108

Self-Titled (2016)

Mike

With Threefold Misery, we're getting the reissue treatment

via SFU Records of a classic 108 full-length, originally released on Touch and

Go. 108 were largely accepted as one of the biggest Krishna hardcore bands of

the 1990s, and the record's title itself is a nod to Khrishna teachings. Having

begun playing shows again in the past few years, it seems that their old

material has found relevance with an entirely new generation of hardcore music

fans. And for good reason. 108 was, and is again, one of those few hardcore

bands whose music is heavy but sophisticated and whose lyrics are at once

ferocious and astute.

Threefold Misery is a great artifact of what made 108 such

an influential band. The record moves at a furious pace and is indicative of

the band's progressive amalgamation of traditional hardcore sound and the far

more driving and groove-laden stylings of the Quicksand-led post-hardcore

movement. Too many labels there. But it drives home the point that 108 were a

very ingenuitive band. They cultivated a largely original sound in a genre that

is often very derivative.

The strongest track on the reissue is "Killer of the Soul."

The guitarwork here is absolutely great as are the vocal patterns. The song

creates a near-perfect balance of the aforementioned styles driven by an

understated but melodic rhythm track. Lyrically the song also captures 108's

message of Krishna consciousness, veganism, and material disdain.

Similarly, "Mantra Six" rocks with great passion and groove.

The guitar leads are haunting and perfectly complement the rhythm tracks. It's

heavy without approaching ignorance and the lyrics are angry and insightful.

Rob Fish also showcases his ability to draw out anger in both his spoken and

screamed vocals. Again, the balance here only serves to improve the

musicianship. The recording manages to really capture his energy and the

listener can't help but to feel it too. "How will you reap the harvest of your

technology?" Indeed.

108 was a huge influence on a great many bands. If we want

to trace the musical influences of Indecision, The Hope Conspiracy, and even

their peers in Snapcase, we'd absolutely have to include 108 in the

conversation. Threefold Misery is a perfect introduction to the band too. It's

an utterly hardcore record that also brims with intellectual and spiritual

dissent, not an easy feat. And while Threefold Misery isn't quite 108's most

celebrated release, Songs of Separation, it still rocks with all the angst and

passion that made the band so important to so many people in the 1990s and

today.