After two decades without a full-length release, having second-degree felony assault and weapons possession charges dropped (for allegedly stabbing and biting Cro-Mag members), and a legal battle for the rights of the band name, comes a pilgrimage unlike any other. Harley Flanagan brings us the return of the Cro-Mags with, “In The Beginning”. This release sees the return of ex-Suicidal Tendencies guitarist Rocky George (Revenge), and guitarist Gabby Abularach (Alpha Omega, Near Death Experience), with drummer Garry Sullivan joining the fold (Previously in Harley's War, Activator, Painmuseum, and Smokescreen).
“In The Beginning” delivers 13 tracks filled with everything a die-hard fan would hope for. Kicking it off with the 3 songs from the “Don't Give In” EP, bringing you raw and rowdy New York hardcore. Harley’s vocals still sound menacing, and his bass playing sounds as great as ever. This album sounds like the Cro-Mags of old, what many fans expected after “Best Wishes”. My personal favorites are “From the Grave", featuring Phil Campbell of Motörhead, and the instrumental “Between Wars”. “Between Wars” manages to bring down the dynamics in preparation for the send off with “No Turning Back” and “There Was a Time”.
This reincarnation of the band brings back the sound that is reminiscence of the bands prime, leaning more towards the crossover style that bought us “The Age of Quarrel”. “In The Beginning” is a new era that is playing out like a new beginning, and that is nothing but great news!
