Released 40 years ago
The Age of Quarrel
Cro-Mags · 1986
33 min · 15 tracks · hardcore punk
Aggressive riffs collide with relentless rhythms, creating a raw intensity that defines the hardcore punk and crossover thrash landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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We Gotta Know — This opening track sets the tone with its driving energy and powerful message about social justice, establishing the album's thematic core.
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World Peace — With its concise yet impactful lyrics, this song critiques global conflicts while showcasing the band's signature aggressive sound.
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Malfunction — This track exemplifies the band's ability to combine heavy riffs with thought-provoking lyrics, reflecting both personal and societal struggles.
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Show You No Mercy — The relentless pace and fierce attitude make this track a standout, encapsulating the raw spirit of hardcore punk.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive punk with metal influences, showcasing strong songwriting and impactful performances.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tempo, maintaining high energy through the first half.
- Several tracks feature breakdowns that shift from aggressive riffs to slower, heavier sections, creating dynamic contrasts.
- Lyrics often address social issues and personal struggles, delivered with a raw vocal style that matches the intensity of the instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- frantic bursts of raw energy
- short tracks for quick engagement
- cathartic release through aggression
- ideal for high-energy workouts
- for rebellious group settings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek soothing, mellow sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Age of Quarrel was Cro-Mags' debut album, released in 1986 when the band was emerging as a pivotal force in the New York hardcore scene. This record established their blend of hardcore punk with heavy metal influences, setting the stage for their influential role in shaping crossover thrash music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Agnostic Front· Sick of It All· Biohazard
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Life of My Own
The moment shifts from collective struggle to personal assertion, highlighting individuality within a chaotic environment.
This transition underscores a key theme of self-empowerment amid broader social issues, reflecting the band's lyrical depth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 We Gotta Know 3:23
- 2 World Peace 2:12
- 3 Show You No Mercy 1:57
- 4 Malfunction 3:42
- 5 Street Justice 1:33
- 6 Survival of the Streets 1:06
- 7 Seekers of the Truth 4:02
- 8 It’s the Limit 1:43
- 9 Hard Times 1:40
- 10 By Myself 2:34
- 11 Don’t Tread on Me 1:19
- 12 Face the Facts 1:40
- 13 Do Unto Others 1:49
- 14 Life of My Own 2:52
- 15 Signs of the Times 2:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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