12 '90s Hard Rock Albums Everyone Should Own
9. Fugazi - Repeater
Few among us will be part of one seminal band; Ian MacKaye has been the frontman of two and counting. With Fugazi, he took the principles and attitude cultivated with hardcore legends Minor Threat and branched out into a new sound, just as jagged and angry as ever, but with scope for more varied songwriting.
Their 1990 full length debut Repeater is a preview of things to come in the grunge decade, with a staunchly individualistic, anti-commercial, always punching up ethos that has been key to MacKaye’s output for his whole career.
The era isn’t known for its shredders, but the interlacing guitar work is complex and engaging, threading subtle melodies throughout the brash sound. The title track and “Blueprint” are calls to arms for music fans coming out of the ‘80s and looking for something with a little more sustenance.
An album that remains hugely influential, Repeater is the sound of a band with a singular vision and a message to impart. It sets the table for much of ‘90s rock while remaining one of the best releases of the decade.