New York City, New York, USA
- John Joseph McGowan - Vocals
- A.J. Novello - Guitar
- Craig Scully - Bass
- Maxwell Mackie Jayson - Drums
Biography
Before the CRO-MAGS, the idea of combining heavy metal and hardcore together was unheard of. But with the release of their classic debut, 'The Age of Quarrel', hardcore-metal was born, and in its wake came a legion of similarly styled offspring.
Although the group endured an endless amount of lineup shifts, the CRO-MAGS continued to record and tour in one form or another. Through it all, the New York City-based group's leader has been bassist Harley Flanagan who, in 1977 at the ripe old age of ten (!), started his first punk band during a European trip.
The early '80s saw the initial CRO-MAGS lineups formed with a variety of members playing alongside the only constant: Flanagan. By the middle of the decade, the best-known CRO-MAGS lineup was in place and soon built a rabid following via shows at CBGB's.
Similar to how Bad Brains aligned themselves with Rastafarianism, it was around this time that members of the band became closely associated with the Hare Krishna faith. With a loud buzz forming, the CRO-MAGS issued their debut, 'The Age of Quarrel', in 1986.
With such bands as Slayer and Metallica becoming increasingly popular, it seemed like the musical tides were changing in favour of groups like the CRO-MAGS, as nationwide tours with such groups as Motorhead and Megadeth expanded their audience.
The current lineup of New York hardcore pioneers CRO-MAGS are aiming to release a new album. The band, which includes vocalist John Joseph, guitarist AJ Novello (Leeway), bassist Craig Scully (Sick Of It All) and drummer Mackie Jayson (Bad Brains, Madball, Hazen Street) are aiming for 2011.
