Cro-Mags have been out touring on the 40th anniversary of their 1986 debut album “The Age Of Quarrel” this year. Now comes word that the veteran NYHC outfit have revisited that record in the studio for a new 40th anniversary edition which they’ve christened “The Age of Quarrel: 40 Years of Quarrel“. A November 13th release date has been set for it via BLKIIBLK, with the included updated version of “World Peace” now streaming below.
The band’s vocalist/bassist Harley Flanagan offered the following commentary on deciding to now re-record the hardcore staple:
“It all started with the making of the ‘Wired for Chaos‘ movie, but there were several reasons for revisiting ‘The Age of Quarrel.’ None of the people who played on the original record ever got paid, and none of us ever received an accounting of the album’s sales. For years, I tried to reunite the original lineup to re-record it and reclaim the rights to ‘The Age of Quarrel‘ and ‘Best Wishes‘ through the Copyright Reversion Act. But I couldn’t get everyone together to take back ownership of the music, and that window has now closed.
We had to re-record a few songs for the ‘Harley Flanagan: Wired for Chaos‘ 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.
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.”
Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Soulfly) assumed the production and mixing duties, and even guests on a track. Flanagan also welcomed back the album’s original guitarist Doug Holland into these sessions for a guest spot. Other cameos include former Cro-Mags/Suicidal Tendencies guitarist Rocky George, Turnstile guitarist Meg Mills, and Rise Against guitarist/vocalist Zach Blair. Studio drumming for the record was handled by drum prodigy Greyson Nekrutman (Sepultura, ex-Suicidal Tendencies, etc.). Current Cro-Mags guitarist Dave Sharpe also hopped on a track as well.
“The Age Of Quarrel: 40 Years Of Quarrel” track listing:
01 – “We Gotta Know” (feat. Dave Sharpe & Doug Holland)
02 – “World Peace“
03 – “Show You No Mercy“
04 – “Malfunction“
05 – “Street Justice“
06 – “Survival Of The Streets“
07 – “Seekers Of The Truth” (feat. Arthur Rizk and Rocky George)
08 – “It’s The Limit” (feat. Meg Mills of Turnstile)
09 – “Hard Times“
10 – “By Myself“
11 – “Don’t Tread On Me” (feat. Zach Blair of Rise Against)
12 – “Face The Facts“
13 – “Do Unto Others“
14 – “Life of My Own“
15 – “Signs Of The Times“
For pre-orders, see ffm.bio/cro-mags-ageofquarrel-40yearsofquarrel. Yesterday, August 05th, Flanagan announced his decision to step back from full-scale touring, citing his mental unhappiness on the road and lingering injuries. Current plans have a new album from Cro-Mags arriving in 2027.
