Cro-Mags

Cro-Mags, (Can also be known as The Cro-Mags) established in Year 93, is a unique Hardcore Punk/Hardcore Metal/Grunge hybrid crossover band. It was originally formed by Harley Staats, nephew of the legendary punk band Flipper drummer Sadie Shatterfly, originally as a Hardcore Punk band. 
Sadie even joined the band as the drummer for their first album. Harley, the visionary behind the group, brought together top punk talents from Gilneas: John Magdova as vocalist and lead guitarist, Clementine Di Angelo as the rhythm guitarist, and Harley himself as the bassist. 
After their inaugural album and tour, a transformative phase unfolded for the band. Sadie's retirement from music, creative clashes between Clementine, John, and Harley resulted in Harley becoming the sole member. In a revamp, Harley recruited Paige Valentine of HELMET as the Rhythm guitarist and vocalist, Gregory Umpke as the Lead guitarist, and Masckur Cheng, the great grandson of Tuskr Cheng, as the drummer. This lineup introduced a fresh sound to Cro-Mags, combining Masckur Cheng's dynamic drumming with Paige Valentine's distinctive guitar style, causing a hybrid genre of Hardcore Punk/Hardcore Metal/Crossover Grunge. 
Following the release of "Best Wishes," Paige Valentine left to refocus on HELMET, causing the official breakup of the Cro-Mags. Six years later, Harley wanted to continue his band under the new genre he made with Paige Valentine from “Best Wishes”. Leading Harley to name Gregory the lead guitarist once again and add an exiled Vrykul name Thorigg Palmstrike as the rhythm guitarist, while taking on the role of vocalist alongside continuing as the bassist. This enduring lineup has remained unchanged ever since.
== History ==
Cro-Mags, also known as The Cro-Mags, was founded by eighteen-year-old Harley Staats, nephew of the legendary punk band Flipper’s drummer, Sadie Shatterfly. With Sadie's support as a drummer and signee to Flipper Records, Harley gathered members like Clementine Di Angelo, formerly of the all-female Grunge-Punk band L7. John Magdova, a vocalist and guitarist from another Hardcore Punk band, joined as well. Harley on bass completed the original lineup. 
=== Age of Quarrel ===
In year 93 the same year as the band’s founding, Harley began crafting the band's first material, and they collectively chose to title their album "Age of Quarrel" as a reflection of the ongoing wars in their era. While Clementine expressed reservations about some of the darker themes, the band as a whole embraced them. Sadie remarked, "I knew conflicts would arise with so much talent under one roof."
Their debut album was recorded in Sadie and Jackson's personal studio from their time with "Flipper." The recording process spanned nearly seven months due to scheduling conflicts and internal band issues, Despite the popularity of Punk and Hardcore Punk, the rise of Grunge led by Nirvana overshadowed their genre, dampening the band's enthusiasm and labeling their sound as "outdated." Harley's evolving vision stirred tensions within the band. 
The band embarked on a Gilneas tour to promote their debut album as Cro-Mags, starting in Gilneas City. Despite their raw sound, they quickly amassed a devoted following, with audiences energized by Harley's haunting bass, John's intense guitar, and vocals, Sadie's iconic drumming, and Clementine's skillful guitar work. The band's performance evoked nostalgia for older punks and introduced the Gilnean youth to the genre's roots. Their show in Embershard Village escalated into a raucous affair, climaxing in a massive mosh pit that tragically claimed a life. As a result, Cro-Mags were permanently banned from performing in Embershard Village.
The tour journeyed from Stormglen to Duskhaven, even returning to Gilneas City for a triumphant encore. Despite the initial challenges, the band's prospects were looking promising.
The tour expanded to Hillsbrad and Silverpine Forest, where they delivered stellar performances. However, tensions within the band escalated as Clementine voiced her dissatisfaction with their treatment of the audience, particularly the women. Simultaneously, John grew increasingly frustrated with his pay, sparking a recurring issue throughout the tour.
The tour eventually arrived in Tirisfal, venturing into unfamiliar territory and the birthplace of the Forsaken Metal genre. They served as the opening act for the grunge band Hole, sharing the stage with Nirvana and Dope. During the event, Harley met Kurt Cobain and observed a concerning dynamic between him and the Hole lead singer, Courtney Valentine. Expressing unease, Harley remarked, "Something seemed off. They were constantly disappearing together during breaks, which gave me a sense of unease." Sadie, concerned for her son, urged him not to perform that night, but he insisted on carrying on.
To the audience's surprise, Cro-Mags were asked to perform an encore, with Nirvana's members leaving early during the after-show.
Their tour continued to Andorhal, where the Forsaken audience embraced their sound, leading Cro-Mags to declare it their "best show yet." They progressed to Eastern Plaguelands, performing for the Argent Crusaders at Light's Hope Chapel. Unfortunately, the Argents did not appreciate the music as much as the Forsaken had.
The tour came to an abrupt end in Year 94 with the tragic loss of Kurt Cobain due to suicide. Devastated by her son's passing, Sadie retired from music, leaving Cro-Mags to grieve alongside her husband. Upon their return to Gilneas City, tensions arose between John and Harley, leading to a near-departure by John over payment disputes and concerns about his drug addiction. Harley, reluctant to contribute to John's struggles, expressed apprehensions about the implications of his addiction. John blamed Courtney Valentine for Kurt’s death, not his addiction, which caused a dispute between Clementine and John. 
In the aftermath, Clementine voiced her perspective on Kurt Cobain's addiction, as she was close friends with both Kurt and Courtney Valentine. Highlighting the futility of blaming Courtney for his untimely demise. This disagreement intensified existing tensions within the band, with Clementine ultimately departing due to what she perceived as misogynistic behavior. John and Harley's conflicting viewpoints escalated, culminating in a heated confrontation that prompted John's departure in a surge of frustration, leaving Harley as the sole remaining member of Cro-Mags.
Despite the band's tumultuous history and the release of only one album over nearly two decades, their influence on the Hardcore music scene was revolutionary, reshaping the landscape of the genre.
=== Best Wishes and The Start of a Genre ===
In Year 112, Harley reached out to Paige Valentine, a 19-year-old prodigy known for leading the alternative metal and Grunge-Crossover band HELMET. Embracing a new chapter almost two decades since the Age of Quarrel, Paige was offered the role of Rhythm Guitarist and vocalist for Cro-Mags. With excitement, Paige accepted the invitation and promptly journeyed to Gilneas.
Their first encounter at the gates of Gilneas left an impression on Harley, as he described Paige as a tall, slender youth with a singing voice that resonated like that of a seasoned thirty-year-old smoker yet the speaking voice of a teenager. Together, they dedicated a month to crafting material for Cro-Mags' upcoming album, dubbed "Best Wishes," featuring a logo inspired by a fierce and savage yet majestic Pandaren lion god Harley discovered during his travels in Pandaria. Eager to expand the band, Harley embarked on a recruiting mission, enlisting Masckur Cheng, a talented Pandaren drummer he encountered in Pandaria, and Greg Umpke, the former lead guitarist of Gilnean Head Charge, a disbanded Hardcore Metal group from Gilneas with only a single EP.
In the initial plan to release "Best Wishes" with Flipper Records, Paige proposed using HELMET’s own label, Lancelot Records, to oversee the album's production. While Harley had reservations about the change, he eventually embraced it.
The revamped Cro-Mags lineup headed to Lancelot Studios in Boralus, Kul Tiras, the revered location where HELMET's groundbreaking "In the Meantime" album was crafted. Lancelot, overjoyed by the band's presence in his studio, greeted Harley, Greg, and Masckur with a warmth that felt out of place for a punk band.
Surprisingly smooth recording sessions unfolded, with Paige's vocals taking on a new dynamic compared to HELMET. His delivery shifted from gritty and loud to a more natural, rhythmic tone, much alike his speaking voice. The album marked a departure from the sound of "Age of Quarrel," embracing a more metal-infused vibe akin to that of HELMET. The band wholeheartedly embraced the fresh production and sound, particularly shining on the track "The Only One," blending hard-hitting metal aggression from Gregory’s talented solos, Harley’s insane talent with his Bass Guitar and Masckur’s traditional pandaren drumming mixed with techniques of Hardcore Punk drumming with hauntingly echoing vocal performances and guitar playing from Paige. The emotionally charged song expressed profound feelings of love and passion for an unnamed woman, sparking assumptions that it was dedicated to Betty Blacksludge, Paige's close friend and the rhythmic guitarist in HELMET, leading many to speculate about their relationship.
A meaningful gesture to their loyal fans, Cro-Mags included a cover of the song “Age of Quarrel" from the original album, Age of Quarrel, paying homage to those who stood by them during the two-decade gap without new material.
The album's meticulous creation spanned an entire year, dedicated to refining lyrics and honing the fusion of Metal-Punk-Hardcore-Grunge sounds that defined their unique style.
In the monumental Year 113, Cro-Mags embarked on a tour to promote "Best Wishes," kicking off the journey unexpectedly in Pandaria. The ambitious plan encompassed a tour route spanning Eastern Kingdoms, Kalimdor, and even venturing to The Broken Isles, promising an unforgettable musical odyssey for fans across the lands.
The band reached Honey-Dew Village in The Jade Forest's northern region to an unexpectedly warm reception from the locals. Paige, initially surprised by the positivity, remarked, "I thought Pandaren were all about peace and love, but my drummer here is a Pandaren." The band felt at home in Honey-Dew and was reluctant to leave.
Their next tour stop was Dawns Blossom, a quaint settlement near Tian Monastery, where they were greeted by enthusiastic fans of HELMET and Cro-Mags. The Pandaren Locals were amazed by the show's popularity and even had the band perform outside the village. The memorable finale saw Paige jumping into a sacred healing pool, resulting in his humorous ejection from the venue, with Harley joking, "His energy is what keeps fans coming back."
Their journey led them to Sri-La Village, a charming fishing community, with fans from Dawns Blossom in tow. Captivating the fishing villagers much like they did in Dawn Blossom, Harley and Paige formed a remarkable duo on stage, with fans delighting in the wild antics between performances. The band received a thunderous applause for an encore, concluding with "World Peace" from the debut Cro-Mags album, Paige's personal favorite.
Continuing their journey, the band headed towards Serpent's Heart, the heart of The Jade Forest, attracting over 3,000 fans to the audience. This marked the most packed Cro-Mags show since Andorhal nearly two decades ago. 
The culminating performance in Jade Forest unfolded in Paw'don Village, where many villagers were perturbed by the music and the influx of HELMET and Cro-Mags' followers. The show was marred by an irate villager hurling rocks at Paige, prompting him to retaliate before Harley intervened to defuse the situation. Apologies were offered as the band made their way to the Valley of Four Winds.
Their next stop was Halfhill, where the youthful farmhands embraced the music, and Jade Forest loyalists amped up the energy with a rowdy mosh pit. The exuberant atmosphere was momentarily dampened by a fall in the pit, but the sense of unity prevailed as Paige remarked, "We're all just one big family" in his closing speech after performing their final song for Halfhill, “Down but not Out."
Transitioning to Silken Fields for an impromptu show, a deviation from their original tour plan, inspired by Masckur's nostalgia from Halfhill and the laborious memories at Silken Field and how needy they were for entertainment. The workers at Silken Fields showered Cro-Mags with love and appreciation, touched by the band's consideration and remembrance, leaving Gregory to express gratitude, saying, "It's a wonderful feeling."
Journeying to Stormstout Brewery just in time for the Brew Festival, the band served as the opening act for the Grunge Band TAD. Surprising many about Paige joining the Cro-Mags on stage, resulting in a mesmerizing fusion of their distinct playing styles. Tad Doyle and Paige bonded over their shared love for Grunge music and the electrifying show. Meanwhile, Harley's escapades led to his memorable encounter with a Pandaren woman, prompting a two-day tour postponement for well-deserved rest in Halfhill.
Resuming their tour, the band headed towards Stoneplow, a village recuperating from Sha corruption, where they were warmly welcomed with positive vibes. The villagers appreciated the samples received from Cro-Mags that were gifted to them from the brewery, further enhancing the band's connection with the community.
Cro-Mags ventured into the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, kicking off their performance at Mistfall Village seamlessly, without any major hiccups. With HELMET and Cro-Mags enthusiasts fervently following, they proceeded to The Shrine of Two Moons, opening with their powerful song "Death Camps." The song's haunting narrative, inspired by Nefak Shatterfly's atrocities as the Blood King of the Sin’dorei against Humans, stirred controversy, leading to a request to halt further performances. Harley and Paige vehemently defended the song, emphasizing its historical significance in spreading a message through music. Despite initial resistance, Masckur and Gregory's persistence eventually convinced the Shrine's attendees to allow them to continue, relieving the band of any tension.
Following the tumultuous events at The Shrine of Two Moons, Cro-Mags graced The Shrine of Seven Stars with their music, receiving a warm reception from the audience who embraced their performance wholeheartedly.
The Band revisited Setting Sun Garrison, where the Shado-Pan unexpectedly embraced their music, igniting spontaneous dances among the attendees. Continuing on to Kun-Lai Summit, they made their debut at Binan Village, where many villagers recognized Masckur's renowned great-grandfather, Tuskr, leading to steadfast support for the band.
As the band's followers dwindled in the chilly Kun-Lai region, new venues opened up for fresh fans to enjoy their music. A wave of Pandaren youth from various stops on their tour began joining the growing fanbase.
At One Keg village, the band encountered the jovial Pandaren locals, who enthusiastically partook in the festive concert atmosphere. Despite Paige indulging in some very strong Kun-Lai brew on stage, delivering a flawless performance of the “Best Wishes” Rendition of “Age of Quarrel” before starting a tipsy rendition of 'Unsung,' Harley intervened with a humorous "No HELMET covers today." The tour faced yet another brief hiatus as Paige sobered up, ensuring a seamless continuation of their musical journey.
Journeying to the Yaungol tribal lands, the band was met with eager anticipation from the culturally attuned locals, who delivered the most enthusiastic reception of the Pandaria leg of the Cro-Mags tour. Paige mused, "Our music resonated with their cultural things.” while Harley pragmatically noted, "They simply appreciated the deviation from traditional Pandaren tunes."
The band found themselves in Zouchin Village, another fishing village. Unlike the previous villages, this one embraced Cro-Mags' music wholeheartedly. They performed flawlessly to a warm reception.
Afterwards, the band embarked on a hot air balloon ride to Townlong Steppes, where they played at Niuzao Temple. Fans from all walks of life – HELMET and Cro-Mag enthusiasts, seasoned and new fans alike – gathered to witness the spectacle. The venue was packed with over ten thousand people, shattering Cro-Mags' previous attendance record. This marked the conclusion of the Pandaria tour, as the band prepared to journey to Orgrimmar for the next leg of their Tour of Azeroth.
In Orgrimmar, the band headlined the show with Static-X as their opening act. Sean Razorback, amused by the turn of events, remarked, “From requesting to use Kezan studio for Paige and HELMET to now opening for Paige, a headliner alongside a legendary punk band.”
The concert was a resounding success, with Wayne Static of Static-X expressing pride in Paige's journey.
Transitioning to Razor Hill, the band found the village overrun with fans. The performance of "Fugitive" triggered a minor riot, prompting Kor'kron intervention and relocation of the show outside Durotar.
The remainder of the Kalimdor Tour, described as "a blast" by Gregory, was eventful yet uneventful.
Traveling by zeppelin to Tirisfal, the band retraced the original Cro-Mags tour path from twenty years ago. Fans from past and present swarmed together, transforming Andorhal from its original 3,000 residence to a staggering 10,000 for the Cro-Mags performance.
The band traversed through Silverpine, Hillsbrad, and Gilneas, with each show escalating in intensity. Their journey led them to Stormwind, where they served as the opening act for the reunion show of the formerly disbanded Hardcore Punk Band, Minor Threat. Gregory and Paige, ardent fans, were thrilled by the opportunity. The unforgettable finale featured Ian MacKaye and Paige performing a mesmerizing duet of Black Flag's "My War."
Concluding the Eastern Kingdoms Tour in Booty Bay, the concert had to be held outside the port city due to its sheer magnitude. Baron Silvermane remarked, "The crowd size would overwhelm the port's infrastructure."
As the tour wrapped up, the band set sail for The Broken Isles, landing in Suramar. Despite the initial disdain from the elves towards their music, loyal fans from Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms followed suit.
Arriving in High Mountain, the band's punk roots were acknowledged, with the Highmountain Tauren chanting "Bassmane! Bassmane!" in recognition of their distinctive sound.
Paige, Harley, Masckur, and Greg united in the chant, paying homage to a pioneer of the punk movement who paved the way for their journey.
Venturing to Stormheim, the band entertained the Gjalebron Vrykul, who surprisingly embraced the music with enthusiasm. Harley encountered Throigg Palmstrike, a Guitarist exiled from the Dragonflayer clan, showcasing impressive skills. While impressed, Harley explained the band's full lineup but promised to keep him in mind for future collaborations.
The tour's conclusion in Stormheim was marked by the band's denial of entry by the Kaldorei of Val'sharah, citing their song "Death Camps" As the reason. 
Returning to Gilneas, Paige disclosed his departure from Cro-Mags to prioritize HELMET once more. Harley bid him farewell, and Cro-Mags disbanded for the second time in early Year 114.
Shortly after the end of the “Best Wishes” Azeroth Tour, the album would release and sell over three million copies.