The Fine Art of Original Sin by Ink & Dagger - 353

We love it when we get a chance to talk about very influential bands who are extremely overlooked. It is, after all, the whole reason this podcast exists. And there are few as influential, and overlooked, as Ink & Dagger. Their albums aren't even on Bandcamp, let alone streaming sites. That probably tells you everything you need to know.

Frankly, without Ink & Dagger, bands like Thursday, My Chemical Romance and a whole legion of post-hardcore/emo bands from the early 00s simply wouldn't exist. They gained a brief spike in popularity in the 2010s when they reformed with Geoff Rickly from Thursday on vocals, which ensured that their vital legacy got its day in the sun.

Ink & Dagger were only active from 1995 to 2000, but were incredibly prolific in that short space of time, producing 4 EPs, 2 splits and 2 albums. Their sound evolved very quickly, and amongst all of that was relentless touring, a revolving door of band members (singer Sean McCabe and guitarist Don Devore remained the only consistent members) and at least a book or two's worth of insane on-the-road hijinks.

The band agreed to disband in the year 2000 after their second album. But before they could even release that record, singer Sean McCabe passed away aged 27. A tragic exclamation point at the end of the band's short, crazy existence. If you like post-hardcore in any form but have never heard this band, well... prepare to be educated as, this week, we throw our focus on their debut album "The Fine Art of Original Sin".