It's hard to really sum up how much this band has really done over the years. So many shows, so many fans, over 16 years of being a band, and 7 prior studio albums ... something has been building and is reaching a boiling point.
The result of that constant striving driving effort of relentlessly pouring their hearts into their music, passionately writing lyrics which speak of morality, society, and justice, while calling for listeners to stand for their beliefs, face their issues head on, and not be ashamed of what they hold true.
This album is another stepping stone in the ever growing story that is Project 86.
Their first album 'Self Titled' was raw and energy filled, full of promise in a scene of stagnating music. 'Drawing Black Lines' redefined what Christians playing Hard Rock / Metal meant. It was powerful, refined, and face-melting.
'Truthless Heroes' showed another side of Project 86, by beginning the story of 'TH', a man who faced hard times and turned to society for relief. All of the songs were of his journey, and were beautiful, powerful, emotional and gripping. But still ultimately were fully Project 86, rocking hard and evoking emotional and intellectual response with thought provoking lyrics and messages. This was the first and last record under the Atlantic record label, which held much promise but brought much disappointment and frustration ... seen in:
'Songs to Burn Your Bridges By' This album was the return to indie, self sold, and self produced. This album was written, mixed and produced in about 3 weeks. Oh how it was glorious. So raw, so energy filled, so Project 86. This told the second half of the 'TH' tale, a tale of his son, who did not fall prey to society, and contained some of the most hope-filled songs of Project 86's career. They later were re-signed by Tooth and Nail, re-released the album, mixed it and added 3 more tracks (including one of my personal favorites, 'A Shadow On Me')
'...And the Rest Will Follow' was a return to the more edgy and raw sound of earlier albums (specifically 'Songs to Burn Your Bridges By'), but contained the hope and excitement that was seen in later albums. This album contained some of their more soft 'rock' sounds than previous ones, such as 'Something We Can't Be' but also some face-melters like 'Sincerely, Ichabod' and 'Necktie Remedy'. This was the last album that Alex (the drummer) played with the band, departing on positive terms.
Where to go from here? Oh, how about 'Rival Factions'. Project 86 releases a record which redefines themselves, pushing for different sounds, not just being ... typical, not just saying/singing/playing the same thing again and again and again, like so many aging and unmoving others. 'Illuminate' is one of their most unique sounding and still is undeniably Project 86. Man, I love that song. And oh how you found hope on that album.
But how could a band possibly top such a storied history, so much diversity? Naturally, with a Christmas EP. Sure, they released 'The Kane Mutiny EP', giving fans some B-Sides from 'Rival Factions' (love the title track!), and included a cover song. Then, they went an extremely surprising and somewhat odd (but definitely enjoyable) direction with 'This Time of Year EP', which was Project 86 ... Christmas songs. Just hard to really put into words what that means. Take a listen, it's interesting :)
From here, we have 'Picket Fence Cartel', arguably the best album of their entire career. This album contains so much awesome, so much energy, moral topics and positivity, face melting and soul, epic songs and raw rockers ... I was extremely extremely pleased to listen to this album and did so many many many times. But it made me nervous. Was this the swan song? Songs like 'To Sand We Return' hammer home how diverse and powerful the music of a band devoted to making emotionally and lyrically powerful music can be. This album is brilliant. This was the last album which Randy and Steve played on (Guitar / Bass) before parting ways on a positive note for other endeavors.
'15.Live' was released in 2010 to commemorate 15 years as a band. Having seen 13 concerts of Project 86, I can say that this captures much of the energy of a live show, and is one of the very few live albums which really represents a band and how their live show sounds and feels. Raw, powerful, undeniable energy.
But then we hear that despite the departure of 3/4 of Project 86, the frontman / vocalist / lyricist is still touring, having put together a few new members but retaining the same powerful 'punch in the face' sound. And whispers of a new album. An album for the fans, by the fans.
'Wait for the Siren'. If you're still reading, you've just read what this album means. This is an album which has significance. Project 86 has made many records, tackled some incredibly serious and powerful issues, rocked about and for some important and heavy subjects ... and keep coming back for more. This band wants to make a mark on it's listeners, and to bring a sound that sounds unique but familiar, with a message that is both new and very very old.
Kickstarter provided a method for Project 86 to return to their roots, indie label, make and sell their own music, and do so without the constraints / deadlines of a label while really connecting with the fans again. The results of this were a funded album and some very excited fans.
I was cautiously optimistic when I heard about the Kickstarter, but did not even question whether i'd fund it. This is my favorite band, of course I will. But what will I get? Will I get the same intensity, energy, face-melting rock i've come to love, with the lyrical depth and power i've been inspired in the past?
'Fall, Goliath, Fall' was released as a free single for all to enjoy, to drum up excitement for the album. Fist pumping ensued. This song is simple in premise, but the more I listen to it, the more I seem to get into it. This caused excitement to grow in me.
As part of Kickstarter, I was privy to 3 other pre-release songs, to whet my appetite. 'SOTS', 'Off the Grid', and 'Take the Hill' gave me a good idea what to expect with this album. Diversity. Andrew explained that he wanted some unique sounds on this album (hammered dulcimer, bagpipes, etc), and really to feel his Irish roots in the music. He also wanted to write about the importance of the battle of life that we are in, and how we can't back down, but must do the opposite, and fell our mountains.
I received the full digital download of the album at the wee hours of the night on 8/13. I couldn't go to sleep without a listen, and it was worth it! This album is excellent. I was nervous, but clearly had no reason to be. There are songs for fist pumping, for face-melting, for raw rock energy and the power we've come to love... ('Omerta's Sons' and 'The Crossfire Gambit', so great!), and there are softer songs like 'Blood Moon' which is, for lack of a better term,... a worship song. The album has shades of rock from both ends of the spectrum and in between, and sells the idea that no matter the sound they tackle, the music and lyrics will always represent more than just a name, but an idea ... Project 86.
So, in summary, if you want something honest, something different, but something that speaks a consistent challenging and positive message, you have found it. Just buy it already. :)