in march 2007, project 86 announced that alex albert had parted with the band on friendly terms to pursue other interests. instead of searching for a full-time replacement, the band recruited jason gerken, formerly of shiner, to play drums on the record. production of their sixth album, entitled "rival factions", followed suit with deftones engineer ulrich wild. the album proved to be a large departure from their edgier material by sporting a distinct 1980s sound influenced by goth rock.