Reviews list for 108 - Songs of Separation (1995)

The sophomore album from 108, Songs of Separation, marks metal's entry into the hardcore subgenre Krishnacore, where beliefs in the Hindu deity Krishna is the central lyrical theme to bands of the subgenre. Other such bands include Ray Cappo's bands Shelter and Youth of Today. 108 follows the stylistic path of the latter band, discarding the more punky sounds, in favor of the beats, breakdowns, and vocals, all mixing the aggressive early hardcore of Minor Threat and the deathly sludge riffing of Eyehategod. Of course, this is Krishnacore! Expect lyrics of the Krishna conscious lifestyle instead of the typical drugs and violence.

In saying all that, the metallic quality doesn't shine well in the album, causing massive turbulence in my enjoyment, though "Son of Nanda" has the best lyrics here of chasing dreams built on emptiness, "Worship the Son of Nanda sweet and become fearless". Though a tiring opposite is "Solitary" when it comes to those lyrics, "Each moment without you I die, oh Krishna". The closing "Pale" unleashes one more hardcore attack against the "9 to 5 scam".

I think what helps guide the members' transcending beliefs through the lyrics is the screaming vocals of Rob Fish and the dreamy background singing of Kate-O-Eight. It's a decent lesson for the metal and hardcore realms, but not worth my time of listening. Live and learn....

Favorites (only ones I like): "Son of Nanda", "Pale"