Project 86 has released a kind of concept record, but Truthless Heroes should not be wrapped in that subtext and left in the heady, contrived, section of your collection. It's more than that; it's a rock and roll party.
Truthless Heroes takes Project where they haven't been before. The music has evolved, as also have the concepts and lyrics, into a progressive hard music groove that wasn't developed in previous releases. Andrew Schwab (writer, vocals), Randy Torres (dirty guitars), Steven Dail (impelling bass), and Alex Albert (hard hitting drums) may have been watching a few bands that they grew up with. POD, as a case study, has changed their sound and vocal style with much success. Another couple of bands that I hear emulated in the new Project project are Stavesacre and Linkin Park, both great musical role models, and judging from Truthless Heroes, the band agrees. Although Project 86's latest sound can be compared to other bands, by no means is the new record derivative. Project 86 is their own band. Schwab has developed a wonderful sense of melody and song structure that makes this record different from other Project 86 albums. Honorable mention kudos must also go to producer and accomplished engineer Matt Hyde. The production on the album is extremely clear. Every instrument and vocal is discernible and yet loses none of its power.
The songs are well crafted and very hot. The band should be very proud of the record and the fans can be proud to play it loud.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Mark ReidHere we are in the 21st century and it seems rock is everywhere. Rock bands are multiplying and pouring out of every available musical outlet. Some might say it's a bit of overkill, but that's just some. Out of this abundance of noise comes the latest Project 86, and to these ears, each successive album has been an improvement. Truthless Heroes was released at the end of 2002, and without doubt…Decapolis December 2002Reviewed by Nate BaileyProject 86 is from California and has released several albums with Tooth and Nail. They feature ex-members from Innermeans and have recently released "Truthless Heroes." Having moved away from their early rap-core roots, Project 86 is back with a lengthy 17-track album of hard-edged melodic rock. While being fairly standard for this type of music it's not without its catchy moments. "Salem's…HM Magazine #98Reviewed by Doug Van PeltThis album will stretch but probably please most of the band's fans. Ditching the rap/rock stylings that gave them a foothold, P86 seems to have taken the lessons in songwriting melodies that have benefited their peers in Stavesacre and P.O.D. and crafted some memorable and punching hooks that stay in your head longer than the somewhat brutish riffs of Drawing Black Lines. Another surprise is…Art for the Ears 2002Reviewed by Marco PovervestHere's a real gem. The third album from Project 86 exceeds all expectations. To be honest, I wasn't sure it was going to be. Their debut was one of my favorite discs of the year 1998. The follow-up, Drawing Black Lines, didn't satisfy me though. Yet Truthless Heroes is ten times better. The production (Matt Hyde) is excellent. Each song is a pleasure to listen to. From the harsh, thrashy S.M.C.…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Vik BansalBack in 2000 the future was looking rosy for Project 86. Their major label debut, Drawing Black Lines, aptly produced by GGGarth, the producer of Rage Against The Machine's seminal debut album, had just been released to critical acclaim, and they were touring the US as part of a dream line-up with P.O.D. and Linkin Park. In the intervening two years, however, Project 86 have had to watch P.O.D.…Similar sounding releases
2002Jacks of All TradesSuperior
2002P.O.D.Satellite
2005As Cities BurnSon, I Loved You At Your Darkest
2000A Perfect CircleMer de Noms
2004A Faith Called ChaosForgive Nothing
2003Lucerin BlueTales of the KnifeMore from Project 86
1998Project 86
2004Songs To Burn Your Bridges By
2000Drawing Black Lines
2005...And the Rest Will Follow
