Cro-Mags' Harley Flanagan Signs to Southern Lord

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Feb 6, 2012

With a roster including Sunn O))), Wolves in the Throne Room and Black Breath, Southern Lord is a hub for some current heavy big hitters, but the label has just announced a new partnership with a true hardcore icon: Cro-Mags founder/bassist Harley Flanagan.

A press release explains that Southern Lord has teamed up with the musician for "several upcoming releases." Considering Flanagan's imprint on New York's punk scene, from being the pre-teen drummer for early '80s outfit the Stimulators to ushering in the second wave of hardcore with Cro-Mags' heralded Age of Quarrel LP in 1986, label owner Greg Anderson, a longtime fan, understandably can't control his excitement over the deal.

"Harley Flanagan is one of the most revered, controversial and infamous musicians of the last 25 years of underground music. His resume and reputation speak equal amounts of vitriolic decibels as does his bass stack blaring in your face," Anderson said in a statement, adding "To say it is an honor for Southern Lord to be working with Harley Flanagan is a enormous understatement! We're in shock and CAN NOT WAIT to get this shit going!"

Up first is a new LP from Flanagan's Harley's War project. An album title, tracklisting and street date have not yet been announced, but Anderson alleges that the demos he's heard so far are "fucking phenomenal," and have the same drive and power as the musician's '80s output. More info is sure to come in the near future, but in the meantime, enjoy a sample of the Mags' classic "We Gotta Know" down below.

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