Alot of albums out are forshadowed by the the previous album. Their is also alot of albums that are denounced because of a change in the artist's direction musically. This album has suffered from both. It has two sides, the first being Hardcore with some obvious metal influences, and the second being slow, intense Black Sabbath influenced Metal.
So the critics of this album piss me off a bit. Even if you don't like The Slow intense stuff, the first side is excellent. Punk's about thinking for yourself and doing things you feel is good, and when people criticize this for not being Punk, they're not being Punk. Open up your mind, it dosen't all have to be loud fast and short.
So with that out of the way, I'll start the review.
'''Side 1'''
Side 1 is probably the most loved by Hardcore fans. It is very similiar to Damaged, yet still retains a good amount of Individuality. They are slower mainly because the drums aren't as fast. One immediate change is probably the change in how Henry uses his voice. On the pervious album he was still pretty much copying Dez Cadena, which is great, Dez was probably the best the best Black Flag singer. On this album, however, you could understand what he's saying, though it does break out into a scream at times.
So all in all the first side is the first glimpse of what Black Flag would do for the the rest of their career. It can get a little irritating at times. I would rate this side as a 45. Excellent.
'''Side 2'''
Side 2 is What the album is most famous for. If you told Black Flag they were gonna make music as intense, Heavy, and slow, as this, they probably woudn't have belived you. But here it is, possibly one of the best things they ever recorded. When you listen to it you find yourself walking into the mind of someone who's emotions filter out agressively, violently, and destructively. Henry and Greg, pour their their emotions onto paper, as Henry Screams and Shouts insanely. Greg plays the guitar leads speed, ranging from slow and precise to an all out bash. Bill stevenson manages to keep it all tight (along with "bassist Dale Nixon") while showing his verocity.55. Classic
All in all My War is looked upon on many ways, but one thing is for sure. Music fans who open their minds to whatever hits them, will love it.
