108

This is music that sounds like a spiritual awakening occurring in the middle of a riot. 108 takes the foundational aggression of New York hardcore and twists it into something far more complex, using dissonant guitar work and unconventional rhythms that feel like they are constantly on the verge of collapsing. It is loud, abrasive, and physically demanding, yet it carries an unmistakable sense of devotion and purpose that sets it apart from the nihilism of their peers.

What truly distinguishes 108 is the interplay between Vic DiCara's angular, almost jazz-inflected guitar playing and Rob Fish's desperate, throat-shredding vocals. While other bands in the 'Krishnacore' scene focused on anthemic sing-alongs, 108 leaned into the avant-garde, incorporating feedback, strange intervals, and a chaotic energy that mirrors the internal struggle for self-realization. It is a sound that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally overwhelming.

Newcomers should dive into 'A New Beat From a Dead Heart' to hear their most refined and punishing production, or 'Songs of Separation' for the raw, foundational energy of the 90s scene. It is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants their hardcore to have a higher purpose without sacrificing an ounce of its jagged, metallic edge.