Review

Project 86, a band whose name itself means to be “thrown out or rejected,” has dug themselves deeper into the world of secular music. The band, who released their first two albums (including their most successful to date, Drawing Black Lines) on Tooth and Nail Records, was once welcomed into the genre of Christian rock not only because of their message, but also because of their metal punk almost Rage Against the Machine sound which is not widespread in Christian music.

After leaving Tooth and Nail and signing to Atlantic records, Project 86 released Truthless Heroes in 2002, which was possibly the end of their sometimes sketchy connection to Christian music. Project’s third effort was an unsuccessful attempt at a concept album about a character that is bombarded by corruptness and deception. Truthless Heroes was unsuccessful not because of musical talent but because their message was weak.

Their lyrics pronounced problems with social institutions but did not often address which ones, why, or how. It also lost backing from Christian radio stations and Christian music supporters for two main reasons: antigovernment content and arguably pornographic images connected with their website. In other words, Truthless Heroes’s lyrics neither contained Christian inspiration nor proclaimed the gospel in any way.

Since then Project 86 has reconstructed and released Songs To Burn Your Bridges By in less than a year since their last record. By listening to this record you feel the tension, frustration, and often times vengeful aura that surrounds the entire album. The title itself peers over the edge into concept albums but the band should know better than to travel that road once again. Inside the front cover of the CD booklet is a short description of what is meant by “burning bridges.” In summary it means that a person should “set fire” to “bridges” (connections, relationships) in order to remove oneself from oppression, the past, and “fruitless relationships” and then, “we’ll wave good night to the other side while they watch our smiles dance in the firelight.”

Although, throughout Songs To Burn Your Bridges By’s 11 tracks there is no blatant anti-Christian lyrics there is also no connection to how “burning a bridge” might bring a person closer to God. Its lyrics might actually be considered confusing to some. In “Oblivion” leader singer Macabre Schwab screams, “Fight for tomorrow, fall to stand, surrender to follow, it’s all we’ll ever have, it’s all we’ll ever need,” which could be interpreted as the “it” being faith in God. Again in “The Great Golden Gate Disaster” he asks, “Can I say that you were ever a friend to me?, and you know it was never a lie, the fallen son that bought our freedom, is the I, the I that had to die,” which can easily be interpreted as thankfulness of Christ’s sacrifice. However, here and there are confusing lines such as: “Let’s go back in time, you and I, to my initiation of your false empire, you greased you aimed and then you spit, while I once again pushed away my conscience.” It is unclear in this instance (and many others) whether or not Schwab writes with the intent of criticizing God or the “bridges” he passionately hates.

Although Songs To Burn Your Bridges By is not an openly Christian album the concept can be viewed as “burning bridges” that you crossed causing you to distance yourself from God. As long as the listener is sensible and not subjective they can easily deduce a positive spiritual message. At the same time the album could be listened to and accepted by the secular arena without serious difficulty. But never mind the listeners’ background, this album earns a strong three stars for maintaining that distinctive Project Eighty Six deep throated passion for hard rock.

Review by Rob Todd

3 out of 5