108It's almost a year to the day that Equal Visions released their 2 disc discography "Creation.Sustenance.Destruction.", at that point not many people were sure what would ensue, would the band reform after a decade long hiatus? Well, that question was answered when the band self-released the "Oneoheight" EP later that same year, it was cemented when in January the band signed to one of the underground's finest label's, Deathwish Inc.
These 13 tracks are the bands most ambitious so far and they have shown what most of hardcore and the rest of the underground is missing...emotion. Whether it be good or bad, they allow their emotions to take precedence in the song writing.
Earlier in their career, 108 were heralded for adding metallic leanings to 80's hardcore and they always added their own flavor and originality, which separated them from their peers. This album shows just how varied they can be with their arrangements and writing. I mean shit some moments it'll be a straight up punk moment ala Black Flag and then the part at 1:13 in "Martyr Complex" sounds like straight up Converge, the bassline in "Bibles+Guns=The American Dream?" is even reminiscent of Tool. "Three Hundred Liars" dare I say has a slight hip hop influence going on with the feedback that sounds like scratching? And the vocals sound better than they ever have.
Equally as important as the music is the lyrics and though on their earlier albums I wasn't always keen on the Hare Krishna views (I just hate any form of religion, I mean any), they were always open to interpretation and were meant to be more spiritual than religious, which the band exclaims in the opening two tracks, "Declarations On A Grave" and "Guilt". The band has also aimed it's sharp tongue at the government and the materialistic society of western societies, most notably America. The song "Ressurect To Destroy" attacks the president and rightfully so, the song "Bibles+Guns=The American Dream?" is about how Americans crave what they want, not what they need. The song "Our Kind" is about the shallowness of the average American. Easily the most poetic song is "The Sad Truth" which is a song that urges people to look towards the good rather than the bad. To appreciate your feelings and who you are, not what you own, where you live, or what school you went to. On most pages in the booklet, they fit 4-5 songs onto a page, this song alone fills a page. Easily the best and most memorable quote from the song:
"I dream of a world where I can love you. Where I can feel you. And where I can know you. Without having to own you. Without having to hate you. Or without having to fuck you."
This song also has the title of the album in it, "...And where such feelings Bring A New Beat From A Dead Heart."
Overall, these are the best lyrics I've heard from these guys. They are spiritual without being religious, which is right up my alley.
When I heard these guys would be recording this at Godcity Studios with Kurt Ballou I was stoked to say the least. Pretty much every album I've heard come out of that studio has been gold. One of the best things about 108 has been their use and complex rhythms and obviously the bass is focal in providing the backbone. Kurt has allowed the bassist to shine, with a rich varied and rich tone that helps the basslines stand out just enough without detracting from the rest of the musicians. The guitar tone is nasty as hell, it's got good brightness with just the right amount of overdrive. The drums sound extremely organic, they have a really warm tone about them and the snare sounds fantastic. Overall the album just sounds really natural. The slight reverb used and the ringing feedback, it's just raw. Kurt even played several instruments in the song, "(IL)logical End".
In some of the other albums I have reviewed lately with artwork from J.Bannon, as you may have read, I haven't been totally impressed. It seems having such a great album to design for gave him the extra inspiration or something because this shit is sweeeeet. I'm always a fan of the uncoated stock paper and with the type of design this one uses it makes perfect sense. The intricate design on the front cover splits over onto the other page with a ornately dressed women beside it. The two pages used to display the title of album over another cool design that is nicely contrasted into the background. The booklet folds out into four pages that look like weathered papyrus with the lyrics neatly organized to make the reading easy.
Rating: 5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Guilt, Three Hundred Liars, Martyr Complex, Angel Strike Man and The Sad Truth
Synopsis: Damn 2007 is only half over yet I could easily fill my top 10 list. For many this will be their favorite release of the year, which I wouldn't argue... but right now I'm mixed between a slew of awesome releases. But I digress, this album cannot be recommended enough, if there was one band that no one is complaining about doing a "reunion", it's these guys. Though they never really did break up though. From start to finish, top to bottom, "A New Beat From A Dead Heart" is an album that encapsulates the raw emotion and energy that most bands will never emulate let alone understand. All I can say is, pick this thing up and if you regret it, please, stop listening to music.
Click here to listen to Guilt, Three Hundred Liars and Martyr Complex