CRO-MAGS — Alpha-Omega (review)

CRO-MAGS — Alpha-Omega album cover Album · 1992 · Crossover Thrash Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
UMUR
"Alpha-Omega" is the third full-length studio album by US, New York based hardcore/crossover thrash metal act Cro-Mags. The album was released through Century Media Records in May 1992. It´s the successor to "Best Wishes" from 1989 and only Harley Flanagan (bass, vocals) and Doug Holland (guitars) remain from the lineup who recorded the predecessor. New in the lineup are drummer Dave DiCenso, guitarist Gabby Abularach, and lead vocalist John Joseph. The latter makes a return to the band after he quit in 1987 and relieves Flanagan from his lead vocalist duties (Flanagan performed lead vocals on "Best Wishes (1989)").

Stylistically Cro-Mags add another layer of heavy/thrash metal influences to their hardcore/crossover thrash metal sound, and this was their most "metal" release up until then. The album features quite a few powerful riffs and heavy rhythms and some nice lead guitar work too (which often reminds me of Rocky George from Suicidal Tendencies). The return of Joseph to the lineup unfortunately does nothing good for the music. He has a pretty awful voice and vocal style. When he sings in raw hardcore mode it´s actually decent enough, but whenever he tries to sing anything melodic or performs one of his awkward sounding shouts it´s hard not to cringe with embarassement. I´m a bit harsh on him here, but there are just some vocal moments on this album which are unacceptable on a professional recording. His rap style vocals on "Eyes of Tomorrow" doesn´t help on that impression. I found his unique vocal style quite charming on "The Age of Quarrel" (1986), but here it´s more forced and strained, which is not pleasing to the ears.

When that is said the instrumental part of the music thankfully elevates the album to a higher state. There are some very powerful and intriguing songwriting ideas here, which deserve praise. It´s obvious that these guys are much more than "just" a another hardcore/crossover thrash metal act from New York. "Alpha-Omega" is well produced too, featuring a clear, powerful, and detailed sound production, which suits the material well. So other than the awkward vocals, this is through and through a quality release. So a 3 star (60%) rating isn´t all wrong, but be prepared for some pretty odd sounding vocals.
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