TOOTH & NAIL VETS KEEP HARD ROCK AND MINISTRY CENTRAL
Hard rock chiefs Project 86 have become famous for pushing alternative rock to the limits. In addition, the provocative trio has earned a reputation for slaving over hardcore messages that match their palpitating musical palette. Pounding questions into the psyches of both Christian disciples and questioning seekers for over a decade, the Tooth & Nail veterans unabashedly proclaim their faith as the backbone of their smashing music.
And the band’s seventh full release, Picket Fence Cartel, continues the strains of surrendered resolve. “The Butcher” issues a chorus of salvation-centered defiance to those who threaten to destroy our lives, screaming, “There is no weapon/There is no blade/You wonder why I’m not afraid . . . You’ll never kill Him that lives inside of me.”
Encouraging listeners to worship in spite of circumstances, “Cement Shoes” reveals a collective catechism:
“Desperate we will proclaim/That on our knees we’re not ashamed/And so we vow to kneel before You.”
Tailing their most successful record to date, Project 86 forfeits the synth-driven detours of Rival Factions to produce more of its down-home goth rock. The experimental group is infamous for ambiguous and often vague lyrics, and while Picket Fence Cartel is still full of dark scenarios and poetic charm, it’s underlined with a creed-like theme of basic belief.
This project is sure to meet and exceed any expectations the industry and more importantly, fans, have conjured since Project 86’s last release.
—Andrew Greer
