Cro-Mags

Long before the practice of combining hardcore punk and thrash metal became common place there was The Cro-Mags. The New York hardcore band is often credited with giving birth to the musical genre of “crossover thrash” or “metalcore” (depending on who you’re asking) with the release of their classic debut album The Age of Quarrel. It was with the release of 1986’s The Age of Quarrel that the band had its most well-known lineup to date with John Joseph on vocals, Harley Flanagan on bass, Parris Mayhew on guitar and Mackie Jayson on drums. Ultimately, internal conflict led vocalist John Joseph to leave the band and Harley Flannigan picked up double duty as bassist and vocalist on the bands follows up album Best Wishes. This would not be the last lineup change the band would undergo, however. Far from it actually. But despite the countless lineup changes the group still managed to tour and release new albums. Along the way The Cro-Mags built up a cult like fan base with shows at the legendary CBGB’s as well as with national tours with the likes of Motorhead and Megadeth. Following the release of the album Before the Quarrel in 2000 Flanagan left The Cro-Mags for his new band Harley’s War. Since then original Cro-Mags lead singer John Joseph has returned to the group and is leading the band on tour and exposing young, new fans to what true New York hardcore is all about.
Wed., March 10, 6:30 p.m., 2010