Project 86

Project 86 was formed in mid 1996 by vocalist Andrew Schwab in Orange County, California. 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." Project 86's music is characterized by heavy rock and Schwab's "loud, eerie, and atmospheric" vocal style. Vocalist Andrew Schwab has remained the band's lead lyricist. Schwab has stated most lyrics are based on his emotions. He also tries to incorporate social commentary from literature. Their sound has been likened to rock groups Helmet, Rage Against the Machine, and Tool. The moniker "intense" has frequently been used as a description. Rick Anderson of Allmusic called the music "dense and crunchy", while Albuquerque Journal writer Ron Gonzales declared it a "blisteringly heavy sound." Commenting on their musical style, Schwab stated "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."