Article By: Pat ‘Riot’ Whitaker ‡ Edited By: Leanne Ridgeway
Legendary NYHC icons CRO-MAGS* busted out a barrage of brand new music in the past couple of weeks, their first since the band’s 2000 album release, ‘Revenge‘.
Led by the band’s longtime bassist and co-vocalist, Harley Flanagan, the new record sees him joined by guitarists Rocky George (Suicidal Tendencies, Fishbone) and Gabby Abularach, along with drummer Garry “G-Man“ Sullivan. They have just released the three-track ‘Don’t Give In‘ EP via Victory Records, which is currently streaming on all digital platforms. On August 2nd the physical, limited edition 7-inch pressing will be available in four different variants: glow in the dark, black and blue mix, solid orange, and clear.
Upon hearing the ‘Don’t Give In‘ EP, the signature aural traits of these urban warrior-musicians are ever-present and protruding from the underbelly of these rapidly fired riffs. While said riffs are resonating, the staggering rhythms and punctuated drumming meld and provide a simultaneously nostalgic, yet unquestionably contemporary, listening experience. I dare say that if you enjoy the sophomore CRO-MAGS album release, 1989’s smashing ‘Best Wishes‘ or the aforementioned ‘Revenge‘, you will find this new outing right to your liking.
Tracklist:
01. Don’t Give In
02 . Drag You Under
03. No One’s Victim
When asked about this new arrival from the band, Harley Flanagan offered:
“In late 2018 I went in to the studio to start working on a new CRO-MAGS album. After recording the first few songs, I got a strange phone call in the middle of the night that turned out to be from Tony Brummel of Victory Records. I thought it was a prank call; it turned out not to be, and I worked out record deals with Victory and Arising Empire in Europe. One of the many things that make me happy about signing with Victory and Arising Empire is that they are genuinely fans of my music and know the history; they are not just labels trying to make money off us or the genre. I know that I am working with the best team, and the best musicians to launch the next era of CRO-MAGS.”
Stream CRO-MAGS ‘Don’t Give In‘ EP below and find it available digitally, with the physical 7″ vinyl arriving from Victory Records on August 2nd.
In CRO-MAGS-related news, the band has scheduled several live appearances in the U.S. (with Misfits) and Europe this September – October that includes these listed below.
CRO-MAGS Live 2019:
Sep. 07 – Denver, CO @ Fiddlers Green Amphitheater (w/ Misfits)
Sep. 11 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena (w/ Misfits)
Sep. 14 – Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater (w/ Misfits)
Sep. 27 – Essen, Germany @ Turock
Sep. 28 – Limburg, Belgium @ Limburg Hardcore Fest
Sep. 29 – London, UK @ Underworld
Sep. 30 – Paris, France @ Gibus
Oct. 01 – Stuttgart, Germany @ De Keller Klub
Oct. 02 – Czech Republic @ Futurum
Oct. 03 – Budapest, Hungary @ Hu Durer Kert
Oct. 04 – Graz, Austria @ Explosiv
Oct. 05 – Leipzig, Germany @ Naumanns
Oct. 06 – Berlin, Germany @ Musik & Frieden
Oct. 17 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Divebar
*Not to be mistaken with Cro-Mags JM – the JM a designation to specify the John “Bloodclot” Joseph version of the band per a recent legal ruling.
