Project 86 Members, Gear & Sound

Project 86 is a dynamic and genre-defying band originating from Orange County, California. Formed in 1996 by frontman Andrew Schwab, the group is known for its passionate blend of nu metal, Christian rock, and Christian alternative rock. Schwab's vision was to create emotional and heavy music that transcends typical genre boundaries, which led the band to incorporate elements of hardcore, metal, punk, and more into their sound. Over the years, Project 86 has built a dedicated fan base through their intense live performances and a diverse catalog that reflects their unique sonic identity.

Project 86's sound is characterized by an aggressive yet melodic intensity, marked by crunchy, distorted guitar riffs that drive their powerful compositions. The band's music often features a mix of heavy, down-tuned guitars and energetic rhythms, creating a sound that's both raw and polished. Their guitar tones frequently employ the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head for its gritty, overdriven quality. Vocals are delivered with an emotive force, often using dynamic microphones like the Shure SM57 to capture the intensity and clarity of Schwab's performance. The use of preamps such as the Focusrite ISA 110 further enhances the depth and punch of their recordings, making Project 86's music a compelling fusion of rhythmic aggression and melodic complexity.