Project 86 is a prominent American alternative metal band from Costa Mesa, California. Formed in 1996, the band has been a key player in the alternative metal genre for over two decades. The group is best known for its aggressive sound that blends metal with elements of post-hardcore, industrial, and electronic music, often tackling complex and thought-provoking themes such as personal struggle, societal issues, and spiritual faith.
From their early days, Project 86 stood out for their heavy guitar riffs, intense drumming, and aggressive vocals, paired with deeply reflective lyrics. Their music has evolved over the years, with the band pushing the boundaries of alternative metal, adding new sonic elements while maintaining their core sound.
Music Style
Project 86’s music can be described as a fusion of alternative metal, post-hardcore, and industrial rock. The band’s sound features intricate guitar work, aggressive drumming, and dynamic shifts between heavy, distorted passages and more atmospheric sections. Their lyrics often explore themes such as rebellion, self-reflection, and critique of societal norms, making their music both emotionally powerful and intellectually stimulating. Songs like “Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)” and “Fall, Goliath, Fall” demonstrate their ability to create anthemic, yet deeply personal tracks.
In their later work, Project 86 incorporated electronic elements, especially noticeable in tracks like “Metatropolis,” blending their traditional heavy sound with synthesized, ambient atmospheres. This willingness to experiment with different textures while retaining their signature aggression has kept the band relevant in the evolving metal scene.
Collaborations with Other Musicians
Throughout their career, Project 86 has collaborated with several musicians and artists, expanding their musical horizon. Notable collaborations include Johannes Persson, who featured on the track “Medusa,” demonstrating the band’s openness to bringing in outside influences to enhance their sound.
Latest Songs and Music Albums
In 2023, Project 86 released OMNI, Pt. 1, the first part of a two-part album series, showcasing their ongoing musical evolution. This album included tracks such as “Virtual Signal,” “0 > 1,” and “Sincerely, Ichabod,” which continued to highlight their signature heavy sound, while experimenting with electronic and atmospheric elements.
The band’s most recent singles include “Medusa,” which was released in January 2024 as part of OMNI, Pt. 2. This track, along with others from the OMNI series, features the band’s growth into more experimental and atmospheric territories, with intricate instrumentation and layered vocal textures. Project 86’s willingness to push boundaries has kept their fanbase engaged and excited for new releases.
Additionally, the band released A Very P86 Christmas (2021 Version), which gave their fans a unique twist on traditional holiday music, offering a fresh take on well-known Christmas classics.
Most Popular Songs
Project 86 has amassed a dedicated following over the years, with several tracks becoming fan favorites. Some of the most popular songs from their extensive discography include:
- “Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)” – A powerful anthem with strong messages of defiance and rebellion.
- “Fall, Goliath, Fall” – A song that draws from the biblical story of David and Goliath, urging listeners to face their own challenges.
- “The Spy Hunter” – Known for its haunting atmosphere and compelling lyrics.
- “Put Your Lips to the TV” – A critique of the media’s influence on society, combining catchy riffs with sharp commentary.
- “Metatropolis” – A more experimental track, blending electronic music with their heavy, core sound.
These songs are emblematic of the band’s ability to mix aggression with intellectual depth, creating music that resonates with both metalheads and those looking for more than just surface-level entertainment.
Track List
| Track | Year |
|---|---|
| “Vuma” | 2023 |
| “Tornado” | 2023 |
| “Impilo” | 2024 |
| “Ashes to Ashes” | 2023 |
| “Selimathunzi” | 2024 |
| “Ngiyeza” | 2023 |
| “Victory Lap” | 2023 |
| “Our Broken Hearts Mend” | 2024 |
| “Maud” | 2024 |
| “Baby Vuka” | 2024 |
| “Ithuba” | 2023 |
| “Kultsharals” | 2024 |
| “Gym e’Kasi” | 2023 |
| “Dora’s Peace” | 2017 |
| “Silent Witness” | 2024 |
| “Generations: The Legacy” | 2023 |
| “Isidingo” | 2024 |
| “Wild at Heart” | 2024 |
| “Sew the Winter to My Skin” | 2023 |
| “Rhythm City” | 2024 |
| “Touch My Blood” | 2023 |
| “Be Careful What You Wish For” | 2023 |
| “Levels” | 2023 |
| “Altar Ego” | 2023 |
| “Mass Country” | 2024 |
| “The Lab” | 2024 |
| “The Black Enigma” | 2024 |
| “Ngiyathandaza” | 2023 |
| “Iculo Elisha” | 2002 |
| “Ntate Ntushe” | 2002 |
| “Sakhiwe” | 2000 |
| “Umoya Wam” | 1992 |
| “It’s Gospel Time” | 2023 |
| “Lord You Are Good” | 2019 |
| “Zimkitha” | 2024 |
| “Afro Yoga” | 2018 |
| “Mass Country” | 2024 |
| “Kas Lami” | 2024 |
| “Leap of Faith” | 2024 |
| “Baby” | 2024 |
| “Dora’s Peace” | 2017 |
| “Tornado” | 2023 |
| “Generations: The Legacy” | 2023 |
| “Sew the Winter to My Skin” | 2024 |
| “Silent Witness” | 2024 |
| “Sew the Winter to My Skin” | 2024 |
| “Victory Lap” | 2023 |
| “Levels” | 2023 |
| “Be Careful What You Wish For” | 2023 |
| “Touch My Blood” | 2024 |
| “The Wild” | 2024 |
| “Mass Country” | 2024 |
| “Zimkitha” | 2024 |
| “The Lab” | 2024 |
| “Kas Lami” | 2024 |
| “Altar Ego” | 2024 |
Performance and Festival Appearances
Project 86 is renowned for their high-energy live performances. Over the years, they have played at several notable music festivals, including Furnace Fest, The SoulFest, and the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, where they shared the stage with major acts like Godsmack and Stone Temple Pilots. These performances allowed the band to showcase their commanding stage presence and solidify their status in the alternative metal scene.
One of their standout performances occurred at the Uprise Festival in 2018, where their distinctive sound captivated the audience. In 2017, they also performed at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, where their fans got to experience both new and old songs in a more intimate setting.
Conclusion
Project 86 has established itself as a key figure in the alternative metal scene, consistently evolving and pushing the boundaries of the genre. With their unique blend of heavy metal, electronic influences, and thought-provoking lyrics, the band has captured the attention of fans worldwide. Through their extensive catalog, powerful live performances, and innovative collaborations, Project 86 continues to thrive in the metal world, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving musical experience.
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