Drawing Black Lines
Project 86 · 2000
56 min · 12 tracks · alternative metal
Aggressive riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a blend of nu metal and post-hardcore energy that challenges both the mind and spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Me Against Me — This track showcases the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with poignant explorations of internal conflict, encapsulating the album's core themes of struggle and identity.
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A Toast to My Former Self — Its reflective nature combined with aggressive sound creates a powerful commentary on personal growth and change, illustrating the band's nuanced approach to songwriting.
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Twenty-Three — With its extended runtime, this closing track offers an atmospheric culmination of the album's themes, marrying intricate instrumentation with existential musings.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive soundscapes with introspective lyrics, marking it as a notable entry in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with an instrumental track that sets a dark, atmospheric tone before launching into aggressive riffs in the following songs.
- Several tracks feature dynamic shifts between heavy instrumentation and softer, introspective moments, creating a push-and-pull effect.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of struggle and self-reflection, with verses often contrasting with more anthemic choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- aggressive riffs for cathartic release
- introspective lyrics for deep reflection
- dynamic pacing with varied lengths
- for late-night introspection
- energizing tracks for workout motivation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer light, upbeat sounds
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2000, Drawing Black Lines is Project 86's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the Christian metal scene while exploring more complex lyrical themes and diverse musical influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Demon Hunter· Norma Jean· August Burns Red
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Me Against Me
The bridge shifts from first-person reflection to a collective address, inviting listeners into a shared experience of inner turmoil.
By broadening the perspective at this pivotal moment, it deepens the emotional impact and fosters a communal sense of struggle.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Stein’s Theme 3:56
- 2 One-Armed Man (Play On) 3:44
- 3 Me Against Me 3:38
- 4 PS 5:54
- 5 Set Me Up 3:07
- 6 Chimes 4:58
- 7 A Toast to My Former Self 3:23
- 8 Sad Machines 4:16
- 9 Star 4:53
- 10 Chapter 2 3:16
- 11 Open Hand 2:39
- 12 Twenty-Three 12:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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