We've got a new interview with Greg Graffin in German.

Read the interview in German (original)

For those who can't speak German, here's translation made by Kalle Bassklotz.

Q: Greg, you've finished recording the new record now - what can we expect?
A: Well, because of Brett's return, our last album was something like a new beginning and going back to former times. The new record continues where TPOB has left off and it will get the sound to a new level. Especially the guitars sound great. So everyone who likes guitars will like the new album.

Q: What about your lyrics?
A: This time, I've worked very hard on the lyrics because it was important to me not to sound vague or unclear at any point. In the past, our lyrics could have often been interpretated quite freely because of all the metaphors and allegories. This time, everything will be a bit clearer. But don't worry, those who didn't understand our other lyrics won't understand them this time either.

Q: The title "The Empire Strikes First" is also a very clear one. It is obvious that it's about the politics of the U.S. government.
A: Yes, that's right, you can hardly understand the title differently. But it's not only about George Bush. Only two songs on the album are
explicitely about american foreign policy, topics like religion and problems resulting from it will be part of the album too. The title is
about the discussion about what happens when a country just starts a war, even if the people don't want it. It has always been important to
us never to have a song or album title that could maybe be embarrassing for us in ten years, and I think "The Empire Strikes First" is such a
concept.

Q: Has there been a song that is embarrassing for you now?
A: Well, on our first album we've had the song "World War III". When we wrote it, I was 15 years old, so the song is actually not that bad. But in the lyrics, there's the line "Stop, look, and listen to what the president says. The first lady is a fucking less". Complete nonsense, but it was a good rhyme. I've never done something stupid like that again.

Q: The title of your new album reminds of the Star Wars movie "The Empire Strikes Back". Fans have designed possible album covers on the internet with you as Darth Vader and behind you Greg Hetson as Yoda. (Check this article. The cover was exclusivly shown on The BAD RELIGION Page and the artist behind the picture is Sebast Food)
A: Haha, really? Not a bad idea. I should keep that Darth Vader costume thing in mind, it wouldn't be a bad idea to wear that on stage.

Q: What do you think about the Star Wars movies?
A: I love them. When they were in the cinemas, I was a little boy and I could only be impressed about it. It's similar to the Lord of the Rings movies for today's teenagers. And I think that Empire Strikes Back is the best Star Wars movie.

Q: About the lyrics: Are those clearer statements a reaction to the world politics right now? Other bands like NOFX have made clear political statements for the first time after a long time.
A: Yes, NOFX have declared this year some kind of Anti-Bush year. That's actually good, but I am a bit sceptical, because you don't need to convince punk rock kids not to vote for Bush, because such people won't do that anyway. Of course it was also a reason for us, but it was important to us not to be misunderstood this year, we wanted to make clear statements on different topics.

Q: On your last record, you've worked with Brett again for the first time after years. That was a reason why your fans called that album the return to the old, better times. Your fans were happy, but not that happy when they noticed that Brett was not on tour with you.
A: Yes, I can understand that many fans were disappointed. But Brett does not only want to go on tour, he wants to produce bands and look after Epitaph. If Brett didn't invest this much time and effort into Epitaph, a band like Bad Religion would not have the necessary resources to go on a world tour.

Q: You'll be touring in Europe before your new album's release. Do you know who will be playing with you?
A: Yes, this time it will be Randy from Sweden.

Q: Before the release of your new album, many of your old albums will be reissued. Why? Your old records have never been out of print, have they?
A: That's true, but technology got better in the last years, today it's much easier to convert analog to digital. And because our albums are still selling well, we thought that it would be fair to let new buyers enjoy those new technologies too, and believe me, they really sound much warmer and better.


Thanks a lot Kalle for the translation!!!