Since its founding in 1988 by Mike Hartsfield, New Age Records has been a cornerstone of the hardcore scene, consistently delivering some of the genre’s most influential and iconic releases. From Mouthpiece and Turning Point to Unbroken and Redemption 87, the label has maintained a deep connection with the raw, emotional energy that defines hardcore.
Over the years, it has become a symbol of authenticity and commitment to the core values of the scene.
For California-based WORST WAYS, being a part of the New Age Records roster is not just an honor—it’s a return to their roots. With members having previously released material with the label, WORST WAYS sees this collaboration as a full-circle moment. As they prepare to drop their debut album, Worst Ways, on November 1st, the band reflects on the label’s legacy and its personal impact on their journey.
“The whole band was excited to be a part of the legendary roster, most of us have quite a few NA releases in our collections and playlists.” – comments the band’s bassist Phil Mengell.
“For Grant and I, it’s coming home, we got to put out a record with Mike and New Age for Five Victims Four Graves, and we were absolutely grateful the first time around too, so narrowing down our favorite NA releases is hard. We all synced up for this list, and had to throw in a few bonus mentions too, because the current releases are excellent too!.”
In celebration of this milestone, WORST WAYS curated a special list of their favorite New Age releases, both classic and modern, showing their deep appreciation for the label’s contributions to hardcore.
Classic New Age Records
Mouthpiece – Face Tomorrow
Jonnie: They just bring together everything I love about hardcore music from that era. I heard this record a long time ago and I haven’t stopped listening to the songs yet.
Phil: What Was Said was the one I think I played the most, but you cannot go wrong with Mouthpiece.
Unbroken – Life. Love. Regret.
Phil: Just caught them last year at Indecision and again at Gilman last week, and absolutely still a great example of the heart of hardcore, IMO.
Jonnie: Dave’s vocals on this album are amazing. You can’t really compare this band or album to anything genuinely. They did their own thing and influenced a lot of other bands to do their own thing as well as myself.
Turning Point – It’s Always Darkest Before The Dawn
Grant: Before I knew what New Age records was, I was given a bunch of CD from my cousin, this one stood out to me. Every few years I put this on and I remember how much it influenced my guitar playing.
Redemption 87 – S/T
Grant: When I was a young punk, AFI and nerve agents were some of my favorite bands. Looking through their members’ past bands I saw redemption 87, and another band from northern CA that I could grab onto was just what I needed.
Trevor: Redemption 87 played the first show I ever went to at the Eldorado Saloon with Powerhouse (Oakland) and Swingin’ Utters around the time this record came out, in Sacramento. I will never forget that show and this record will always be one of my favorites.
Phil: Man, yes, this record was my introduction to New Age, gateway to a lot of great hardcore and straight edge releases I love now. This record DEFINITELY influenced my writing and likes on guitar and bass, and every track just goes.
Trial – Foundation
Phil: Trial. I mean, this is pretty damn influential record for a lot of people. When I came to hardcore, it was via punk, some west coast punk like AFI / Rancid / Op Ivy but also a lot of DC hardcore punk. Trial, and Strife were very different from that scene, and definitely had a hand in steering me towards a lot of new bands. I kind of spread in to all the hardcore styled straight edge bands from there I think.
Current New Age Releases
Rust – True Decline
Trevor: I’m really liking the Rust stuff a lot. Reminds of me of Mushmouth which is one of my favorite bands. Plus, they cover Look My Way by Madball which will always grab my attention
Phil: Agreed, Rust is pretty sick, I think at least one member was also in Cold Shoulder, another rad Toronto area band. Great newer release on NA
Sharp Tongues – No Rescue
Phil: BRAND NEW on New Age, but this band from Sweden is great urgent melodic HC. Haven’t stopped listening to it.
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Anthemic, fast, a ton of the things I love. Parts remind me of With Honor, Bane, with some octave leads building up the tension, just great stuff.
Divine Right – Salvation Ends
Ryan: Writes heavy breakdowns and great two step parts. What more could I ask for! Inspirational lyrics that are easy to relate too as well.
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Freewill – All This Time
Ryan: Reminds me of the punk I grew up with. Great bass and guitar tones make it super drivy and fun to listen to. Hits home!
Grant: Catching them with Wet The Rope and Verbal Assault last year was great too, such a good band.
Phil: Really wish they would do a run with Be Well, they would compliment each other so much.
