Various Artists

It seems that with every passing year, more and more metal and hardcore bands acknowledge the massive influence of BLACK FLAG. Whether the pure hardcore aggression of "Damaged" or the Rollins-era metal-edged work of "Slip it In" or the pain-purging, often sludge-dragging "My War", the band meant far more to more people than what a mere genre-descriptor can offer. As such, a BLACK FLAG tribute CD is a tall order and one threatened by the prospect of complete failure, which is why "Black on Black: A Tribute to Black Flag" is surprising in that it doesn't fall on its face. The tunes that take a detour around the original arrangements are satisfyingly experimental, yet not unrecognizable, and those that stick to the original composition are often delivered with blazing passion. While there is a distinct bent toward new school metal and hardcore here, the song interpretations are still fairly entertaining. The now-defunct Initial Records originally released "Black on Black" in 2003. Reignition Records added six bonus tracks and re-released it.

As for those bands that basically stay true to the original versions, I was mildly surprised to find myself most enamored with BLEEDING THROUGH's rendition of "My War". The intensity and raw hostility of the original is maintained and Brandan Schiepatti does a convincing job of conveying the rage of a young Henry Rollins. It is obvious that BLEEDING THROUGH was feeling this one in the studio. MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD's take on "Rise Above" is close behind. The 38-second treatment given to "Spray Paint the Walls" by REMEMBERING NEVER is about what I'd expect from the band, while the versions of "Depression" and "Nervous Breakdown" by GIVE UP THE GHOST and THE HOPE CONSPIRACY, respectively, offer a meatier conveyance, but little else. ZAO's version of "Black Coffee" is decent as well. While not a fundamental departure, DROWNINGMAN adds its psychotic flair, off-kilter vibe, and splashes of dissonance to "Loose Nut". ANODYNE gives "Life of Pain" a gritty edge, BURNT BY THE SUN turns "Drinking and Driving" into a muscle-bound beast, and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER's ranting opening section to "I've Heard it Before" makes it as angry as the original. PLANES MISTAKEN FOR STARS does justice to the combined "Police Story/Wasted" and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN roughs up "Damaged" (I & II) convincingly.

The edgier material works best. COALESCE and CONVERGE give their respective selections a decidedly more experimental and wholly effective treatment. Starting out with a nutty piano part, COALESCE turns "Jealous Again" into the sound of human skin being dragged across concrete. CONVERGE continues in a similar vein with "Annihilate this Week", and is even more abrasive. After crawling through the first part of "Six Pack", PLAYING ENEMY then kicks the song into high (and agitating) gear.

"Black on Black: A Tribute to Black Flag" is interesting and generally pleasing to the ears. Personally, I'd prefer a somewhat different lineup of acts covering these songs, but in all fairness the sincerity with which these classics are delivered is without question.