Various Artists
Black On Black: A Tribute To Black Flag (2002)

Review by: Jason Thornberry
Date: 7/1/03

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.