My Life In Tracks: Angel Dust By Faith No More
When it comes to music that really shaped my identity, few albums hit as hard as Angel Dust by FNM. Released in 1992, it’s an album that didn’t just redefine music for me, it smashed all boundaries and became my screaming manifesto for individuality. I’ve been listening to this record religiously since the day it came out back when I was just a teen just trying to make sense of the chaos around me. I remember it was one of the first CDs I owned when CDs were this crazy new invention. It came in a huge package as well. I think I bought this & Alice In Chains Dirt on the same day but I may be mistaken.
Decades later, Angel Dust still holds up as one of the greatest albums of all time. And since Terrier Cvlt is all about honoring the things that inspire me, I want to share why this record remains one of my all time favs and why it deserves a spot in your rotation, if it isn’t already there. Faith No More didn’t just make an album with Angel Dust, they built a fucking Frankenstein’s monster of sound, with equal parts beautiful and grotesque, layers of funk, metal, alternative, and even lounge music. Songs like “Caffeine” and “Midlife Crisis” hit you with sheer intensity, while “RV” and “A Small Victory” showcase the band’s ability to weave melody and experimentation into something unforgettable. For a kid like me, this album was intoxicating. It was also the defining moment when I realized that I wanted to be a singer. Mike Patton is a fucking genius!
What makes Angel Dust legendary is its refusal to conform. After the success of The Real Thing, they could’ve easily played it safe. Instead, they took a hard left turn, alienating casuals and cementing their legacy as true innovators. This resonated with me then and still does. It’s a reminder to stay true to your vision, even when the world expects you to compromise. A philosophy that drives Terrier Cvlt today and has cost me many a job opportunity and destroyed many a friendship.
Over the years this album has been a constant, evolving with me as life threw its punches. It’s been the soundtrack to many late night design sessions, moments of joy, heartbreak, and to every piece of Terrier Cvlt that’s been inspired by its creativity. That same rebellious spirit and refusal to be boxed in are woven into Terrier Cvlt’s DNA. My designs celebrate individuality, boldness, and the things that shape us, no matter how unconventional they might be.
If you’ve never given Angel Dust a listen, do yourself a favor and dive in.
Stay weird. Stay inspired. Terrier Cvlt and Elsa forever!
—Bob