My War, the second studio album by Black Flag, polarized fans on its release in 1984 over the record’s B-side, which they slowed down to a heavier Black Sabbath vibe. Polarizing, considering their first album Damaged earned them a reputation for being one of the biggest hardcore punk acts of the 80’s.
The line-up had shrunk from five to three members: Henry Rollins (Vocals), Bill Stevenson (Drums), and co-founder Greg Ginn (Guitar, Bass). Ginn played bass under the name “Dale Nixon” after he kicked out Chuck Dukowski, another founding Black Flag member.
My War had a huge influence on the hardcore-meets-Sabbath sounds of the Melvins, Mudhoney, and Nirvana. Mark Arm of Mudhoney was moved to tears after hearing “Nothing Left Inside” at an ‘83 Black Flag concert, while Kurt Cobain’s first punk show was Black Flag during the My War tour. My War was listed on his top 50 albums list.