zoom_in Click to enlarge

Black Flag - Damaged

▲ ▼

description Black Flag - Damaged Overview

Black Flag’s *Damaged* (1981) is a seminal hardcore punk album recognized for its raw intensity and Henry Rollins' intense vocal performance. The record established Black Flag’s signature sound—characterized by rapid tempos and aggressive instrumentation—and remains influential within the punk and rock scenes. It is particularly relevant to fans of early American punk, hardcore, and those interested in the evolution of this genre during the 1980s.

help Black Flag - Damaged FAQ

When did Henry Rollins join Black Flag before recording Damaged?

Henry Rollins joined Black Flag as their lead vocalist in 1981, just before the recording sessions for Damaged took place. This album served as the official recording debut for Rollins, who had previously been a fan of the band and the singer for the Washington D.C. band State of Alert.

Why did Unicorn Records refuse to distribute Black Flag's Damaged?

Unicorn Records, a subsidiary of MCA Records, refused to distribute the album upon hearing its aggressive sound and lyrics. Label executives deemed the record 'anti-parent,' forcing Black Flag to release it independently on their own label, SST Records, in 1981.

What is the cover art of Black Flag's Damaged?

The iconic cover features a photograph of Henry Rollins's own fist, which he smashed into a mirror in a fit of frustration during the tense recording process. The cover perfectly reflects the intense, self-destructive, and furious nature of the music on the album.

How did Damaged impact the American hardcore punk scene?

Damaged is universally regarded as a landmark album in the development of American hardcore punk. The combination of Greg Ginn's frantic guitar riffs and Henry Rollins's aggressive, shouted vocals set the standard for the genre's speed, intensity, and DIY ethos throughout the 1980s.

swap_horiz

Looking for Black Flag - Damaged alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward