American hardcore band formed in Washington, D.C. in 1976 (originally as Mind Power, a jazz-fusion group). Lineup: H.R. (Paul D. Hudson, vocals), Dr. Know (Gary Miller, guitar), Darryl Jenifer (bass), and Earl Hudson (drums). Pioneers of hardcore punk; their fusion of hardcore with reggae and Rastafarian spirituality was influential on subsequent post-hardcore and crossover bands.
Eight studio albums starting with the 1982 self-titled debut. Best-known releases include I Against I (1986) and Quickness (1989). H.R.'s mental health issues caused recurring band instability; he has cycled in and out of the lineup multiple times. Recent reunion shows have continued into the 2020s.
