← Back

Damaged

by Black Flag

Released: November 20, 1981

Hardcore punk

Shop Black Flag

Amazon affiliate links

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

The music on the album is characterized by fast, aggressive songs with themes of alienation, personal frustration, and political disillusionment. "Damaged" is the debut studio album by the American hardcore punk band Black Flag, released on December 5, 1981. The album is considered a seminal work in the hardcore punk genre and is known for its raw intensity and aggressive sound.

Inside the Recording

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Over time, "Damaged" has gained significant recognition and…

Over time, "Damaged" has gained significant recognition and is often cited as one of the greatest punk albums of all time.

It features the band's vocalist at the time…

It features the band's vocalist at the time, Henry Rollins, who joined Black Flag shortly before the album's recording.

MCA Records, which was supposed to distribute the…

MCA Records, which was supposed to distribute the album, refused to release it, citing its "anti-parent" content.

This led to the album being released on…

This led to the album being released on SST Records, a label founded by Ginn.

It has left a lasting impact on both…

It has left a lasting impact on both the punk genre and alternative music as a whole.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Black Flag - Damaged

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

Despite its critical acclaim, "Damaged" faced distribution challenges.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Damaged" is the debut studio album by the American hardcore punk band Black Flag, released on December 5, 1981. The album is considered a seminal work in the hardcore punk genre and is known for its raw intensity and aggressive sound. It features the band's vocalist at the time, Henry Rollins, who joined Black Flag shortly before the album's recording.

The production of "Damaged" took place after a series of lineup changes and was recorded in a relatively short period. It was produced by Black Flag's guitarist and primary songwriter, Greg Ginn, alongside Spot, a renowned producer in the punk scene. The music on the album is characterized by fast, aggressive songs with themes of alienation, personal frustration, and political disillusionment.

Despite its critical acclaim, "Damaged" faced distribution challenges. MCA Records, which was supposed to distribute the album, refused to release it, citing its "anti-parent" content. This led to the album being released on SST Records, a label founded by Ginn. Over time, "Damaged" has gained significant recognition and is often cited as one of the greatest punk albums of all time. It has left a lasting impact on both the punk genre and alternative music as a whole.