This two volume set of records represents the complete discography of State of Fear. With the rise of crust punk in the U.S. a new generation of punks have scoured the filthy depths of the genre to find the classics, and STATE OF FEAR ticks every box of a classic hardcore band. Formed from the ex-members of DISRUPT and DEFORMED CONSCIOUS, S.O.F. adopted a more streamlined hardcore attack than that of either of their former bands, but kept intact the political and dark themes of the crust bands they had come from. This was hardcore made by fans of Swedish bands like SKITLICKERS, MOB 47, ANTI-CIMEX, and although they definitely wear their influences on their sleeve, they created a sound which was enigmatically their own. Entering the scene in the heyday of Minneapolis Crust in 1994 they immediately made their mark with powerful live showings and a no-bullshit delivery. Volume 1 includes the self titled debut, and the infamous ‘wallow in squalor’ EP’s, State of Fear showcase a devastating combination of speed and memorable riffs rarely seen by another band in America since. Songs like ‘Blood Thirsty System’, ‘Violation’, ‘Consumption’ emboldened a generation of punks in the 90’s, and confirmed their feelings of rage at the political system in place, which sadly still stands today. These songs aren’t going to lose appeal until the bloodthirsty system falls. Sonarize Records has added a large format 12-page booklet that includes a biography, interviews, lyrics, and hard-to-find photos of the band.

As outlined in the above description State of Fear had set out on a hardcore path widely copied but never matched throughout 1994-1996. It’s in this period that they attempt their first full-length LP which although marred by recording issues and personnel changes, would go on to be regarded by most as an contender for one of the best LP’s of 1990’s in the hardcore punk genre. Volume 2 is this stand-alone LP by the band and features the original artwork of Marald who has also gone on to a famed career in the fine art world, this includes a large 4 page booklet with all lyrics included, and an A2 poster. Did I mention that both Vol. 1 and 2 have been remastered by Jack Control for the highest sound quality possible. These are definitive documents of one of the best hardcore bands to exist.