Starting with the awesome
"I Don't Need Society"
and ending with the anthemic
"Explorer,"
D.R.I.
's debut album was an important stepping stone in the evolution of both
metal
and
hardcore
.
drew a line in the sand between the
American hardcore
bands who wanted to stick close to the original
punk
sound and bands who wanted to branch out into
heavy metal
territory.
's use of thunderous
drumming and
California hardcore
songwriting made
Dirty Rotten LP
something special, putting them in a category with
Corrosion of Conformity
Suicidal Tendencies
as the forefront of a new movement. Their angry lyrics revolved around the usual political and social ills, but their approach was a staggering blend of pre-
grindcore
blastbeats (that particular drumming style may have even had its first recorded instance here), blunt and simplistic guitar riffs, and an acidic vocal workout from the young
Kurt Brecht
. His charismatic shout was the tone-deaf glue that kept the band together, especially in the face of abbreviated songs and sloppy playing. With some humorous lyrics, endless enthusiasm, and a penchant for short song times (only one song makes it past the two-minute mark),
's debut was a landmark album that paved the way for exciting new
bands to spring up in its wake. ~ Bradley Torreano