What makes In the Beginning by Cro-Mags notable?

The album has been noted for its critical reception within the hardcore and crossover thrash scenes, garnering attention for its raw energy and lyrical depth. It debuted at number 8 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart, demonstrating the band's enduring legacy in a genre that has evolved significantly over the years. In the Beginning marks Cro-Mags' first album in over two decades, following their 1993 release, Alpha Omega. This gap reflects a tumultuous period for the band, characterized by lineup changes and internal conflicts. With this album, they return to their hardcore roots while addressing contemporary issues.

Who is In the Beginning for?

In the Beginning works well if you're into short, intense listening bursts, steady emotional build-up and raw energy and urgency.

How many songs are on In the Beginning?

In the Beginning has 13 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

In the Beginning

Cro-Mags · 2020

38 min · 13 tracks · hardcore punk

A relentless barrage of thrash riffs and punk energy, layered with introspective themes of resilience and survival.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don’t Give In — This opening track combines fierce instrumentals with an empowering message about perseverance, setting the tone for the album's themes of resilience.
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PTSD — Addressing mental health struggles directly, this song stands out due to its poignant lyrics and aggressive sound that encapsulates personal turmoil and societal issues.
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No One’s Coming — The track explores feelings of isolation and urgency through frantic rhythms, making it a powerful anthem for those grappling with despair in modern times.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive thrash with introspective themes, showcasing solid craft but lacking full cohesion.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features fast-paced thrash riffs, while the second half introduces slower tempos and introspective lyrics.
Several songs incorporate gang vocals, emphasizing themes of unity and resilience within the hardcore punk ethos.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, intense listening bursts
steady emotional build-up
raw energy and urgency
reflective moments of calm

Where this album fits

Career context: In the Beginning marks Cro-Mags' first album in over two decades, following their 1993 release, Alpha Omega. This gap reflects a tumultuous period for the band, characterized by lineup changes and internal conflicts. With this album, they return to their hardcore roots while addressing contemporary issues.
Stylistic neighbors: Agnostic Front· Sick of It All· Biohazard

New to Cro-Mags? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Don’t Give In 3:00
2 Drag You Under 1:32
3 No One’s Victim 2:39
4 From the Grave 2:18
5 No One’s Coming 4:38
6 PTSD 3:30
7 The Final Test 3:23
8 One Bad Decision 2:12
9 Two Hours 2:24
10 Don’t Talk About It 2:08
11 Between Wars (inst.) 5:49
12 No Turning Back 2:19
13 There Was a Time 2:28

What to play next

Listen next

2020

Go back to

Revenge

2000

Full Cro-Mags discography Where to start with Cro-Mags Artists like Cro-Mags

crossover thrash hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata