The number 108 has supreme significance in a variety of manners ranging from Eastern spirituality to references in classic literature such as The Odyssey. While such traditional applications remain just as relevant when applied to this unique number, a group of charismatic, feverishly intense aspiring Gaudiya Vaisnavas who just so happened to shell out arguably the most enigmatic hardcore concoction of the past two decades brought an even more dynamic meaning to this inscrutable integer. Coming to fruition in 1992, the vital and absolutely compelling musical force known as 108 emanated as a direct mouthpiece for ex-INSIDE OUT guitarist and BEYOND bassist Vic Dicara (Vraja Kishor Dasa) to express his ideas about philosophy, spirituality and life. After some early struggles with a solid line-up, Dicara eventually hooked up with RESSURRECTION vocalist Robert Fish (Rasaraja Dasa) and the duo, along with a slew of other passionate instrumentalists – Trivikrama Dasa (Tim Cohen), Chris Daly and Kate Reddy, among others - went on to write and record three of the most venerated hardcore records of the nineties, and in turn influenced a generation of bands currently at the pinnacle of hardcore’s towering, chaotic apex. As the summer of 2006 heats up, Equal Vision Records is proud to announce the release of a stunning discography that culls the entirety of 108’s recorded output into a two disc set titled Creation. Sustenance. Destruction. The discography compiles every song ever recorded by the band: from the hypnotic, firestorming intonations contained on Holyname and the experimental and emotionally eviscerating Songs Of Separation, to the group’s unforgettably searing epic Threefold Misery, along with its chaotic final EP, Curse of Instinct. In addition an unreleased gem known as “Panic” will also grace the release. Recently remastered by Tom Hutten at Bionic Mastering, the 108 discography is a moving testament to an era of hardcore that was brimming with passion, intensity and spirit the likes of which have yet to be duplicated. Of course, there is a reason why 108 has become such an iconic figure in the hardcore landscape—to put it simply, there are not many bands that can touch the group in terms of its frenetic musical approach. 108 took the ethereal spirit of BAD BRAINS, doused it with the ferocity of Age Of Quarrel-era CRO-MAGS and imbued itself with the boundary pushing yet introspective lyrical and artistic sensibilities that cascaded throughout the nineties hardcore scene to create a monolithic, highwattage sonic force that dared audiences to explore the tumultuous territory avoided by most. Although 108 primarily garnered its reputation by way of its mesmerizing records and full-tilt live performances, the group also established quite the reputation by virtue of its intriguing lyrical missives. While many of the 108’s songs are steeped with a spiritual marrow, the band took more of a philosophical approach to its art. Whether it was analyzing the possibilities of the afterlife (“Deathbed”), the concept of vegetarianism (“Killer of the Soul”) or pervading issues of masculine dominance not only in the hardcore scene but in society at large (“Woman”), or the emotional struggle for survival that one confronts in daily life (“Curse of Instinct”), every single 108 lyric is defiant in its search for truth and resonates with humbling, honest demeanor. For discriminating hardcore fans currently bombarded by a bevy of professional units merely looking for that eponymous payday, this important release couldn’t come at a better time. The volume of hardcore history contained on Creation. Sustenance. Destruction. is an impressive testament to the infinite boundaries 108 strived to attain. 108’s music and message is just as relevant and brimming with vitality today as it was during the peak of the group’s heyday. Consequently, the more academic applications of the number 108 have to be nudged over to make room for the paramount legacy established by this colossal sonic entity.

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