For our 6th annual Highlighting feature, we're doing things a little differently. Normally, we select our top 25 most anticipated releases for the whole year, but we realize that it's tough to really gauge EVERYTHING that may release throughout a given year when we're making the list in January. So, for 2012, we're splitting the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December (Click here for Part 2). Also, we're making each list 15 artists/releases for a total of 30 in 2012. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting First-Half 2012!

	2 of 15   #2. Project 86 Wait For The Siren Release Date: August 21, 2012 It's the first totally independent new studio album since Songs To Burn Your Bridges By (which later got re-released by Tooth & Nail). Fully fan-funded, the as-of-yet untitled release is slated for this June and it ought to be a rock album to be reckoned with...         - John DiBiase Project 86 is one of three bands (that we currently know of) that is releasing their first independent album since leaving Tooth & Nail Records. Of the three, this is the one I'm most excited about. P86 loves their fans, and with this album being completely funded by said fans, there's no doubt in my mind that Schwab and company will give their complete all when writing and recording. Prepare for a rock album that will blow your mind.         - Scott Fryberger Project is one of my three favorite all-time bands, so anytime they have something new coming out, I get super stoked. The idea of releasing the entire album independently makes me think Schwab and company has the ability to make something overly raw, super personal, and something that can be nothing short of amazing.         - Kevin Hoskins Shortly after Five Iron Frenzy's wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, Project 86 created their own Kickstarter project to help fund their upcoming independent album. The band is now almost solely the work of frontman Andrew Schwab, with lead guitarist Randy Torres and bassist Steven Dail recently bowing out of the band. After 2009's exceptional Picket Fence Cartel, it will be interesting to see where the band goes from here.         - Timothy Estabrooks Project 86 is one of my all time favorite bands in Christian rock. Schwab is an excellent songwriter and I can hardly wait to see what he comes up with this time around. I hope that this independent release will unleash the whole of his creativity.         - Michael Weaver Visit our Project 86 page for more information about them... 2012 Countdown: 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 ©January, 2012 Jesusfreakhideout.com