The T4 Project is the culmination of politics, punk, and independent spirit that has been lacking in the continual commercialization of the underground scene. It also recaptures the idea of a united album, relying on the collaboration of several major musicians from various punk rock bands.

The curious name of Story-Based Concept Album emphasizes the everyperson nature of the problems confronting society and the underground scene today. The story involves two characters, Phil and Jackie, but their travails could happen to any young person today. The album serves as a warning against the destructive sickness of mass propaganda.

An attack on Phil and Jackie by closed-minded bigots at an anti-war protest is the catalyst for a series of mass misperceptions turned into dreadful misadventures that end in their individual deaths. The heart of the story is Phil's decision to seek revenge on the bigots. At this moment, he catches the "virus." The T4 virus is the inspiration for the name of the project.

"The virus represents what is corrupt. It's all business, politics, corruption," says Shannon Saint Ryan, the mastermind behind The T4 Project.

The "virus" causes Phil's death, but not before the bigot's child is forced to make his own decision about right and wrong. The virus could be passed onto a new generation or the chain of corruptive propaganda could be stopped.

Besides the overarching metaphors and story, The T4 Project uses short, sarcastic" pseudo-commercials" sharp, biting and poignant social satire that makes fun of a variety of America's political stances. " It's a serious message with a tongue-in-cheek edge," says Saint Ryan.

Though Saint Ryan was the overall visionary for the project and story, he enlists the help of Jason Cruz, vocalist of Strung Out, to write the actual lyrics to the songs. Cruz's lyrics capture the emotion of the characters, while Saint Ryan's descriptions capture the action.

"Shannon gave me carte blanche," says Cruz. "He gave me the story and I really admire him for trusting me, because sometimes my interpretation of what he wrote was a little abstract. "

Saint Ryan realized early on that collaboration would be important for the project to succeed and wanted each artist to make their own mark. "Everyone has the creative freedom. They should get to interpret the story their way," says Saint Ryan. "I wanted Jason to have absolute freedom. I just feel blessed to get to work with all these great musicians."

Saint Ryan also hooked up with punk/zine artist Keith Rosson to provide the visuals that are a crucial element of the album's concept. Rosson is best known for his work with the northwest US zine, Avow, but was referred to Saint Ryan by the band Glass and Ashes. What came out was a deep labor of love, on a grander scope than Rosson first imagined.

"I do quite a bit of illustrations for bands, but never like this," says Rosson, noting "for every 100 hours of work, there was another 100 hours of replacements."

Styled as a graphic novel in a 24-page booklet, Rosson's work reflects the bleakness and isolation of Phil and Jackie's existence. A distinctiveness of Rosson's art is the hollow eyes of his characters, which infuses them with a morose oppression.

"I was really stoked at the maneuvering room I had," says Rosson. "If it was just some vapid, stupid song, I wouldn't have done it."

Vapid is the last word to describe The T4 Project. The story is sobering, the politics sharp, and its vision ambitious with many ideas delivered in a variety of ways. The T4 Project captures all that punk was meant to be.

The T4 Project : Story-Based Concept Album captures the true spirit of a punk rock revolution in this powerful collection of songs, compelling background story concept, and the impressive array of musicians called together to collaborate on this exceptionally unique and dynamic release.

Buy the CD at Mental Records

Preview Tracks

+ 15 Minutes
+ Food Industry
+ Pharmaceuticals

Over 2½ years in the making, this exceptional concept album was conceived and independently produced on a shoe-string budget by musical visionary Shannon Saint Ryan, who astonishingly tracked multiple recording sessions, meticulously scheduled around and in between the hours he spent working a regular full-time day job.

'The T4 Project' contains 10 original songs with lyrics by Strung Out’s Jason Cruz and 8 “pseudo-commercial” interludes that surge with biting social satire and political commentary. The release also features a 24 page graphic novel story-booklet by renowned graphic artist Keith Rosson that delivers a darkly sobering yet ultimately inspiring transcendent message for the modern age.