Black Flag's 'Damaged' 45 Years Later

BLACK FLAG: DAMAGED

SCORE: 85/100

45 has never sounded so young - with this album turning 45 years old this December. 

The punk scene of the 80's was a steady crawl marked by bands like The Clash and The Ramones paving the way in the decade prior - and Black Flag was one of the most important acts to come out of the early 80's selection, with a gritty, underground sound and style that makes them one of the most important and authentic punk groups to ever mark their territory; with Black Flag being based in California and still performing to this day. 

Punk is best when it's this majorly gritty and humble, and the homestyle mixing of this album and the compressed sound quality provides a very real sound that is coherent and highly enjoyable. It's packed full of massively infectious energy throughout - and it's a violently relentless album that will knock you around without a hint of resistance. 

At this point in time, the band consisted of the original lineup of Henry Rollins on vocals, Dez Cadena as the rhythm guitarist (as well as providing backing vocals for some tracks), Greg Ginn as another guitarist, Greg Ginn on bass, and Roberto Valverde (Robo) behind the drums. 

This album came after multiple failed attempts at a full-length album release after the band had released the EP 'Nervous Breakdown' in 1979 - with this album reaching the sonic elements of the 80's exceptionally well. There is a massive amount of growth to be seen with bands like this one; and Black Flag were one of the ones who made it. 

Damaged is a hugely confident debut album that went partially unnoticed upon release before gaining the massive acclaim it has in the modern day, and it helped to establish the band's sound incredibly well - with short, fast paced tracks that feel perfect for performances and mosh pits, the band had their sound achieved and laid out almost perfectly within just one early album.