Out May 6th, remastered by Brad Boatright. Formed in 1986, 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, band 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, Gorilla Biscuits. The impact Maximum Penalty has had on the modern hardcore scene cannot be denied. Turnstile featured the band on an influential playlist and the Hardlore podcast declared band one of the “most underrated hardcore bands.” In 2025, Baltimore hardcore band End It released a cover of ‘Could You Love Me?’ from 1996’s ‘Independent’, breathing new life into the track and swaying fans to discover the original. For its 30th anniversary this year, LP will be available on vinyl and cassette for the first time ever, as well as CD, through Flatspot Records with a release date of May 6th. The album, now remastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, will also return to streaming services on that date.

Guitarist Joseph Affe remarks:

“this record 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 group’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!”

Maximum Penalty’s initial run spanned an impressive discography – ‘Demo 89′, 1995’s ‘East Side Story’ EP, 1996’s ‘Independent’ LP, 1997’s ‘Super Life’ LP, and a number of tracks on various compilations including Blackout Records’ ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ and ‘Satisfaction Guaranteed’. Maximum Penalty would emerge again in 2009 with the ‘Life & Times’ LP (Reaper Records), carrying their sound to listeners new and old.

‘Independent’ lineup and recording credits:

Jimmy Williams – Vocals

Joseph Affe – Guitars & Backing Vocals

Mark Sisto – Bass

Darren Morgenthaler – Drums

Recorded At – CBGB

Recorded At – Big Blue Meenie

Mixed At – Big Blue Meenie

Mastered At – Surgical Sound

Glass Mastered At – DADC

Pressing Info:

750 / GALAXY BLUE

250 / SHIMMER BLEND COPPER / BLACK ICE

150 / SWIRL (ALIBASTER) – REVHQ EXCLUSIVE

100 / RED AND BLACK RIPPLE – FLATSPOT EXCLUSIVE

‘Independent’ Tracklist:

1. Face Value

2. Find A Better Way

3. Could You Love Me?

4. …So God Help Me

5. Nowhere To Turn

6. Justice Paid

7. Where Were You

8. Life Jacket

Recorded Live At CBGB’s 5/5/96

9. Hate

10. Comin’ Home

11. Be Yourself

12. Burning Bed

13. Acceptance

14. Ivory Tower