CRO-MAGS, the seminal New York hardcore outfit fronted by Harley Flanagan, proudly unleashes their new album, ‘The Age of Quarrel: 40 Years of Quarrel,’ a tribute to their 1986 seminal debut, out now via BLKIIBLK.
Joining Flanagan are original ‘AOQ’ guitarist Doug Holland and former CRO-MAGS/ Suicidal Tendencies guitarist Rocky George, plus Meg Mills, Zach Blair, and Arthur Rizk for fresh takes on classics including “Hard Times,” “World Peace,” and “Malfunction,” along with the addition of the 1985 demo-era favorite “Everybody’s Gonna Die.” Flanagan is also joined by current band members Dominic Dibenedettoand Dave Sharpe. Drums on all tracks were handled by drum phenom Greyson Nekrutman. Produced and mixed by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Blood Incantation), ‘40 Years of Quarrel’ not merely revisits a pivotal crossover classic, but pours new fuel on the fire for old devotees and new converts to the CRO-MAGS cause.
On the opportunity to play on “It’s the Limit (2026),” Meg Mills shared:
“(This is)…the greatest honor that could ever have been bestowed upon this NYHC fan. Wouldn’t have ever started a band without this record… Grateful to be a small part of this 🤯❤️🔥You’re [Harley] one of the GOATs, and I can’t explain how much this record means.”
To celebrate the album’s release, a new version of “Don’t Tread on Me (2026)” is available now, featuring Rise Against guitarist Zach Blair, alongside a visualizer.
Zach Blair shares on the experience:
“It was an unbelievable honor to take part in such a cultural milestone. To recreate such a seminal work is daunting to say the least and I feel humbled to have been included.“
Forty years ago, New York City’s CRO-MAGS defined the metal-punk crossover with their landmark 1986 album, ‘The Age of Quarrel.’ The intensity, influence, and groove of that record continue to resonate today, fueled by the band’s enduring legacy and hard-earned reputation as one of heavy music’s most volatile and influential acts. Led by founding bassist and vocalist Harley Flanagan, who assumed frontman duties beginning with 1989’s ‘Best Wishes,’ CRO-MAGS bring ‘The Age of Quarrel’ full circle with a celebration of the album that started it all.
Former CRO-MAGS guitarist Doug Holland, who’s featured on the new version of “We Gotta Know,” describes his reunion with Harley:
“Playing with Harley again after all these years brought back some crazy memories such as being on tour in the old days teaching Harley how to shave, counting our minuscule per diem’s on the supermarket checkout lines, at a time when there was no Internet or cell phones. Working with Arthur Rizk was very refreshing and exciting. I can’t wait to hear what he does with the tracks on the next CRO-MAGS record to be released in 2027; it’s gonna be killer. So be ready to have ya minds blown when you get to hear them. I think you will agree how savage they are. Meanwhile, stomp to ’40 Years of Quarrel,’ you won’t be disappointed.”
Former CRO-MAGS member Rocky George, who plays guitar on the track “Seekers of the Truth,” had this to say:
“It was some time in the early middle 80s when I first heard of this guy Harley Flanagan. It was an incident at CBGBs the first time Suicidal Tendencies played there, I believe.
The incident didn’t involve me personally, but it made an impression.
“It took another 15 years or so to finally meet this guy. I still had this preconceived notion. [Then] I meet a guy that had eclectic musical taste and full of interesting life experience.
“Fast forward another 25 years and I still keep learning new things about this guy. Layer after layer like an onion; a weird Irish/Dominican onion from Denmark. I’m glad I met the onion.”
For the new recording, Flanagan brought together friends, current bandmates, and musicians from other bands to celebrate an album that has impacted generations of fans. Forty years later, everyone who wrote the songs will finally be paid through ASCAP and BMI, with the remaining proceeds going to charity.
Check Out the Lyric Video for “It’s the Limit (2026)” featuring Meg Mills HERE
Grayson Nekrutman played drums on the entire album and added these memorable words:
“I first met Harley through my tenure playing with Suicidal Tendencies. From the jump, it was an honor getting to know him, and I always hoped I’d have the opportunity to work with him one day. In the fall of 2025, I got a message from Harley with the initial idea of re-recording the AOQ record, and I was blown away that he would ask me to be a part of such a monumental project. To be able to say that I contributed to this musical legacy is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I can’t thank Harley enough for trusting me with that responsibility.
“I went into the project with a deep respect for the legacy and importance of the original composition, while finding the right moments to incorporate my own sound and personality.
“Thank you again, Harley, for giving this Long Island kid the opportunity to be part of something so special. I’m incredibly proud of what we created, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”
Order ‘The Age of Quarrel: 40 Years of Quarrel’ HERE
‘The Age of Quarrel: 40 Years of Quarrel’ Track List:
1. We Gotta Know (Featuring Dave Sharpe & Doug Holland)
2. World Peace
3. Show You No Mercy
4. Malfunction
5. Street Justice
6. Survival Of The Streets
7. Seekers Of The Truth (Featuring Arthur Rizk and Rocky George)
8. It’s The Limit (Featuring Meg Mills)
9. Hard Times
10. By Myself
11. Don’t Tread On Me (Featuring Zach Blair)
12. Face The Facts
13. Do Unto Others
14. Life of My Own
15. Signs Of The Times
CRO-MAGS Live:
December 4 — Denver, CO @ Decibel Metal & Beer Fest
December 12 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco – For the Children
More Dates TBA!
The decision to revisit ‘The Age of Quarrel’ began during the making of the “Wired for Chaos” documentary. Several songs had to be re-recorded for the film’s soundtrack because the original recordings couldn’t be licensed, inspiring Harley Flanagan to re-record the entire album.
The project also provided an opportunity to address the complicated history surrounding the original record. None of the musicians who performed on ‘The Age of Quarrel’ were ever paid or received an accounting of the album’s sales. For years, Flanagan tried to reunite the original lineup to re-record the album and reclaim the rights to ‘The Age of Quarrel’ and ‘Best Wishes’ through the Copyright Reversion Act, but couldn’t bring everyone together before that window closed.
The project is Flanagan’s way of honoring the music, its creators, and the fans who have carried these songs forward for four decades while putting the past behind him. The songs belong to the fans. Love wins. The quarrel is over.
