Rival Factions
Project 86 · 2007
34 min · 10 tracks · alternative metal
A furious blend of aggressive riffs and introspective lyrics, channeling angst through dynamic shifts in melody and intensity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Evil (A Chorus of Resistance) — This opening track sets the tone with its urgent energy and confrontational lyrics that challenge societal norms, establishing a theme of resistance throughout the album.
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Put Your Lips to the TV — With a catchy chorus and sharp commentary on consumer culture, this track showcases the band's ability to merge critique with infectious hooks.
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Slaves to Liberty — This song stands out for its anthemic quality and exploration of freedom versus control, encapsulating the album's overarching message about personal autonomy.
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Illuminate — A poignant reflection on self-discovery and enlightenment, this track balances heaviness with introspection, illustrating the band's lyrical depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features dynamic shifts and thematic depth, solidifying its place in the post-hardcore scene.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, alternating between aggressive riffs and softer, introspective sections.
- The lyrics often reflect personal struggles and societal critiques, with a focus on themes of resistance and freedom.
- 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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7/10
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
- intense bursts of cathartic energy
- short tracks for quick engagement
- angst-driven themes for reflection
- dynamic shifts keep attention focused
- for high-energy workouts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, mellow sounds
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2007, Project 86 released Rival Factions as their fifth studio album, following the more experimental sound of their previous release, Songs to Burn Your Bridges By. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity within the Christian metal scene, navigating the tension between commercial appeal and artistic integrity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Demon Hunter· Norma Jean· August Burns Red
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Evil (A Chorus of Resistance) 3:03
- 2 Put Your Lips to the TV 2:49
- 3 The Forces of Radio Have Dropped a Viper Into the Rhythm Section 2:51
- 4 Molotov 3:12
- 5 Slaves to Liberty 3:02
- 6 Pull Me Closer, Violent Dancer 3:56
- 7 Illuminate 2:39
- 8 The Sanctuary Hum 5:01
- 9 Caveman Jam 3:18
- 10 Normandy 5:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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