Project Renegade – 'Order of the Minus': An explosion of new sounds!

A distinctive and experimental style is offered by Project Renegade. The band from Athens presented their latest record, titled 'Order of the Minus'. This album is starting to establish the band in the metal, progressive metal and alternative scene.

Against the backdrop of a heavy and rough sound

Project Renegade are a 4-piece metal band, founded by Μαριάννα (vox) and Ody (drums). Their sound comes from an alternative, heavy and rough sound, combined with electronic and atmospheric elements. Their musical beginnings came when they released the EP "Cerebra" and together with Nick K. (guitar), they began recording their first full-length album. The latest addition was Jay (bass), after which the band started to take on a more active role and began playing live shows.

Renegades of… Agia Paraskevi!

With a name that brings to mind… defections, Project Project Renegade offer us a musical journey into a rather distinctive genre. Building on a heavy metal sound, they manage to create a mix of Heavy Metal, Atmospheric and Industrial. All of this, combined with Marianna's vocals, which go against everything you'd expect to hear given the band's sonic palette.

I don't see it as a bad thing at all that Marianna's voice makes the difference and puts its signature on the band's style. On the contrary, 'Order of theOrder of the Minus' presents us with a different style. A style that keeps its power intact, but also has the Renegade frontwoman's very beautiful vocals, which act as a counterweight. That differentiation alone creates something new.

The dynamics of the music

'Order of the Minus' combines many elements from different genres. The heavy, distorted sound is Project Renegade's trademark Project Renegade and it's a sound that comes to us from the other side of the Atlantic. But it doesn't consist only of dry, sloppy distortion.

Starting with "Big Boss" we see that things won't be easy, in an eerie, futuristic and ominous setting, which aims to set us up for the album's concept. Now that we're prepared, let's start talking about the music, starting with the drums. Here, Ody has a distinctive style. The drums sound extremely massive, while the mix also features plenty of effects and triggers. The timestamps are mostly straight, though they contain plenty of interesting touches and are packed with dynamics.

Next stop: Jay and the bass. Here we have a sound that falls right in step with the record's spirit. The bass lines add tension without being especially elaborate. Combined with Nick K. 's melodies on guitar, the tracks take on another dimension. The guitar sound is mostly distorted, though that doesn't mean there aren't calmer moments in the songs. The tuning is lower, which makes the sound heavier.

Finally, Μαριάννα with her vocal lines, changes the style of Project Project Renegade's music quite a bit. She adds melodicism, using vocals across low and high registers. The tone strongly recalls Epica and Scandinavian metal in general! At the same time, her diction has great clarity.

Behind the lyrics

The music of 'Order of the Minus' is quite dark. It takes us into futuristic stories and world domination. It describes the struggle of the individual to escape the safeguards of society, which ultimately want to keep him captive.

Editor's Choice: 'Liber8'

The record's big highlight is 'Liber8'. A track that brings out all the band's passion and energy, while at the same time giving a nod to something very topical like "Products Of War", with warlike moods and nu/industrial touches. With an intro reminiscent of the Red Alert 2 video (with the attack sirens blaring), and its dynamic character, it sets us up for the concept of 'Order of the Minus'. Also striking is the riff that sets up the entrance of the first verse.

A band with plenty of prospects and a powerful style

Harsh sounds are the record's ace in the hole, since Project Project Renegade refresh and blend elements from the 90s and 00s, in a vibe that can bring together bands ranging from Rammstein to Korn or Linkin Park. From the darkness to the drive, the energy and the explosions, musically the record shows it's all a walk in the park, while there's also no shortage of more atmospheric and equally bizarre touches, in a dark, deranged, labyrinthine yet epic setting.

With American roots and influences from various corners of the heavy sound spectrum, Project Project Renegade bring something substantial, original and contemporary by Greek standards, despite influences that could now be considered classic. Without sticking to any particular mold, 'Order of the Minus' combines it all, showing the ugliness, the curiosity and the destruction of our world, behind their powerful, relentless rhythms.