Damaged by Black Flag is the hardcore album that started it all. Henry Rollins’ testosterone-soaked lead vocals, Greg Ginn’s subtly attentive songwriting, Julio Roberto Valverde Valencia’s aggressive drumming, and the rhythm section of Chuck Dukowski and Dez Cadena punch you right in the gut and leave you keeled over wheezing for oxygen. It feels perfectly hardcore.
Even 40 years after its release, the primal energy on Damaged is infectious, and no matter your perspective, what is indisputable is the impact this album had in laying the groundwork for punk, skate punk, and hardcore to achieve greater heights in the mainstream. Just like the iconic records from the Holy Trinity of punk rock (Ramones by Ramones, Never Mind The Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols by Sex Pistols, London Calling by The Clash), Black Flag’s Damaged pulls no punches and holds nothing back in its quest to own your eardrums.
Standout Songs: “Rise Above”, “Depression”, “Six Pack”
