Cro-Mags
This US thrash/hardcore band was formed in 1984 by bassist (and sometime singer) Harley Flanegan, a follower of the Hare Krishna doctrine, who nevertheless represents an intimidating, multi-tattooed presence on stage. After a series of false starts, vocalist John ‘Bloodclot’ Joseph, drummer Mackie and guitarists Doug Holland (ex-Kraut; who joined in time for BEST WISHES) and Parris Mitchell Mayhew were recruited to cement the band's line-up. When Joseph left Flanegan would take over vocal duties. They specialized in a fusion of thrash, hardcore and heavy metal and the influences of Motörhead, the Dead Kennedys and Metallica were quite apparent on their debut, THE AGE OF QUARREL. They built up a small but loyal cult of supporters, and regularly headlined major hardcore events at New York's CBGB's during the mid to late '80s. Primarily remarkable for their sheer sonic intensity, the group were at the forefront of a musical genre which became increasingly adopted by the metal fraternity as time wore on. Unlike most, however, Cro-Mags offered lyrical diversity and invention to back up their ‘mosh’ epics, notably on tracks like The Only One, which delivered a sermon on their leader's religious position. Line-up changes were numerous, the most important of which was Mackie's decision to join Bad Brains.