Back in the early 2000s a slew of new bands emerged from what was then a booming Nu Metal scene. A broad stroke label, which included many different style acts, some stood out more than others. Among those which carved out a place for themselves among this landscape were California’s Project 86. With roots dating back to 1996, Project 86’s sound has been ever-developing since the early days. Natural for any band, for many, the release of Truthless Heroes in 2002 was what really solidified that this band was for real, full of depth, and not going anywhere for a while.
Remaining prolific, the band put out new music consistently over the last two decades. Always provoking thoughts to think further than what is right in front of you, in more recent times, Project 86 has experimented with every sound from Alternative Rock to Post-Hardcore. Last putting out an album in 2017 with Sheep Among Wolves, the effort received mostly positive feedback, dubbing it one of their heaviest releases. However, fast forward to 2023, and Project 86 has completely blown any expectations of who and what they are out of the water. How so? Well, they put out the epic OMNI, Pt. 1… and it leaves quite an impression.
Released back on March 24th, it is important to mention that it was decided by band leader Andrew Schwab back in 2021 these would be final studio recordings for Project 86. A bittersweet farewell for longtime fans, the good news is that it is quite a long goodbye, because OMNI, Pt. 1 is out now, an instrumental edition of it was recently released on September 29th, and reports are mixing of OMNI, Pt. 2 is complete. So, with the final chapter of the OMNI saga release date to be announced, fans can sit back and fully digest this behemoth of an effort known as OMNI, Pt. 1.
Twelve songs in total, it lasts a little over fifty minutes, unleashing no shortage of fury. Putting matters into perspective, anyone who has followed the band all these years, are aware that Andrew Schwab is a rather well read, thoughtful individual. Not only the main creative force behind Project 86, he is also an author; recommended reads by him include 2012’s Fame is Infamy and Tin Soldiers. So, it is safe to say without any reservations that Schwab is not a product of modern society, but more so someone who had the wool off of his eyes for many decades now. Outside society’s mainstream thoughts, Schwab executes his ideas magically through song… and OMNI, Pt. 1 is no different.
Now, as alluded to, OMNI, Pt. 1 is an eye opener in the world of Project 86. As the band’s final plea to the world, Schwab worked with Michael Palmquist, Matt Marquez, Grayson Stewart, Cory Brandan, along with all from Norma Jean, in the writing and production of this album. With that, Schwab and this cast bring an ultimately heavy, intense collection of songs.
Playing out like a theater production, if it had to describe, but think of this as a soundtrack to a dark, brave new world where Schwab is the commentary over the top. Vigorous in his approach, he brings light to all our missteps as a society. Feeling very Science Fiction, but not far from reality in theory with the leap forward of Artificial Intelligences, loss of humanity, and overall introduction of a one central governing body over all controlling all thoughts… these songs hit all the right points.
Trivial to point out any one song here, OMNI, Pt. 1 truly needs to be consumed as a whole to get the full effect. Furthermore, it will absolutely need subsequent listens to fully digest what it brings. Project 86 like you have never heard them before, Cryptic Rock gives OMNI, Pt. 1, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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