Currently two bands featuring former members of Black Flag are fighting to recapture the hardcore punk essence the group was first known for. While there may be growing hostility between the two, at least it’s been cause for the first new music Black Flag’s released in more than 20 years.

The group bearing the same name as the original band, consisting of original members Ron Reyes on vocals and Greg Ginn on guitar/theramin, My War bassist Dale Nixon on bass, and Gregory Moore on drums, will be releasing a 22-song LP this summer, and will then begin heavy touring of Europe and North America. Today they announced a free download of “Down in the Dirt,” the first of their upcoming album’s leaked tracks.

Meanwhile, former members guitarist Dez Cadena, bassist Chuck Dukowski, singer Keith Morris and drummer Bill Stevenson tour as Flag, and are yet to announce any pending recording sessions.

With today’s release, Black Flag took a publicized cut at Flag, stating:

***note: not to be confused with the ‘fake’ Flag band currently covering the songs of BLACK FLAG in an embarrassingly weak “mailing it in” fashion*** We urge you to check out the real BLACK FLAG when they hit your area.

Such bickering will hopefully not tarnish the history the ’70s and ’80s version of Black Flag made with their group, particularly after iconic Henry Rollins joined them during their early years. Touted by certain critics as the best of ’80s California punk, Black Flag remain celebrated for their match up of very emotional lyrics with an overtly physical presence, especially in their brazen stage performances.