Various Artists - Black On Black: A Tribute To Black Flag - [Initial Records]

2003-07-02

Black On Black gives abundant motivation
to find the original versions of these tracks,
which were revised by The Hope Conspiracy,
Coalesce, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and several
other prominent metallic hardcore bands. The cast
stays faithful to these songs, but add
perspectives of their own amongst the convulsive
drumming, singing, guitars, or all three
happening at once. The only song lacking the
power of its predecessor was “Annihilate This
Week”, with Converge surrounding the chords in
unwarranted screams and boring blast beats on a
cheap, poorly tuned snare drum. The strongest
cuts here were “Life of Pain” by Anodyne, and
Burnt By The Sun’s version of “Drinking and
Driving”, which was fantastic for it’s break down
of the chorus, and the screamadelic reading of
Henry Rollins’ lyrics, making this tribute
illustrate Black Flag’s imprint on the DNA of
American hardcore bands. Black On Black
was originally issued on a series of limited
edition seven-inch records, and is essential
listening for when you get home from a punk show
and wonder how it all began.

Jason Thornberry