CRO-MAGS Announce New Album: “The Age Of Quarrel: 40 Years Of Quarrel”
The legendary New York hardcore band CRO-MAGS, fronted by Harley Flanagan, has unveiled an exciting new project—an album titled “The Age Of Quarrel: 40 Years Of Quarrel.” This release serves as a tribute to their seminal 1986 debut album, “The Age Of Quarrel.” Following the earlier single “Wired For Chaos,” the band has now premiered a fresh version of “World Peace,” accompanied by an official music video.
The Motivation Behind the Tribute
Harley Flanagan elaborated on the decision to honor “The Age Of Quarrel,” stating, “It all started with the making of the ‘Wired For Chaos’ movie, but there were several reasons for revisiting ‘The Age Of Quarrel’.” He highlighted the lack of financial compensation for the original album’s contributors and his struggles to reunite the original lineup to reclaim ownership through the Copyright Reversion Act. Unfortunately, the window for this has now closed.
Flanagan continued, “We had to re-record a few songs for the documentary soundtrack because the original recordings couldn’t be licensed. That inspired me to finish the entire album. To honor ‘The Age Of Quarrel,’ I brought together friends, current bandmates, and musicians from other bands to celebrate these songs that have meant so much to so many people, myself included.” He expressed a commitment to rectify past grievances: “Forty years later, everyone who wrote these songs will finally be paid through ASCAP and BMI, and the remaining proceeds will go to charity. I’m doing my best to make things right. These songs belong to the fans. I’m washing my hands of the past and trying to clear the bad karma from this record. Love wins. My quarrel is over.”
The Legacy of “The Age Of Quarrel”
Released four decades ago, “The Age Of Quarrel” was pivotal in defining the metal-punk crossover genre. The intensity and influence of this album remain palpable, solidifying CRO-MAGS’ status as one of heavy music’s most significant and volatile acts. Harley Flanagan, who took on frontman duties starting with 1989’s “Best Wishes,” now celebrates the completion of the album that started it all.
Collaborative Efforts and New Interpretations
This new album features contributions from original guitarist Doug Holland, former SUICIDAL TENDENCIES guitarist Rocky George, and members from modern bands like TURNSTILE and RISE AGAINST. Together, they breathe new life into beloved tracks such as “Hard Times,” “World Peace,” and “Malfunction,” while also including a fan-favorite demo from 1985, “Everybody’s Gonna Die.” Drummer Greyson Nekrutman (of SEPULTURA fame) provides the beats throughout the album, produced and mixed by Arthur Rizk (known for his work with POWER TRIP and BLOOD INCANTATION).
Track Listing for “The Age Of Quarrel: 40 Years Of Quarrel”
- We Gotta Know (featuring Dave Sharpe & Doug Holland)
- World Peace
- Show You No Mercy
- Malfunction
- Street Justice
- Survival Of The Streets
- Seekers Of The Truth (featuring Arthur Rizk and Rocky George)
- It’s The Limit (featuring Meg Mills)
- Hard Times
- By Myself
- Don’t Tread On Me (featuring Zach Blair)
- Face The Facts
- Do Unto Others
- Life of My Own
- Signs Of The Times
Current Tour and Future Plans
CRO-MAGS are presently on a European tour before returning to the U.S. for a select number of shows, with additional dates expected to be announced soon. The band’s historical significance extends beyond hardcore, influencing a multitude of genres from metal to punk rock.
The Journey of Harley Flanagan and CRO-MAGS
Founded by a 14-year-old Harley Flanagan in 1981 while he was drumming for THE STIMULATORS, CRO-MAGS would go on to create a lasting legacy. The band recorded their seminal demos in the early ’80s, culminating in the iconic 1986 album “The Age Of Quarrel,” featuring the original lineup that included guitarist Parris Mayhew and vocalist John Joseph McGowan.
Despite a tumultuous history marked by numerous lineups and challenges, CRO-MAGS have remained a significant force in the hardcore and metal scenes, with Flanagan being the only member to appear on every release since the band’s inception.
Conclusion
The release of “The Age Of Quarrel: 40 Years Of Quarrel” not only celebrates the monumental legacy of CRO-MAGS but also serves as a powerful reminder of the band’s ongoing influence in the music world. With fresh interpretations of classic tracks and a commitment to right past wrongs, Harley Flanagan and his crew are poised to continue impacting the hardcore scene and beyond.
FAQs
What is the release date for “The Age Of Quarrel: 40 Years Of Quarrel”?
The album is set to be released in 2026.
Who are the featured artists on the album?
Featured artists include Dave Sharpe, Doug Holland, Arthur Rizk, Rocky George, Meg Mills, and Zach Blair.
Will the proceeds from the album go to charity?
Yes, the remaining proceeds will be donated to charity after compensating the songwriters through ASCAP and BMI.
Is CRO-MAGS currently on tour?
Yes, they are touring in Europe and will be returning to the U.S. for select dates soon.
What is the significance of “The Age Of Quarrel”?
It is regarded as a landmark album in the metal-punk crossover genre, defining the sound and influence of hardcore music for decades.
