involved online previews, such as exclusive tracks on PureVolume, and continued live performances across North America.[3] No major personnel shifts occurred until 2007.[33]

2007–2010: Rival Factions, EPs, and Picket Fence Cartel

Project 86 released their sixth studio album, Rival Factions, on June 19, 2007, through Tooth & Nail Records.[34] The record featured 11 tracks, including singles "Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)" and "Fall, Goliath, Fall," and marked a shift toward a more aggressive alternative metal sound compared to prior efforts.[35] Following its release, the band toured in support, including dates with MxPx and Showbread.[36] In November 2007, Project 86 issued their first EP, The Kane Mutiny, containing four tracks that previewed thematic elements later expanded in full-length releases.[37] The band followed this with the holiday-themed This Time of Year EP, announced on September 23, 2008, which included reinterpreted seasonal songs aligned with their lyrical style.[9] The period culminated in the release of the seventh studio album, Picket Fence Cartel, on July 14, 2009, also via Tooth & Nail Records.[38] Comprising 11 songs such as "Destroyer" and "The Butcher," the album emphasized heavy riffs and confrontational lyrics critiquing societal complacency.[39] In 2010, Project 86 released the live album 15: Live, capturing performances from their ongoing tours during this era.[3]

2011–2016: Conversations and Knives to the Future

In late 2011, Project 86 launched a Kickstarter campaign led by vocalist Andrew Schwab to fund production of their eighth studio album, Wait for the Siren, marking the band's first fully fan-supported release after departing from Tooth & Nail Records.[40] The campaign succeeded in raising funds from supporters, enabling independent recording that incorporated guest contributions, including vocals from Bruce Fitzhugh of Living Sacrifice on "S.O.T.S.," drums from Rocky Gray of Evanescence on select tracks, and guitar from Brian "Head" Welch of Korn on "Amateur."[41] By this point, founding guitarist Randy Torres and bassist Steven Dail had departed, leaving Schwab as the sole original member and primary creative force, with production and additional instrumentation handled by Schwab alongside session musicians.[42] Wait for the Siren was released independently on August 21, 2012, featuring 13 tracks that blended the band's established alternative metal style with melodic elements and thematic explorations of redemption and conflict.[43] The album received positive reception within Christian rock circles for its intensity and Schwab's lyrical depth, though it maintained limited mainstream visibility due to the band's independent status.[44] Project 86 supported the release with tours, including festival appearances, while Schwab managed guitar duties in live settings or recruited touring members such as Mike "Norman" Williams.[45] Building on this model, the band initiated an Indiegogo crowdfunding effort in 2014 for their ninth album, Knives to the Future, which raised nearly $90,000 from backers enticed by perks including exclusive acoustic EPs and personalized content. Released on November 11, 2014, via the band's own Team Black Recordings imprint, the album debuted the lead single "Spirit of Shiloh" on SoundCloud and emphasized raw, prophetic themes through tracks like the title song, produced with a focus on aggressive riffs and Schwab's confrontational vocals.[46][47] Critics noted its return to heavier, unpolished roots compared to prior works, attributing the sound to Schwab's streamlined creative control amid lineup flux.[48] Throughout 2011–2016, Project 86 sustained operations through direct fan engagement and sporadic touring, avoiding major label dependencies while navigating personnel instability—drummer Alex Albert had exited earlier, and subsequent roles were filled by collaborators like Darren King on drums for recordings.[3] By 2016, the band commenced its 20th anniversary observances, reflecting on two decades since formation with retrospective content and live performances that highlighted enduring catalog staples.[46] This era solidified Schwab's vision of self-reliant artistry, prioritizing thematic consistency over commercial expansion.

2017–2022: Sheep Among Wolves and final tours

In 2017, Project 86 released their tenth studio album, Sheep Among Wolves, on December 5 through their independent label Team Black Recordings.[49] The project was crowdfunded via PledgeMusic, reflecting the band's direct engagement with fans amid a shift toward self-managed operations.[50] Recorded at DK Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, the album featured production by the band members themselves, emphasizing raw, alternative rock and post-hardcore elements with tracks such as "MHS," "Dead Man's Switch," and the title song exploring themes of cultural isolation and resilience.[51] The release marked a period of reduced output following Knives to the Future in 2014, with the band focusing on selective live performances rather than extensive touring circuits. Vocalist Andrew Schwab described the album's concept as drawing from biblical imagery of vulnerability in hostile environments, aligning with the group's longstanding lyrical emphasis on personal and societal critique.[52] By July 2021, after 25 years of activity, Project 86 announced the commencement of their final chapter, citing creative fatigue and vocal strain on Schwab as key factors in winding down the original incarnation.[53] This led to a series of farewell shows and limited engagements through 2022, allowing the band to retire select material from their catalog while prioritizing intimate fan interactions over large-scale tours.[54] These performances served as a capstone to the pre-OMNI era, with no full albums or EPs issued in the interim.

2023–present: OMNI series and P86:OMNI reboot

In early 2023, Project 86 released Omni, Pt. 1, the first installment of a planned album series exploring themes of transhumanism, technology's societal impact, and futuristic dystopias through heavier, cyberpunk-influenced metal instrumentation compared to prior works.[54] The album featured production emphasizing aggressive riffs and electronic elements, marking a sonic shift described by vocalist Andrew Schwab as delving into "what would happen if big tech invented an all-encompassing neural interface."[54] Accompanying the music, Schwab published his debut novel OMNI in 2023, a narrative expanding on the album's lyrics and depicting a near-future singularity scenario with AI integration into human consciousness.[55] Omni, Pt. 2 followed on January 12, 2024, produced by Matt Putman and Michael Tousignant, continuing the series' premise with tracks like "Pariah" and "Complete the Circle," which critiqued cultural isolation and cyclical technological dependency.[56] Release events included album shows and a livestream, alongside ongoing work on supplementary materials such as a Project 86 history book and visual album components.[57] The band performed select dates, including at Furnace Fest in September 2023, blending older material with new tracks amid announcements framing Omni as a conceptual finale following prior farewell tours.[58] On October 10, 2025, Schwab announced via livestream the band's revival under the name P86:OMNI, positioning it as a "reband, restart, reboot, reinvention" to pursue the Omni series further, including an impending Pt. 3 via crowdfunding campaign launching November 15, 2025.[59] This rebranding emphasizes the cyberpunk metal style of the Omni era, distinct from the band's post-hardcore roots, while maintaining Schwab's lyrical focus on faith amid technological upheaval.[60] No immediate tour dates were confirmed, but the shift signals continued output beyond the prior disbandment signals.[61]

Musical style

Sonic evolution and characteristics

Project 86's music features heavy guitar riffs, aggressive rhythms, and Andrew Schwab's passionate vocals, often alternating between screamed choruses and sung verses with atmospheric intensity.[1] [62] The band's sound incorporates diverse elements including post-hardcore aggression, progressive structures, and occasional synthesizers or electronic textures, setting it apart through punishing riffage and emotional delivery.[63] [1] The band's early output, beginning with their 1998 self-titled debut, drew from nu metal, hardcore punk, and rap influences, characterized by downtuned guitars and raw energy reflective of late-1990s alternative metal trends.[1] Schwab has described the initial project as rooted in post-hardcore, which evolved into a more established hard rock framework by the mid-2000s across albums like Drawing Black Lines (2000) and Truthless Heroes (2002), introducing heavier progressive elements.[64] [1] In the late 2000s, releases such as Rival Factions (2007) marked a sonic shift with the integration of '80s-inspired synths, poppy grooves, and goth influences alongside traditional riff-heavy aggression, expanding beyond pure metal into eclectic prog-rock territories under producer Ulrich Wilde.[63] [1] This period solidified a rock band identity, with subsequent works like Knives to the Future (2014) adhering to modern alternative rock conventions, featuring gang vocals for added ferocity while maintaining consistency without drastic departures.[64] [62] By the 2010s and into Sheep Among Wolves (2017), the sound retained post-hardcore/rock foundations, but Schwab's growing desire for darker, heavier expressions culminated in the OMNI series starting with OMNI, Pt. 1 (2023).[64] [54] Under the P86:OMNI moniker, the band adopted cyberpunk metal aesthetics, incorporating cinematic electronics, metalcore breakdowns, and a more aggressive vocal style enabled by Schwab's improved vocal health, diverging from prior hard rock constraints into sci-fi themed extremity.[1] [54]

Influences

Project 86's early sound drew heavily from 1990s post-hardcore, punk, and straightedge hardcore scenes, with vocalist Andrew Schwab citing bands such as Fugazi and Quicksand as foundational influences during the band's formation in 1996.[65] [66] These elements contributed to the aggressive, rhythmic drive and socially charged energy evident in their self-titled debut album released in 1998. Schwab has also referenced personal early exposures to hip-hop acts like Beastie Boys and metal bands including Metallica and Slayer, which shaped his rebellious vocal delivery and eclectic approach before the band's official start.[67] [66] As Project 86 evolved into the nu-metal era around 2000, influences shifted toward rap-rock and alternative metal, particularly Rage Against the Machine and Deftones, prompting a departure from pure hardcore toward heavier riffs and atmospheric textures heard on albums like Drawing Black Lines (2000).[66] This transition reflected broader industry trends in Orange County, California, where the band originated, blending hardcore's intensity with nu-metal's groove and experimentation. Schwab later covered tracks by Soundgarden and Fugazi on a 2016 Influence EP, underscoring persistent ties to grunge and post-hardcore amid this phase.[67] In later years, the band's influences broadened beyond heavy genres, incorporating post-punk, industrial, and non-rock elements such as classic film scores, rapper Yelawolf, and electronic duo Phantogram, as Schwab noted the group rarely listened to contemporary heavy music by the 2010s.[65] Schwab has expressed admiration for post-hardcore acts like Circa Survive and Thrice, which informed more melodic and atmospheric developments in releases like Sheep Among Wolves (2017).[52] This diversification allowed Project 86 to maintain a core heaviness while experimenting, as seen in Schwab's covers of Billie Holiday and traditional folk on the same EP, highlighting a rejection of genre silos in favor of artistic breadth.[67]

Lyrical themes

Core motifs and worldview

Project 86's worldview is fundamentally shaped by a Christian perspective that prioritizes personal authenticity and emotional honesty over doctrinal conformity or institutional allegiance. Frontman Andrew Schwab has articulated that the band's music reflects a life viewpoint informed by faith in God and Jesus, yet marked by skepticism toward aspects of organized Christianity, such as the prevalence of deception or insincerity within faith communities—evoking the biblical warning of "wolves in sheep's clothing."[5] This stance positions believers as "sheep among wolves," navigating a culturally and spiritually ambiguous landscape where true allegiance is obscured, both externally and internally.[52] Recurring lyrical motifs center on the tension between despair and redemption, often drawn from Schwab's emotional experiences rather than prescriptive theology. Themes of internal conflict—such as the battle between fleshly impulses and spiritual aspirations, or the raw admission of "having a bad day" without feigned optimism—underscore a motif of brokenness and human frailty.[68] Authenticity emerges as a core pursuit, rejecting superficiality, conformity, and emptiness in favor of vulnerable self-examination, as seen in critiques of betrayal, loyalty, and the loss of innate potential.[5] Biblical narratives are frequently reinterpreted with a "severe twist" to apply personally, transforming references like the disciples' commission into metaphors for discerning truth amid deception, without direct evangelistic intent.[52] The band's approach eschews the "product" mentality prevalent in some Christian music genres, favoring unfiltered expression that oscillates between subjective personal turmoil and objective cultural critique. Schwab emphasizes creating for self-satisfaction first, allowing faith to permeate naturally without an overt agenda, which distinguishes Project 86 from more uplifting or formulaic contemporaries.[69] This philosophy fosters longevity by avoiding repetition, instead provoking reflection on pain, hope, and fidelity in a fallen world.[68][5]

Critique of culture and faith

Project 86's lyrics often interrogate perceived shortcomings within Christian institutions and broader cultural norms, emphasizing authenticity over superficiality in faith practice. Frontman Andrew Schwab has articulated a perspective that challenges contemporary church methodologies, stating in a 2004 interview that he questions "first and foremost how the church approaches things today," which positions the band on the periphery of mainstream church culture.[68] This internal critique manifests in songs decrying hypocrisy, such as "Safe Haven" from the 2003 album Songs to Burn Your Bridges By, which lampoons the rote, insincere rituals of congregational life as a false refuge devoid of genuine transformation.[70] In tracks like "The Sanctuary Hum" from ...And the Rest Will Follow (2005), the band portrays the dissonance between outward piety and inner discord, with lyrics evoking the mechanical "smile, wave" demeanor of churchgoers masking unresolved personal failings.[71] Schwab extends this scrutiny to the Christian music industry itself, critiquing it in 2014 as sometimes functioning more as a commodified product than an avenue for raw emotional or spiritual honesty, a view rooted in his observations of the sector's commercial pressures during the band's early career.[69] Such commentary aligns with Schwab's broader writings and interviews, where he advocates confronting organizational flaws in the church to foster true communal confession over performative righteousness.[72] The band's cultural critique targets societal mechanisms that prioritize evasion and materialism, as explored in the concept album Truthless Heroes (2002), which traces a protagonist's futile quest for purpose through various secular pursuits, implicitly indicting consumerism and self-reliance as illusory substitutes for transcendent meaning.[73] Later works, including the 2017 release Sheep Among Wolves Vol. 1, intensify this by depicting modern culture's propensity to anesthetize spiritual discontent via denial, social curation, and superficial distractions, urging listeners toward unflinching self-examination amid prevailing complacency.[74] These themes underscore a consistent lyrical commitment to dismantling cultural and faith-based veneers, grounded in Schwab's insistence on scriptural fidelity over institutional conformity.[68]

Members

Current lineup

The current lineup of Project 86, rebranded as P86:OMNI following an announcement by frontman Andrew Schwab on October 11, 2025, centers on Schwab as lead vocalist, with supporting members for performances and recordings including Darren King on guitars and keyboards, Cody Driggers on bass and backing vocals, and Abishai Collingsworth on drums.[75][76][66] This configuration was featured in the band's OMNIFest event tied to the OMNI album series, marking a continuation of the instrumental team active since the mid-2010s despite lineup fluidity in prior years.[76] Darren King also contributed to production on the OMNI releases, underscoring his ongoing role.[77]

Former members

Project 86 has seen extensive lineup turnover since its inception in 1996, with frontman Andrew Schwab remaining the sole original and consistent member through multiple personnel shifts.[78] Key early departures included original bassist Matt Hernandez, who left shortly after formation, prompting guitarist Ethan Luck to switch to bass before exiting in 1997.[79] Drummer Alex Albert, who joined around that time, departed officially in March 2007 after over a decade with the band.[80] Guitarist Randy Torres, a founding member, contributed to the band's debut through its sixth studio album (Rival Factions, 2007) before leaving in 2009.[81] Similarly, bassist Steven Dail, who had been with the group since 1997 and appeared on albums up to Picket Fence Redeemer (2009), also exited around 2009.[81] Post-2009 changes featured temporary additions such as second guitarist Corey Edelmann (2000–2002), who supported live performances during the Drawing Black Lines era.[10] For the 2012 album Wait for the Siren, Schwab assembled a new lineup including drummer Scott Davis (2011–2012) and bassist Michael "Norman" Williams (2012), both of whom later departed amid further instability that reduced the band to Schwab alone at one point.[81][82] Additional short-term members like drummer Jason Gerken (2007–2012) and guitarist Dustinn Lowry (2012–2014) filled roles during this transitional period.[10]

Timeline

Project 86 formed in mid-1996 in Orange County, California, with vocalist Andrew Schwab, guitarist Randy Torres, bassist Matt Hernandez, and drummer Ethan Luck. Hernandez departed shortly after rehearsals began, leading Luck to switch from drums to bass while Alex Albert joined as the new drummer.[3][9] In 1997, Ethan Luck left to join The O.C. Supertones, and Steven Dail (formerly of Bloodshed) replaced him on bass, stabilizing the core lineup of Schwab, Torres, Dail, and Albert through the late 1990s and early 2000s. The band added a second guitarist, Cory Edelmann (formerly of No Innocence), for touring in support of their 2000 album Drawing Black Lines, though he departed by 2002.[80][3] Alex Albert officially left in March 2007 to pursue other interests, with Jason Gerken (ex-Shiner and Hum) joining as drummer for the subsequent album Rival Factions (2007) and beyond. Randy Torres departed around 2009–2010 following the release of Picket Fence Cartel (2009), and Steven Dail exited by 2011, marking the end of the original core members beyond Schwab.[83][9][84] Post-2010, the lineup rotated frequently: Gerken left in 2012, replaced temporarily by Scott Davis (drums, 2012–2013) and Ryan Wood (drums, 2013–2016); bassists included Mike Williams (2012–2013) and Cody Driggers (2013–2016); guitarist Dustin Lowry joined in 2012 but departed by 2014. Darren King (ex-mewithoutYou) joined on guitar in 2014 and shifted to bass by 2016, while Abishai Collingsworth took over drums in 2016, forming the lineup for albums like Knives to the Future (2015) and OMNI, Pt. 1 (2023). Schwab has remained the sole constant member throughout.[3][9][78] In October 2025, Schwab announced a reboot under the moniker P86:OMNI following a planned retirement, with no immediate changes to the prior lineup specified.[85]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleRelease yearLabel
Project 861998BEC Recordings[86][81]
Drawing Black Lines2000BEC Recordings[86][81]
Truthless Heroes2002Atlantic[86]
Songs to Burn Your Bridges By2003Tooth & Nail Records[86][81]
...And the Rest Will Follow2005Tooth & Nail Records[86][81]
Rival Factions2007Tooth & Nail Records[86][81]
Picket Fence Cartel2009Tooth & Nail Records[86][81]
Wait for the Siren2012Independent[86][81]
Knives to the Future2014Independent[86][81]
Sheep Among Wolves2017Independent[86][81]
The Final Chapter2021Independent[87]
OMNI, Pt. 12023Independent[87][88]
OMNI, Pt. 22024Independent[87][88]

Extended plays

Project 86 has released four extended plays, primarily consisting of seasonal or promotional material alongside cover tracks and originals. These EPs were issued independently or via digital platforms, often complementing full-length albums or holiday releases.[81][3] The Kane Mutiny EP, released in November 2007, features two tracks: the original "The Kane Mutiny" (3:31) and a cover of The Sisters of Mercy's "Lucretia, My Reflection" (3:41). Produced during the band's transitional period post-...And the Rest Will Follow, it served as a digital single with bonus content, highlighting their nu-metal influences and cover experimentation.[89] This Time of Year EP, announced on September 23, 2008, and released digitally that year, includes holiday-themed tracks such as covers and originals tied to the band's Christian rock ethos. It was distributed via digital outlets, aligning with promotional efforts around Rival Factions. The Midnight Clear, issued in 2012, functions as a Christmas EP with seasonal recordings, extending the band's tradition of faith-infused holiday content. Released independently amid the Picket Fence Cartel era, it features reinterpretations emphasizing lyrical depth over commercial festivity.[81]
TitleRelease DateLabelTracksNotes
The Kane MutinyNovember 2007Independent2 (original + cover)Digital single/EP with nu-metal cover.[89]
This Time of Year2008IndependentHoliday covers/originalsSeasonal promo tied to album cycle.[81]
The Midnight Clear2012IndependentChristmas themesFaith-oriented holiday release.[81]
Influence EPSeptember 19, 2016Independent5 covers (e.g., influences from various artists)Bonus for Sheep Among Wolves pledges; hard rock style.[90][91]
The Influence EP, released on September 19, 2016, as part of the band's 20th anniversary campaign alongside Sheep Among Wolves, comprises five cover tracks paying homage to musical influences. Offered as a digital WAV download for pledgers, it demonstrates Project 86's stylistic range within hard rock, including reinterpretations of tracks from artists shaping their sound.[90][91]

Live albums

Project 86 released its debut live album, 15. Live., in 2010 through Team Black Recordings.[92] The recording captures a single continuous performance celebrating the band's 15-year anniversary, featuring 12 tracks drawn from their early catalog and musical highlights, including "Sincerely, Ichabod," "Safe Haven," and "Me Vs. Me."[93][94] The band's second live release, OMNIFEST (Live), appeared independently in 2024.[81] Documenting a special performance tied to the OMNI album cycle, it became available on streaming services on June 21, 2024, with tracks such as "Metatropolis (Live)," "Virtual Signal (Live)," and "Me vs. Me (Live)."[95] A digital download of the full audio and video was offered directly via the band's website prior to wider distribution.[96]

Singles and other releases

Project 86 has primarily issued singles as standalone digital releases, especially following their transition to independent status, with many serving as lead tracks for albums or seasonal offerings. Recent singles include "ULTRAVIOLEnT" released on December 1, 2023; "Virtual Signal" in 2023; "0 > 1" in 2023; and "Metatropolis" in 2022.[37][97] Earlier examples feature holiday tracks such as "Carol of the Bell(tower)S" in 2021, "Mr. Grinch" in 2015, and "The Midnight Clear" in 2012, all distributed independently.[81] The band has contributed tracks to several compilation albums, often through former label Tooth & Nail Records. Appearances include Fire It Up (2011), which featured rock covers; X Christmas (2008) on BEC Recordings; and Tooth & Nail Records: The Ultimate Collection (2008).[81] These releases typically highlight select songs from their catalog rather than new material.

Reception and impact

Critical reception

Project 86's self-titled debut album received praise for its innovative blend of rap-rock and hardcore elements within the Christian music scene, with reviewers highlighting standout tracks like "Pipe Dream" for their intensity and fusion of styles.[14] The sophomore release, Drawing Black Lines (2000), garnered stronger acclaim as an "excellent" effort filled with emotion, intensity, and raw power, earning an average user rating of 8.4 out of 10 on AllMusic and positive retrospective reviews for its catchy, powerful sound reminiscent of the debut but more refined.[98][99] Subsequent albums like Truthless Heroes (2002) elicited mixed responses; while some critics viewed it as the band's strongest to date for its conceptual depth exploring human fulfillment and growth from rap-core roots, others found it "fairly boring, generic and lacking in consistently great music" despite its mainstream aspirations.[100][23][101] Later works, such as Sheep Among Wolves (2017), were commended for sustaining the band's hard rock evolution after two decades, with reviewers noting their continued delivery of veteran intensity.[102] Recent output, including Omni, Part 1 (2023), has been lauded in metal circles for representing the band's heaviest material yet, achieving a 9/10 rating from Metal Injection for its sci-fi storytelling and sonic aggression as a farewell double album installment.[103] Overall, critics in niche heavy music outlets have consistently appreciated Project 86's lyrical depth and stylistic progression, though broader mainstream attention remained limited, confining much discourse to Christian rock and alternative metal communities.[1]

Commercial performance

Project 86's discography has collectively sold nearly 500,000 units worldwide across multiple studio albums.[104][105] The band's early independent releases on Tooth & Nail Records built a foundation in the Christian rock market, with the self-titled debut (1998) peaking at No. 37 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and No. 14 on the Top Christian Albums chart.[88] The 2002 major-label effort Truthless Heroes, licensed to Atlantic Records, represented an attempt at broader mainstream exposure but underperformed commercially, selling fewer than 100,000 copies despite promotional support and tours.[19] Subsequent albums like And the Rest Will Follow (2005) achieved the band's strongest first-week performance to date, with 8,000 units sold upon release.[106] Later releases shifted toward independent production and fan-driven funding, including crowdfunding campaigns for albums such as the ninth studio effort in 2014, indicating sustained but niche viability rather than mass-market breakthroughs.[107] No Project 86 album received RIAA certification, underscoring their specialized appeal within alternative and Christian music circuits over general pop or rock dominance.

Cultural and fan legacy

Project 86 maintains a loyal fanbase centered in the Christian rock and metal subcultures, with supporters often attending multiple concerts and forming personal connections with band members over the group's nearly three-decade career.[82] This dedication persisted through stylistic shifts from post-hardcore roots to broader rock influences, as evidenced by fan-funded releases like the 2014 album Knives to the Future, which relied on crowdfunding to reach production.[108] Vocalist Andrew Schwab has highlighted the band's appeal to a core Christian audience while attracting broader listeners drawn to its lyrical introspection, contributing to sustained engagement despite limited mainstream commercial success.[68] The band's cultural footprint in the late 1990s and early 2000s nu metal era positioned it as a bridge between secular heavy music influences—such as hip-hop rhythms and aggressive riffs—and explicit Christian worldview explorations, influencing niche artists in alternative and metal genres.[54] Schwab noted in 2004 that Project 86's dual identity as a "Christian band" with universal themes fostered this impact, enabling resonance beyond evangelical circles without diluting core messages.[68] By 2024 retrospectives, the group was credited with providing "thought-inspiring lyrics" and memorable live experiences that shaped fan perceptions of faith-integrated rock, even as the band contemplated potential disbandment amid evolving industry dynamics. Fan tributes often emphasize the band's role in personal spiritual growth, with listeners citing albums like Drawing Black Lines (2000) for blending aggression with hope amid cultural challenges, sustaining popularity in underground Christian metal communities.[109] This enduring niche reverence underscores Project 86's legacy as a resilient act prioritizing artistic integrity over trends, fostering a community that values thematic depth over viral fame.[64]

Other media

Filmography and visuals

Project 86 has released multiple official music videos, often featuring dark, atmospheric visuals that complement the band's heavy rock sound and lyrical themes of introspection and rebellion. Early videos such as "One Armed Man" (2000) from the album Truthless Heroes depict narrative-driven scenarios emphasizing isolation and conflict, directed by an unspecified team but aligned with the band's raw aesthetic. Similarly, "The Spy Hunter" (2004) from Songs to Burn Your Bridges By, directed by Derek Dale, incorporates high-energy action sequences and shadowy cinematography to evoke pursuit and evasion motifs central to the track. More recent releases include "Metatropolis" (2022) from OMNI, Pt. 1, showcasing futuristic dystopian imagery, "Ultraviolent" (2023) with aggressive, glitch-infused editing, and "Pariah" (2024), highlighting vocalist Andrew Schwab's intense performance amid stark, industrial backdrops.[110][111][57] These videos, available on the band's official YouTube channel, underscore a consistent visual style prioritizing mood over commercial polish, often self-produced or independently funded to maintain artistic control.[112] In addition to music videos, Project 86 has produced documentary DVDs chronicling their creative processes. Subject to Change: The Making of ...And the Rest Will Follow (2003), released alongside the album of the same name, captures the band's studio sessions, interpersonal dynamics, and production challenges during a transitional period, providing insight into their shift toward more experimental song structures.[113] Likewise, I Want Something You Have: Rival Factions The DVD (2005), tied to the Rival Factions album, documents recording tensions, lineup stability, and thematic evolution, emphasizing the group's commitment to authenticity amid industry pressures.[114] These releases, distributed via Tooth & Nail Records, total two DVDs in their catalog and serve as archival visuals rather than commercial films, reflecting the band's preference for behind-the-scenes transparency over scripted narratives. No major theatrical film appearances or licensed soundtrack contributions by the band have been documented.[115] The band's live visuals, featured in concert footage across platforms, typically involve dramatic lighting—such as red or blue gels creating an immersive, ominous atmosphere—and minimalistic stage setups focused on performance intensity rather than elaborate props. This approach, evident in recordings from events like Easterfest 2008, reinforces their anti-spectacle ethos, prioritizing sonic impact over visual extravagance.[112]

Literature and side projects

Andrew Schwab, vocalist and founding member of Project 86, has authored several books drawing from his experiences in the band and broader reflections on culture and technology. His first book, It's All Downhill From Here: On the Road with Project 86, published in 2004, details the challenges and dynamics of touring as a Christian rock band, including interpersonal tensions and the grind of constant travel.[116] In January 2025, Schwab released I. Need. Truth.: My Life and Times in Project 86, a 400-page autobiography chronicling the band's history from its 1996 formation through 2024, emphasizing personal anecdotes, creative processes, and industry obstacles encountered by Schwab as the group's frontman.[117][118] Schwab's literary output expanded into fiction with OMNI, a 220-page science fiction novel published on July 29, 2025, which adapts themes from Project 86's OMNI Pt. 1 album, exploring immortality, digital consciousness, and technological overreach in a dystopian setting.[119][120] Beyond literature, Schwab has pursued side musical projects separate from Project 86. In recent years, he launched London Six Echo, an electronic-leaning endeavor that debuted its first single, marking a departure from the band's hard rock style toward experimental sounds.[121] No prominent side projects from other band members, such as guitarist Randy Torres or bassist Steven Dail, have been documented in available sources.

References

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