Took a long break from Minecraft. What's changed and what type of server is this?

about a year ago I played on a pvp server with safe towns. It was intense to say the least, but the server shut down and I ended up quitting for a while. I quit just before 1.08 (could be wrong on that number, it was last october?) and I haven't payed much attention since then. So what has changed about Mincraft since then that's worth mentioning? What kind of server is this going to be? Is it PVP? Does hardcore mean you lose your character forever?

Any insight would be appreciated. I'm thinking of joining a good server again today or tomorrow and this one sounds promising.

crosses fingers please be pvp please be pvp