In the sun-soaked enclave of Tiburon, California, a musical storm is brewing, led by a force as relentless as the Northern California winds. Enter TJ “Maximus” Harris, the multitalented musician and mastermind behind Project Blacklist. Known for his genre-blending ingenuity and metal-infused creations, TJ has carved out a unique niche in the music world, earning accolades like the MYMUSICBLOCKTV Award in 2022 and playing to captivated audiences across Northern California. His release, the “DEMODRAFTICS EP,” is a testament to his artistry, a showcase of unbridled intensity and sonic experimentation that reaffirms his status as a rising star in the metal and rock scenes. He then followed that up with the single “The Enforcer (Remix)” featuring Jack Frost, further highlighting his artistic evolution.
Project Blacklist began as a fledgling concept in TJ Harris’s mind during his high school years—a time when his passion for music was blossoming into something far more potent. Inspired by the multi-instrumental prowess of artists like Blue Stahli and Celldweller, and shaped by the sonic brutality of bands like Breaking Benjamin, RED, and Meshuggah, TJ embarked on a journey to fuse his diverse influences into a sound that was uniquely his own. What started with raw ideas and minimal recording experience has since evolved into a powerful musical entity that defies categorization, straddling the lines between metal, electronic dance music, and everything in between.
The “DEMODRAFTICS EP” is more than just a collection of demo tracks; it’s an auditory blitzkrieg that announces Project Blacklist’s arrival with a vengeance. Consisting of four tracks—“Riot,” “The Enforcer,” “The Nameless,” and “Discordant Chaos”—the EP captures the raw energy and visceral power of TJ’s musical vision. Each track is a hard-hitting instrumental journey that pushes the boundaries of what metal can be, blending the genre’s traditional aggression with modern electronic elements to create something entirely new and invigorating.
From the very first notes of “Riot,” the EP sets a tone of relentless urgency. The overdriven guitars and pounding drums hit with the force of a sledgehammer, propelling the listener into a whirlwind of sound that refuses to let up. It’s clear from the outset that Project Blacklist is not here to play by the rules; instead, TJ Harris is rewriting them, crafting a sonic landscape that is as unpredictable as it is electrifying.
As the EP unfolds, it becomes evident that Project Blacklist is a master of his craft, an auditory alchemist capable of conjuring soundscapes that are both chaotic and cohesive. Each track is a meticulously constructed journey through the darker realms of the human psyche, with Harris’s guitar work leading the charge. The riffs are monstrous, the percussion is thunderous, and the overall effect is nothing short of cathartic.
“The Enforcer” continues the assault with its relentless pace and crushing heaviness, while “The Nameless” introduces a dark, almost cinematic quality that adds depth to the EP’s sonic narrative. The final track, “Discordant Chaos,” encapsulates yet another essence of Project Blacklist’s skillset. Here, Harris lets loose with a barrage of pumping rhythms and discordant riffs that create a sense of controlled chaos—a fitting finale for an EP that thrives on defying expectations.
Outside of the EP, Project Blacklist also decided to take “The Enforcer” one-step forward with a brand new remixed version featuring Jack Frost, who brings his solid rapping skills to the table, giving the track’s monstrous soundscape an extra and edgier dimension.
While “DEMODRAFTICS EP” is a collection of demo recordings, it possesses a depth and intensity that many polished albums struggle to achieve. Each track offers a glimpse into the potential that Project Blacklist holds, hinting at the grandiose scale these songs could reach with further refinement. Yet, even in their current form, these demos pack a formidable punch, leaving listeners eager for more.
The EP is a thrilling ride from start to finish, with each playthrough revealing new layers and nuances that demand attention. It’s a testament to TJ Harris’ talent and vision, proving that Project Blacklist is a musical force to be reckoned with.
As TJ continues to hone his craft and push the boundaries of his sound, one thing is clear: Project Blacklist is just getting started. The “DEMODRAFTICS EP” is a tantalizing taste of what’s to come, a harbinger of a future filled with sonic innovation and relentless energy. For fans of metal, rock, and everything in between, Project Blacklist is a name to remember—because if this EP is any indication, TJ Harris is about to take the music world by storm.
The “DEMODRAFTICS EP” by Project Blacklist is more than just an introduction to a rising star—it’s a bold statement of intent. With its bone-crushing riffs, explosive percussion, and fearless experimentation, the EP marks TJ Harris as a visionary artist capable of blending genres and creating something entirely his own. This is metal for the modern age—raw, powerful, and unapologetically innovative. The future of Project Blacklist is bright, and “DEMODRAFTICS EP” is just the beginning. Get ready for a sonic revolution.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6MyixjOouBZDfL0wWHk20O
https://instabio.cc/ProjectBlacklist
