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The Cro-Mags are an American hardcore punk band from New York City. They have released six studio albums. They were among the first bands to fuse hardcore punk with thrash metal. They were also a prototypical band for Krishnacore, a sub-sect of hardcore bands that adopt Krishna consciousness.[3]

Key Information

Harley Flanagan, who co-founded the Cro-Mags, reached a settlement in April 2019 with former singer John Joseph and former drummer Mackie Jayson. Under the terms of the agreement, Flanagan retained exclusive rights to the Cro-Mags name, while Joseph and Jayson would continue performing under the name Cro-Mags"JM".[4][5] Despite not being a constant member of the band, having left and rejoined on a few occasions, Flanagan is the only musician from The Age of Quarrel lineup to appear on every Cro-Mags album.

History

[edit]

Early years (1980–1985)

[edit]

How the Cro-Mags were formed is disputed by the band's founding members. In Tony Rettman's 2014 book NYHC: New York Hardcore 1980–1990, guitarist Parris Mayhew states that the band formed after he had put up a number of posters around New York in search of band members, to which Flanagan responded.[6] In the same book, other people involved in the New York hardcore scene suggest that the band formed under the name Mode of Ignorance, with an original lineup consisting of Dave Hahn on drums, Mayhew and Dave Stein on guitar, John Joseph on lead vocals and Flanagan on bass. During its early existence, the band went through frequent lineup changes. Mayhew explains that this was because "Harley would see some kid with a shaved head and think 'This kid is hard... let's bring him into the band.' Then I would end up tolerating some horrible, talentless person for however long it took Harley to realise that the guy had no talent". Joseph left the band soon after to live in Puerto Rico and then Hawaii,[7] and was replaced by Eric Casanova. One Cro-Mags lineup from this time consisted of Flanagan on drums, Mayhew on guitar, Todd Youth on bass and Casanova on vocals. By the time the band played their first live performance, Youth had been replaced by Roger Miret. Soon after, Casanova was kicked out of the band due to the birth of his son interfering with scheduling.[8] By this time, Joseph had returned to New York and rejoined as the band's vocalist.[7] Youth briefly rejoined the band after Miret's departure, at the same time Robb "Nunzio" Ortiz joined as an additional guitarist. A few months later, the band changed their name to the Cro-Mags.[6]

However, Flanagan claims in his 2016 autobiography Hard-Core: Life of My Own that he and Mayhew met in 1980 after being introduced by Paul Dordal, and they began writing music together soon after and formed the band with vocalist Eric Casanova, who had only performed with the band twice.[9] Following this, they would go on hiatus as Flanagan went to California then Canada, during which time he wrote and recorded demos for the songs "Everybody's Gonna Die", "Don't Tread On Me", "By Myself" and "Do Unto Others". After returning to New York in 1983, he regrouped the band and he, Mayhew and Casanova began writing again, using his demo tracks as a basis.[10]

In 2018, Flanagan claimed that he formed the Cro-Mags in 1980 with guitarist Dave Stein, drummer Dave Hahn and vocalist John Berry and that the band's first performance was at the Peppermint Lounge opening for the Stimulators the same year. He thought the band was not ready to debut using their real name, so instead performed as Disco Smoothy. After this performance, the group disbanded and in 1982–1983, Flanagan recorded four tracks in Songshop Studios in New York City with Denise Mercedes of the Stimulators, the tracks set to be released by Rat Cage Records but issues regarding management prevented the project to come to fruition. He then recruited Eric Casanova on vocals, before meeting Parris Mayhew in 1983, who then joined as guitarist, along with drummer Mackie Jayson.[1] This final story by Flanagan is mainly supported by John Joseph in his 2007 autobiography The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon, but Joseph states the band formed in 1981 and that he was the band's vocalist prior to Berry, but left prior to the Peppermint Lounge performance because he thought the name they were performing under was not serious enough.[2]

Rising popularity, lineup changes and breakup (1986–2002)

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The Cro-Mags' debut album The Age of Quarrel was released in 1986, which was mostly written by Parris Mayhew and Flanagan,[11][12] some songs being based on a four track demo that Flanagan had recorded solo in 1982 while on the West Coast.[7] Joseph parted ways with the band again after The Age of Quarrel, leaving Flanagan to sing on the second Cro-Mags album, Best Wishes (1989), which had a more heavy metal-influenced sound. The next album, Alpha Omega (1992), saw the return of Joseph singing along with Flanagan. According to co-founder Parris Mayhew, he wrote most of the album with guitarist Rob Buckley. However, neither Mayhew or Buckley played on the actual recording, and the writing has been disputed by Flanagan and others[citation needed]. The Cro-Mags disbanded but later recorded the album with the return of Doug Holland and a new rhythm guitarist, Gabby Abularach.[13]

The album, Near Death Experience was released in 1993, after which the group disbanded for several years. They began touring again in the late 1990s with Flanagan on vocals and bass and Mayhew returning to the fold. Eventually, the band released Revenge in 2000. For many fans, this album signified a return to the Cro-Mags' early hardcore roots. Many songs were comparable to those on The Age of Quarrel, although some featured a more melodic/punk rock style. The release of Revenge and its subsequent tour resulted in yet another break up, which caused lasting resentment between Mayhew and Flanagan. In 2001 Flanagan asked Joseph to join him once again, but the short-lived reunion ended in 2002.

[edit]
Harley Flanagan performing in 2019

In 2008, John Joseph and Jayson began playing shows under the Cro-Mags name with other established hardcore musicians such as Craig Setari from Sick of It All on bass and A.J. Novello from Leeway on guitar. In an October 2010 interview, Joseph revealed that they were planning to release a new album in 2011. This album never happened, as Joseph did not have the legal right to release music using the trademarked name Cro-Mags.

In 2018, Flanagan filed a federal trademark infringement suit against John Joseph and Mackie Jayson in the Southern District of New York. In April 2019, Flanagan announced a settlement wherein he would own exclusive rights to the name Cro-Mags; simultaneously, Joseph announced his recognition of the settlement, and that he and his band would perform as the Cro-Mags JM, having been granted a limited license to use the name in this manner, beginning in August 2019.[14][15] Later infringement by Joseph in 2022 resulted in a permanent injunction granted by the Federal District Court of the Southern District of New York. The rights to the Cro-Mags name now belong exclusively to Flanagan.

Cro-Mags today (2019–present)

[edit]

On June 28, 2019, the Cro-Mags released their first new music in nineteen years, before a five-show string of performances opening for the Misfits,[16] sharing three new songs "Don't Give In", "Drag You Under", and "No One's Victim",[17] and toured in North America and Europe. The line-up consisted of Flanagan on bass and vocals, Abulurach on guitar, Rocky George on lead guitar and long time drummer Garry "G-Man" Sullivan on drums.

At the end of 2019, they released "From the Grave" featuring former Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell on lead and slide guitar.[18] A three-song 7-inch EP of the same name was released on December 6, 2019, in various colors and have the tracks "PTSD" and "Between Wars" included. The band was set to perform with Body Count in New York City on March 15 at Webster Hall. The show was postponed due to the COVID-19 virus. The band decided to live stream a free performance from SIR studios,[19] one of the first bands to do so during the pandemic.[20] On March 31, 2020, the band offered a free download of the track, "The Final Test" and announced the June 19 release date of their first studio album in twenty years, In the Beginning.[21][22]

In July 2022, Flanagan announced that the Cro-Mags were working on new material for their next album.[23]

On September 10, 2025, Flanagan announced that drummer Pete Hines had rejoined the Cro-Mags,[24] and in the same month, the band embarked on their first East Coast U.S. tour with him in more than 35 years.[25] The band also plans to release a new album in 2026.[26] On January 14, 2026, the Cro-Mags announced that they had signed a deal with BLKIIBLK Records.[27]

Band members

[edit]

Current

  • Harley Flanagan – bass (1981[b]–1982, 1984–1996, 1999–2003, 2019–present), vocals (1982, 1987–1991, 1999–2002, 2019–present), drums (1982–1984), guitars (1982)
  • Pete Hines – drums (1986–1989, 2025–present)
  • Dom DiBenedetto – rhythm guitar (2022–present)
  • Dave Sharpe – lead guitar (2023–present)

Former

  • Dave Hahn – drums (1981[b])
  • Dave Stein – lead guitar (1981[b]), died 2014
  • John Joseph – vocals (1981,[c] 1984–1987, 1991–1999, 2002–2003, 2008–2019)
  • John Berry – vocals (1981[d]), died 2016
  • Parris Mayhew – rhythm guitar (1983[e]–1991, 1999–2001); lead guitar (1982–1984)
  • Eric Casanova – vocals (1983[f]–1984)
  • Todd Youth – bass (1982–1983, 1984), died 2018
  • Roger Miret – bass (1983–1984)
  • Robb "Nunzio" Ortiz – lead guitar (1984)
  • Mackie Jayson – drums (1983–1986, 1996–1999, 2008–2019)
  • Doug Holland – lead guitar (1985–1989, 1991–1999, 2001); rhythm guitar (1995–1999, 2001)
  • Dave di Censo – drums (1989–1995)
  • Rob Buckley – lead guitar (1989–1991, 1993–1995, 2001); rhythm guitar (1993–1995, 2001)
  • Gabby Abularach – rhythm guitar (1991–1995, 2019–2020)
  • A.J. Novello – guitars (1993–1994, 2001–2002, 2008–2019)
  • Rocky George – lead guitar (1999–2001, 2002–2003, 2019–2022); rhythm guitar (2002–2003)
  • Craig Setari – bass (2008–2019)
  • Joe Affe – rhythm guitar (2020–2022; touring 2019, 2025)
  • Garry "G-Man" Sullivan – drums (1999–2001, 2002–2003, 2019–2023)
  • Hector Guzman – lead guitar (2022–2023)
  • Christian Lawrence – drums (2023–2025)

At various times during the 1990s and 2000s, Flanagan and Joseph simultaneously led separate versions of the Cro-Mags with completely different lineups. The groups billed themselves as Cro-Mag Jam, Street Justice, Age of Quarrel, FVK (Fearless Vampire Killers) or Cholo-Mags.[citation needed]

Timeline

Discography

[edit]
For a more comprehensive list, see Cro-Mags discography.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cro-Mags

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Cro-Mags are an American band from , formed in the early 1980s by bassist and vocalist , who remains the sole original and constant member throughout their history. Pioneers of the (NYHC) scene and genre, they fused aggressive punk energy with riffs, influencing subsequent bands in hardcore, , post-punk, and grunge, including nods from Metallica, , and . Flanagan, who began playing drums in the punk scene as a child with at iconic venues like , founded the Cro-Mags after the punk movement went underground in the late and early , channeling real-life street experiences into their raw, high-energy sound. The band's breakthrough came with their 1986 debut album on Profile Records, featuring the classic lineup of vocalist John Joseph, guitarist Parris Mayhew, and drummer Mackie Jayson, which popularized elements like slam dancing through videos such as "We Gotta Know" and earned respect from metal acts like . Subsequent releases, including Best Wishes (1989), (1993), and Alpha Omega (1992), solidified their cult status amid frequent lineup changes and internal conflicts, including legal battles over the band name that Flanagan ultimately reclaimed. After a hiatus, the band returned with From the Grave in 2014 and In the Beginning—a collection of early demos—in 2020, continuing global tours with a current lineup (as of 2025) featuring guitarists Dominic DiBenedetto and Dave Sharpe, and drummer Pete Hines. Over four decades, the Cro-Mags have released six studio albums and various EPs, and are working on a new studio album (as of 2025), embodying the tough ethos of NYC's while impacting alternative music's evolution.

History

Formation and early years (1980–1985)

The Cro-Mags were founded in by bassist and songwriter , a teenage prodigy who had previously drummed for the punk band starting at age 12, an experience that heavily influenced his approach to hardcore music. The band's formation date remains disputed, with some accounts placing it in 1980 and others in 1981, amid Flanagan's efforts to assemble a group drawing from the raw energy of the local punk scene. Initially known as Disco Smoothy, the band held its first rehearsals in Flanagan's basement, reflecting the DIY ethos of the era's underground music community. The group underwent frequent lineup changes in its nascent phase, with Flanagan as the constant member; early participants included various guitarists and vocalists as the band sought stability. They made their live debut at the iconic venue in 1981, performing under the Cro-Mags name for the first time and marking their entry into Manhattan's hardcore circuit. By 1983, the lineup stabilized with the addition of vocalist John Joseph, whose powerful delivery helped solidify the band's sound. Flanagan's songwriting during this period was deeply shaped by his juvenile experiences in New York City's Lower East Side, including involvement in gangs, survival amid and , and the harsh realities of urban street life, which infused the band's early material with themes of resilience and rebellion.

Breakthrough albums and lineup shifts (1986–1995)

The Cro-Mags marked their breakthrough with the release of their debut full-length album, , on Profile Records in September 1986. Recorded at Eastside Studios in , the album captured the band's raw energy through tracks like "We Gotta Know," "Show You No Mercy," and "We All Bleed Red," blending aggression with emerging influences that helped solidify the (NYHC) sound as a distinct, high-impact subgenre. Following the album's success, internal tensions within the band led to the departure of vocalist John Joseph in 1987, prompting bassist to take over lead vocals while retaining his instrument duties. The group, now featuring guitarist Parris Mayhew prominently in the songwriting, signed with Profile Records for their follow-up, Best Wishes, released in April 1989. This sophomore effort incorporated faster tempos, intricate metal riffs, and a more polished production, as heard in songs like "Days of Confusion" and "Crush the Demoniac," evolving their sound toward while maintaining NYHC roots; the lineup included Flanagan on bass and vocals, Mayhew on rhythm , Doug Holland on , and Pete Hines on . The release of Best Wishes coincided with key events in the band's trajectory, including a 1989 tour supporting the album and ongoing involvement in the volatile NYHC scene, where rivalries with contemporaries like contributed to the era's intense interpersonal and territorial conflicts. These dynamics, emblematic of broader regional tensions in the hardcore community, underscored the Cro-Mags' position as central figures in New York's punk underbelly. Joseph's return in 1991 helped stabilize the band for their third album, Alpha Omega, issued on in 1992, which featured a more thrash-oriented production with heavier guitar tones and solos, as evident in tracks like "See the Signs" and "Bloodline." However, escalating conflicts resulted in Mayhew's exit prior to recording, shifting the creative dynamic; the album's lineup comprised on vocals, Flanagan on bass, Gabby Abularach and Doug Holland on guitars, and Dave DiCenso on drums. Lineup instability persisted into the mid-1990s, culminating in the addition of guitarist —formerly of —for the band's 1993 album on Century Media, marking their final release before a hiatus and reflecting further experimentation with metallic hardcore elements amid ongoing member flux.

Hiatus, reunions, and dissolution (1996–2007)

Following the release of their fourth studio album, , in 1993, the Cro-Mags entered an extended hiatus marked by inactivity and internal challenges. , plagued by lineup instability and personal issues among key members, ceased full-group operations for much of the mid-1990s. Founding bassist and vocalist , in particular, grappled with severe problems during this period, including addiction and heavy use of , which exacerbated the group's fragmentation. During the hiatus, band members turned to side projects and solo endeavors, reflecting the waning momentum of the New York hardcore (NYHC) scene in the 1990s, which had peaked in the previous decade but faced declining venue support and rising violence that deterred promoters. Flanagan remained active in the punk world through his longstanding involvement with , the hardcore band he co-founded in 1983, releasing albums like The Best of Times in 1991 and maintaining sporadic performances. Other former members, such as vocalist John Joseph, pursued fitness ventures and guest appearances, while the collective relevance of NYHC bands like the Cro-Mags diminished as the genre evolved and splintered into substyles. Efforts to revive the Cro-Mags began in the late , culminating in a reformation around 1999-2000 with a lineup featuring Flanagan, Parris Mayhew, Mackie Jayson, and others. This reunion produced the band's fifth studio album, , released independently on Cro-Mag Recordings in 2000, which returned to their raw sound with tracks emphasizing aggression and street-level themes. The group toured sporadically in 2000-2001 to support the album, but persistent creative and personal disputes—stemming from earlier tensions over songwriting credits and band direction—led to another dissolution by 2002. The period closed with further fragmentation, as members dispersed once more amid the NYHC scene's reduced visibility. Flanagan's ongoing personal struggles, including a 2005 related to a altercation, further stalled any immediate reunion prospects and underscored the band's turbulent dynamics. By 2007, the Cro-Mags had effectively dissolved again, with no full-band activity, allowing individuals to focus on separate paths while the group's legacy endured through reissues and . In the late 2000s, tensions between Cro-Mags co-founder Harley Flanagan and former vocalist John Joseph intensified as both sought to revive the band under the Cro-Mags name. Flanagan, who had left the group in 2000, began assembling his own lineup around 2009, registering the "Cro-Mag" trademark for merchandise that year and for recordings the following year. This move marked the start of Flanagan's efforts to reassert control, leading to competing versions of the band touring separately throughout the 2010s. The feud escalated dramatically on July 6, 2012, when Flanagan was arrested for assaulting two members of Joseph's lineup—bassist Michael Couls and drummer William Berardo—backstage at in during the CBGB Festival. Flanagan allegedly entered the dressing room with a , stabbing Couls in the abdomen and biting Berardo during the altercation, which stemmed from years of bitterness over band ownership, stolen tour revenues from the 1980s, and Joseph's claim that Flanagan had reported him to the U.S. Navy in 1995. Although Couls and Berardo initially pursued civil action, criminal charges were dropped in December 2012 after the victims declined to cooperate with prosecutors. Joseph described the incident as the culmination of Flanagan's disruptive behavior, while Flanagan portrayed it as a confrontation over unauthorized use of the band's legacy. Throughout the 2010s, Flanagan's iteration of the Cro-Mags featured multiple lineup changes, including collaborations with guitarist Parris Mayhew early on and later additions like drummer and guitarist , enabling European and U.S. tours that emphasized Flanagan's role as the band's founder and primary songwriter. These performances, such as the 2019 "Best Wishes" 30th anniversary European tour, drew strong crowds and highlighted the group's enduring influence in , despite the ongoing schism. Meanwhile, Joseph's version continued touring under the Cro-Mags banner, further fueling the rivalry over and performance rights. The disputes reached a legal climax in May 2018 when Flanagan filed a lawsuit against Joseph and other members, alleging trademark infringement and unauthorized use of the Cro-Mags name since around 2002, when Flanagan had paused touring for personal reasons. The suit claimed Joseph's group had profited without permission, violating Flanagan's trademarks. In April 2019, the parties reached a settlement, granting Flanagan exclusive rights to the Cro-Mags name effective August 1, 2019, after a three-month transition period to avoid confusion at shows. Joseph and drummer Mackie Jayson subsequently formed Cro-Mags JM (for John/Mackie), allowing them to perform select material but barring use of the original moniker. This resolution affirmed Flanagan's leadership, enabling his version to continue without competition over the band's identity. Amid these battles, Flanagan's Cro-Mags released new material in 2019, including the single "Don't Give In," signaling a creative resurgence under his direction. The period underscored the band's fractured history but solidified Flanagan's position as the enduring steward of its legacy.

Recent releases and activities (2020–present)

Following the resolution of long-standing legal disputes in 2019, the Cro-Mags achieved greater stability and returned to recording with In the Beginning, their sixth studio album released on June 19, 2020. This marked the band's first full-length original material in 20 years, since Revenge in 2000, and was produced by Arthur Rizk at in . The 13-track effort blended the group's signature aggression with metallic riffs and themes of resilience, receiving praise for revitalizing their sound. The band maintained momentum through extensive touring, including a 13-date U.S. run in December 2022 that kicked off in , and spanned venues across the East Coast and Midwest. In 2023, they performed over 50 shows worldwide, highlighted by festival appearances such as the Beta venue in , , and the Cobra Lounge in , . During this period, frontman announced that the group was actively developing new material, signaling ongoing creative activity. In 2025, the Cro-Mags continued their touring schedule with support slots on Danzig's West Coast U.S. run in March, alongside Down and , covering dates from to Phoenix. A European summer tour was announced on July 10, featuring headline shows and festivals like Tolminator in and DLB Festival in . Later that year, on September 10, drummer Pete Hines—known for his work on the 1989 album Best Wishes—returned to the lineup, joining ahead of an East Coast U.S. tour starting September 12 in . By May 2025, the band entered the studio to record their seventh studio album, slated for release in 2026 and again produced by Arthur Rizk. This project builds on the momentum from In the Beginning and reflects Flanagan's commitment to evolving the Cro-Mags' legacy. However, the group continues to navigate challenges in sustaining lineup consistency and engaging fans within the shifting dynamics of the punk and hardcore scenes.

Musical style and influences

Roots in New York hardcore punk

The Cro-Mags emerged from the vibrant and gritty punk scene of the early 1980s, particularly the , where and DIY ethos fueled a tight-knit community of musicians and fans. Formed in 1980 by bassist and vocalist John Joseph, the band quickly became a fixture in this environment, drawing from the raw energy of street life and squat culture that defined the neighborhood. Key venues like and served as crucibles for the scene, hosting all-ages shows that allowed young performers like the Cro-Mags to hone their aggressive style amid packed, chaotic crowds. The band's early sound and identity were heavily influenced by pioneering hardcore acts such as from , whose blistering speed and reggae-infused punk set a template for intensity, and Boston's SSD (Society System Decontrol), known for their metallic edge and fury. These influences manifested in the Cro-Mags' adoption of rapid tempos—often exceeding 300 beats per minute—and a confrontational stage presence that echoed the trailblazing ferocity of their predecessors. By channeling these elements, the Cro-Mags helped solidify (NYHC) as a distinct regional variant, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of the city's hardships. From their inception, the Cro-Mags incorporated Hare Krishna spiritual themes into their lyrics and ethos, reflecting the personal philosophies of founders Flanagan and Joseph. Joseph's adherence to straight-edge principles—abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco—also influenced some aspects, though not a strict band-wide commitment. Flanagan's exposure to Krishna Consciousness during his youth on the Lower East Side, combined with Joseph's deepening involvement in the movement, inspired songs addressing moral decay and self-discipline, drawing from Vedic concepts like the kali yuga era of strife. This blend of spirituality set the band apart, promoting a positive, disciplined hardcore lifestyle amid the scene's often volatile atmosphere. The Cro-Mags played a pivotal role in fostering NYHC unity by frequently sharing bills with contemporaries like and at venues such as , creating a sense of camaraderie that transcended individual bands. These performances emphasized the scene's mosh pit culture, where fans engaged in intense slam-dancing and circle pits, often synchronized with the music's tempo breakdowns to channel aggression into collective release rather than random violence. Through such shared experiences, the band contributed to a subcultural bond that prioritized loyalty and mutual support in New York's unforgiving urban landscape. Musically, the Cro-Mags' early work featured aggressive breakdowns—heavy, rhythmic slowdowns amid fast-paced riffs—and lyrics offering on urban violence, , and the call for unity, all delivered with a raw, shouted vocal style. This approach infused their punk roots with a nascent metal aggression, distinguishing NYHC from the more dissonant, noise-driven California punk scene led by bands like Black Flag, which favored chaotic experimentation over the East Coast's structured fury and scene-oriented solidarity.

Development of crossover thrash elements

The Cro-Mags marked a pivotal shift toward with their 1989 album Best Wishes, integrating influences through extended song structures, intricate guitar solos, and aggressive riffing reminiscent of bands like and . This evolution built on their initial punk roots by amplifying the intensity with melodic leads and technical drumming patterns that added depth beyond straight-ahead punk aggression. The album's polished sound emphasized crunchy, galloping riffs and solos, such as those on tracks like "Death Camps," establishing a blueprint for fusing punk's raw energy with metal's precision. This crossover development advanced further on Alpha Omega (1992), where the band fused punk's relentless speed with complex metal riffing and breakdowns, creating a heavier, more dynamic sonic palette. Production enhancements highlighted the instrumentation's power, allowing thrash-inspired elements like layered guitars and rhythmic tension to dominate while preserving the hardcore drive. Throughout these works, the lyrics retained core spiritual and anti-violence themes drawn from Hare Krishna philosophy, now propelled by intensified heaviness to underscore messages of personal growth and non-violence amid societal chaos. The Cro-Mags' innovations pioneered within the scene, influencing subsequent acts like Biohazard by demonstrating how punk velocity could merge with metal's technicality to expand the subgenre's scope. Their approach helped define NYHC's tougher, groove-oriented edge, impacting the broader hardcore-metal hybrid landscape. In later releases, such as the 2019 EP Don't Give In and the EP 2020, the band refined these elements by blending classic crossover aggression with contemporary production, maintaining thrash riffs and spiritual lyricism while adapting to modern hardcore sensibilities and addressing themes of global turmoil. This synthesis reaffirmed their foundational role, echoing early fusions like those on Best Wishes while incorporating subtle evolutions in tempo and texture.

Band members

Current lineup

The current lineup of Cro-Mags, as of November 2025, consists of founding member on vocals and bass, who has led the band continuously since its inception in 1981 through various reformations and legal resolutions. Pete Hines rejoined in September 2025, marking his return after an initial stint from 1986 to 1989, including contributions to the 1989 album Best Wishes, and enabling the band's ongoing work on a new studio album in production since 2025. Rhythm guitarist Dominic DiBenedetto has been with the band since 2022, providing consistent support during recent U.S. and European tours led by Flanagan. Lead guitarist Dave Sharpe joined in 2023, contributing to the band's high-energy live performances amid their 2025 tour schedule. This configuration has facilitated Flanagan's direction of extensive touring, including U.S. dates announced alongside Hines' return, while advancing production on new material with producer Arthur Rizk.

Former members

The Cro-Mags experienced frequent lineup changes throughout their career, with former members leaving due to a combination of creative differences, internal band disputes, drug-related personal struggles, and legal conflicts that plagued the group across multiple eras. John Joseph served as from 1983 to 1987, returning for additional periods from 1989 to 1992 and 1995 to 1997. His raw, aggressive vocal delivery was instrumental in defining the band's early sound on albums like (1986) and Best Wishes (1989). Joseph departed multiple times amid creative differences and escalating tensions with other members, including disagreements over songwriting and band direction. Parris Mayhew was the rhythm guitarist and co-founder, active from 1981 to 1997 with a brief return in 2000–2001. He co-wrote key riffs for , shaping the album's influential style through his heavy, riff-driven contributions. Mayhew left following the recording of (2000) due to exhausting internal conflicts, including attempts by to marginalize him and Flanagan's uncooperative attitude during production. Rocky George played lead guitar from 1999 to 2003 and rejoined from 2019 to 2023, infusing the band's music with metal influences drawn from his prior work in . His technical guitar work added a heavier edge to during the late-1990s reunion phase and to the 2019 EP Don't Give In and subsequent tours. George exited around 2023 as the group shifted focus amid ongoing instability. Mackie Jayson handled drums from 1984 to 1990, providing the propulsive, high-speed rhythms that powered The Age of Quarrel and Best Wishes. His precise and energetic playing became a hallmark of the band's live intensity during their breakthrough years. Jayson departed during a period of lineup upheaval but later engaged in legal disputes with bandmates over rights and performances. Doug Holland contributed on guitar from 1985 to 1989 and again from 1991 to 1994, delivering sharp, dual-guitar interplay on Best Wishes and subsequent recordings. His role supported the band's evolution toward more metallic hardcore during turbulent transitions. Holland left amid repeated disputes and shifting personnel. Garry "G-Man" Sullivan served as drummer from 2019 to 2023, contributing to the 2020 album In the Beginning and international tours, bringing versatile hardcore and punk experience from prior work with acts like the B-52's and . He departed in 2023 to pursue other projects. Patterns of departures in the Cro-Mags often stemmed from drug issues, as founder has recounted his rampant use in the , which fueled chaotic band environments and personal breakdowns. Legal troubles and bitter feuds further exacerbated splits, culminating in high-profile lawsuits among ex-members over the band's name and legacy.

Discography

Studio albums

The Cro-Mags' studio discography spans over three decades, encompassing six full-length albums that evolved from raw to with metallic influences. These releases, produced amid lineup changes and band hiatuses, showcase the group's enduring impact on the genre, with production handled primarily by band members or affiliated engineers. The debut album, , was released on September 16, 1986, by Profile Records and features 12 tracks recorded at Songshop Studios in . Widely regarded as a cornerstone of punk, it captured the band's aggressive energy and social commentary, influencing subsequent acts in the scene through its blistering riffs and mosh-pit anthems. The album has been reissued multiple times, including a notable 2000 edition of related demo material titled Before the Quarrel on Another Planet Entertainment, which expanded its accessibility. Critical reception remains overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising its raw intensity and role in defining 's early sound, earning average ratings around 4.5/5 across fan databases. Best Wishes, the follow-up, arrived on April 26, 1989, also via Profile Records, comprising 10 tracks mixed at Baby Monster Studios. This release marked a shift toward more metallic elements, with extended song structures and guitar solos, while retaining the band's hardcore roots; it was produced by the group alongside . The received acclaim for its heightened energy and thematic depth on resilience and , often cited as a high point in the band's catalog with scores averaging 3.5/5 on review aggregators, though specific chart data is limited beyond indie circuit circulation. In 1992, Alpha Omega emerged on , a 9-track effort recorded at Normandy Sound in and noted for its darker, heavier tone compared to prior works. Initially released in limited vinyl quantities, it explored apocalyptic themes with longer compositions, including the 8-minute epic "," and featured production by bandleader . Reception highlighted its experimental edge within hardcore, averaging 84% positive reviews for pushing crossover boundaries, though some critiqued its departure from the debut's immediacy. The fourth album, , followed on September 28, 1993, through Century Media, with 9 tracks that continued the metallic evolution while incorporating Eastern philosophical motifs. Produced by Flanagan at Baby Monster Studios, it maintained the band's high-octane style but drew mixed responses for its introspective lyrics and production polish, earning average ratings of 77% and praise for tracks like "Kali Yuga" amid criticisms of uneven pacing. After a seven-year hiatus, marked the band's return on January 18, 2000, self-released via Cro-Mag Recordings (distributed by GSR in some regions) and featuring 12 tracks recorded at Baby Monster Studios. This comeback effort, with Flanagan handling vocals, bass, and production, revisited hardcore aggression with added thrash elements, but received mixed reviews for its rawer sound and internal band tensions, averaging 75% approval and noted as a divisive yet resilient statement. The most recent studio album, In the Beginning, was issued on June 19, 2020, by Arising Empire and Mission Two Entertainment, containing 10 tracks that represented the first original material in 20 years. Produced by Flanagan at Audio Playground in , it blended classic NYHC fury with modern production, earning positive fan acclaim for its vitality and tracks like "Don't Give In," with reviewers commending the band's renewed cohesion post-legal disputes.
AlbumRelease YearLabelNumber of Tracks
1986Profile Records12
Best Wishes1989Profile Records10
Alpha Omega1992Century Media9
1993Century Media9
2000Cro-Mag Recordings / GSR12
In the Beginning2020Arising Empire / Mission Two Entertainment10

Extended plays and singles

The Cro-Mags' early output included several underground demos that circulated within the scene, laying the groundwork for their signature sound. Recorded in 1982 and 1983 at the Song Shop studio, the original demos featured handling bass, guitar, vocals, and drums, with production by Flanagan and Denise Mercedes of . These four tracks—"Don't Tread on Me," "Wake Up (Do Unto Others)," "," and ""—captured raw, aggressive energy and were later officially released in 2018 as The Original Cro-Mags Demos 1982/83 on MVD Audio, highlighting their foundational role in the band's development. An additional 1984 demo, featuring tracks such as "Hard Times," "," "Don't Tread on Me," and "Survival of the Streets," was recorded with Don Fury and further showcased the band's evolving crossover style, remaining a sought-after artifact among fans for its pre-debut intensity. Following a period of legal disputes and hiatus, the Cro-Mags returned with the Don't Give In EP in , their first new material in nearly two decades. Released on as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl and digital formats, the three-track EP—consisting of "Don't Give In," "," and "No One Left to Blame"—emphasized themes of resilience and aggression, with on vocals and bass, joined by new members including guitarist Gabby De La Rosa. This release marked Flanagan's solidified control over the band name after court battles and revitalized their presence in the hardcore scene. The momentum continued into 2020 with the self-titled EP, issued by Arising Empire on , vinyl, and digital platforms. This six-track effort—"Age of ," "," "Life on ," " and Destruction," "Chaos in the Streets," and "One Blood"—reflected the global turmoil of the through blistering riffs and urgent lyrics, featuring guest guitar work from () on select tracks. Produced amid challenging times, it demonstrated the band's adaptability while staying true to their thrash-infused hardcore roots, achieving strong streaming reception. Accompanying these EPs were standalone singles that served as previews and standalone releases. In 2020, "Don't Give In" was issued digitally as a ahead of the EP, underscoring perseverance in turbulent times. Later that year, "From the Grave" emerged as a digital single, channeling raw fury with its fast-paced assault. By 2021, additional singles like "Pull Me Push Me" and "No Sympathy" followed, maintaining the band's output with concise, high-energy tracks that bridged their classic sound to contemporary hardcore audiences.
ReleaseYearLabelFormatTracksNotes
The Original Cro-Mags Demos 1982/83 (original recordings 1982–1983)2018 (official release)MVD AudioVinyl, , Digital4Underground circulation in early ; foundational NYHC blueprint.
1984 Demo1984Self-released (unofficial)Cassette (circulated)~6–8Pre-Age of Quarrel recordings; key tracks like "Hard Times" influenced debut .
Don't Give In EP20197" Vinyl, Digital3First post-reformation material; limited numbered edition.
2020 EPArising , Vinyl (incl. colored variants), Digital6Pandemic-inspired; features on guitar.
"Don't Give In" (single)Digital1Lead from 2019 EP; emphasizes lyrical themes of endurance.
"From the Grave" (single)Arising Digital1Standalone release amid 2020 EP promotion.
"Pull Me Push Me" (single)2021Arising Digital1Post-EP single maintaining crossover intensity.
"No Sympathy" (single)2021Arising Digital1Highlights band's ongoing activity and fan engagement.
In May 2025, the Cro-Mags announced they were recording a new full-length slated for release, produced by Arthur Rizk, with no singles teased as of November 2025; this project builds on the momentum from their recent EPs and singles, promising a return to studio format after focusing on shorter releases.

Live recordings and compilations

The band's primary official live album, Hard Times in an Age of Quarrel, emerged in 1994 via as a double-CD set compiling performances from various early tours, emphasizing the relentless pace and mosh-pit anthems like "" and "Show You No Mercy." Additionally, the 2007 DVD The Final Quarrel: Live at 2001, distributed by MVD Visual, documents their farewell show at the venue, featuring a reunited lineup delivering classics amid the club's closing era. Compilations have served as vehicles for rarities and remasters, with Twenty Years of Quarrel and Greatest Hits (2006) on Cro-Mag Recordings, spans their catalog with selections from , Best Wishes, and , plus a live bonus track and two previously unheard songs, celebrating two decades of influence.

References

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  92. https://www.discogs.com/release/1390352-Cro-Mags-Twenty-Years-Of-Quarrel-And-Greatest-Hits
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