Maximum Penalty’s “Indépendant” Album Gets 30th Anniversary Reissue

Formed in 1986, Maximum Penalty lay claim as one of the most unique bands that emerged during the peak of New York Hardcore. The band, established by vocalist Jimmy Williams and joined by guitarist Joseph Affe in 1988, started out as fast hardcore punk and gradually evolved to something more, driven by melody backed rhythms and soulful clean sung vocals. A staple at legendary venues like CBGB and Coney Island High from the get go, Maximum Penalty also made their way across North America and Europe in the ’90s, sharing the stage with bands such as Agnostic Front, Madball, Sick Of It All, and Gorilla Biscuits. The impact Maximum Penalty has had on the modern hardcore scene cannot be denied. For its 30th anniversary this year, Independent is now available on vinyl and cassette for the first time ever, as well as CD, through Flatspot Records. The album, remastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, has also made it’s return across streaming services.

“Maximum Penalty’s Independent is the only record that has never had a vinyl release because at the time it was released on CD, vinyl was an afterthought. As we kept playing and putting out new releases, releasing Independent on vinyl was something we always wanted to do and here we are finally, 30 years later. Independent era was a great time in Maximum Penalty’s history. It means a lot to us to see that a newer crowd are discovering the record for the first time, it’s incredible!” (guitarist Joseph Affe)