Editing Project 86 (section)

===2009–2012: ''Picket Fence Cartel'' and ''XV Live''===
In early 2009, the band returned to the studio with Martin and Ulrich Wild to record their seventh album, ''[[Picket Fence Cartel]]''. Time was spent leisurely crafting the album; previous endeavors had been limited by deadlines. "This time around, we said, 'Look, let's not just put out another record,'" said Schwab, "'Let's make sure we get the record to a place that we're happy with it.'"{{sfn|DiBiase|2009a}} The band focused on a [[heavy metal music|heavy metal sound]]. However, they did not entirely jettison their 1980s influences as synthesizers percolated several songs. Schwab's lyrics focused on his belief that power and corruption often "run hand-in-hand when it comes to human souls." "The world is teaching us that fame is to be sought after; that recognition will equal success, fortune and, ultimately, peace," he said, "But the search for and attainment of fame and wealth usually destroy us in the end."{{sfn|Argyrakis|2009}}

The record was released in July 2009 and peaked at No.&nbsp;137 on the Billboard 200.{{sfn|Billboard staff|2009}} Critics praised the title for its barrage of heavy rock and spiritually minded lyrics.{{sfn|Chamberlain|2009}}{{sfn|Goforth|2009}}{{sfn|Sendra|2009}} Later that summer, Project 86 traveled nationwide on the ''[[Scream the Prayer Tour]]'' with [[metalcore]] outfits [[The Chariot (band)|The Chariot]], [[Haste the Day]], and [[Gwen Stacy (band)|Gwen Stacy]].{{sfn|Van Pelt|2009a}} Coming mid-October, Project 86 started the ''Picket Fence Cartel Tour'' with [[Children 18:3]], [[Showbread (band)|Showbread]], [[The Wedding (band)|The Wedding]], and Yearling,{{sfn|Van Pelt|2009b}} and added a second part in spring 2010 with [[Flatfoot 56]] and [[Wavorly]].{{sfn|Jesus Freak Hideout staff|2010}} The band released their first live album, entitled ''XV Live'', in December 2010 to commemorate their 15th anniversary. The album's songs spanned every studio album with the exception of the first.{{sfn|Estabrooks|2010}}

Randy Torres, who had been gradually becoming less involved in the band over the previous several albums, decided to leave the band in late 2008 to work for Tooth and Nail records, and later, [[Microsoft]].  Steven Dail followed suit approximately one year later, citing the need to stop touring and be home with his family.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}} {{citation needed|date=October 2015}}