When seasoned musicians from powerhouse bands like Face to Face, Eagles of Death Metal, BulletBoys, and Lit join forces, expectations naturally run high. Enter The Project—a Southern California-based supergroup spearheaded by Shameless guitarist and rock veteran James Davis. Their debut single, “Death of Me,” currently in its demo stage, already shows the raw energy, musical firepower, and commercial potential that promises to shake up the modern rock scene.
Though still in its early stages, The Project boasts a jaw-dropping roster of rock royalty. Alongside Davis, who earned critical acclaim and multiple awards in the mid-2000s with Shameless, the lineup includes:
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Dennis Hill (Face to Face, Lit, Sammy Hagar) – Co-producer, co-writer, and guitarist
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Scott Shiflett (Eagles of Death Metal)
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Jimmy D’Anda (BulletBoys)
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Erik Ferentinos (Stephen Pearcy/Ratt)
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Kevin Baldes (Lit)
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Plus contributions from Arron Rossi (Ministry, Prong) and Andre Bonter (Pump5)
It’s a roll call that reads like a hall of fame entry list, and their first recorded effort under The Project moniker doesn’t disappoint.
Even as a demo, “Death of Me” arrives with teeth bared—tight, aggressive, and loaded with melodic hooks. The track blends the urgent spirit of hard rock with radio-ready polish, while keeping a gritty, unfiltered tone that harkens back to the golden era of California’s rock renaissance.
The guitars are punchy and textured, showcasing the dual threat of Davis and Hill’s fretwork, which strikes a balance between metal-inspired riffing and catchy alt-rock choruses. The rhythm section—featuring contributions from heavyweights like Rossi and Bonter—lays down a thunderous foundation, while the vocals from Shameless frontman Jeff Plant soar with precision and passion.
Lyrically, “Death of Me” walks a tightrope between vulnerability and defiance. Though full details of the lyrics are still under wraps, the tone suggests a narrative rooted in internal struggle, emotional confrontation, and resilience—a fitting theme for a band that bridges hard rock sensibilities with modern introspection.
For James Davis, The Project represents more than just a band—it’s a culmination of years of evolution. From leading Shameless to international tours across Mexico, Brazil, Europe, and the U.S., to winning accolades at the Southern California Music Awards and beyond, Davis is no stranger to the spotlight. But The Project allows him to stretch into new creative territories—embracing pop-influenced structure without compromising on rock edge.
Davis’s ability to connect the dots between nostalgia and innovation is what makes The Project so compelling. He’s not chasing trends; he’s redefining them on his own terms.
While “Death of Me” is still a demo and not yet officially released, it’s already generating buzz as a powerful preview of what’s to come. With a full album in development and more surprise collaborators expected to be announced in the coming months, anticipation is high.
The Project is also gearing up for a full tour in 2025 across the U.S., U.K., and Japan—further cementing their ambition to make a global impact. Given the pedigree of talent involved and the strength of this first single, that ambition feels entirely justified.
“Death of Me” is more than just a debut—it’s a mission statement. It’s the sound of experienced artists reigniting their passion, reinventing their sound, and refusing to rest on their laurels. If this is what The Project can do with a demo, the final version—and the full album—could be something truly special.
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