Cro-Mags — Alpha Omega
Alpha Omega was album number three from New York’s Cro-Mags. First released in 1992, the nine-track album saw the band tighten up their sound, which blended elements of hardcore punk, metal, and thrash.
The CD comes presented in a mini gatefold, with a black, red, and grey colour palette, with a reproduction of the original stone pillar artwork. It comes with a ten-page inlay booklet, taking in band pics/ thanks to list, and lyrics.
Cro-Mags were formed in the year 1980 in New York, starting off as a straight hardcore punk band, but over their career, they blended in elements of both thrash and metal. They were also a prototypical band for Krishnacore, a sub-sect of hardcore bands that adopt Krishna consciousness. They’ve had a fairly shifting line-up since starting with thirty-plus ex-members. To date, they have put out six albums- The Age of Quarrel (1986), Best Wishes (1989), Alpha Omega (1992), Near Death Experience (1993), Revenge (2000), and In the Beginning (2020).
For this album, the line-up was: John Joseph – lead vocals. Harley Flanagan – bass, backing vocals, Doug Holland – lead guitar, Gabby Abularach – rhythm guitar and Dave di Censo – drums. It was originally released in May of 1992 on Century Media Records.
We open up in a great, urgent/angry manner with “See The Signs” which finds a rapid crossover riff swinging between chug & slam, with John Joseph ranting/ shouty vocals on top. This is followed by the turntable scarting, shouty rap vocals, and meaty riffing of “Eyes Of Tomorrow” which later on lurches into speeding HC gallop.
As we move for the record, we find the metallic-bound, gang vocals, wailing/ chanting vocals moments, wailing guitar leads, and moments of fast rapping/ scratching of “The Paths Of Perfection”. With the album playing out with the shouty to wailing lead vocals, galloping metal punk chugg, and bounding/ smarting drums of “Charges” with a more groovy/ moody bass guitar riff, with a great baying guitar solo breakdown.
Alpha Omega is another worthy crossover album from Cro-Mags, maybe not quite as impactful/ vital as their second or fourth albums, 1989’s Best Wishes or 1993’s Near Death Experience- but still worth picking up.