Category: | Review - Internet | Publish date: | 7/1/2004 |
Source: | synthesis.net | ||
Synopsis: |
The Empire Strikes First
by Ryan Prado
synthesis.net, July 2004
To some, Bad Religion has basically been releasing the same album for more than 20 years, smearing the fact that they have dominated a rapidly repugnant genre for every one of those years. At once combating the conventions they helped start and supporting punk’s new niches, this group has solidified themselves as the de facto punk rock band of our generation.
The group’s staunch opposition of our current governing administration is showcased by vocalist Greg Graffin’s patented rhetoric and indomitable emotional rage on The Empire Strikes First. With Brooks Wackerman occupying the drum kit yet again, not to mention the reemergence of Mr. Brett on guitar, the group has reached its peak both lyrically and musically. “Boot Stamping On A Human Face Forever” is a clever homage to the prediction of George Orwell when asked of his thoughts on America’s future, and is also a clear reminder of how intense and burning a punk rock song can be if you don’t sing about girls all the time. Though Bad Religion’s bleak prophecies for the prospects of the US (see “Los Angeles Is Burning”) stand out as the archetypal blueprint for every political punk rock band in history, it is, as it has always been, their smart songwriting that has served as the vehicle for their radical musings. And though you may need a dictionary at times to ascertain Graffin’s doctoral lyrics, we wouldn’t have it any other way.