Review Summary: Listening to Bad Religion is a good religion to have. This is a soundtrack as enlightening as heaven itself!
Listening to Bad Religion is a good religion to have. This band is one of the most influential punk bands to rise from their scene good enough to be considered holy. They need no introduction. I think I'm preaching to the choir, but they’ve put up solid LPs since 1982. Start listening to this record, and you will soon discover why. ‘The Empire Strikes First’ is an empire that strikes you, and shows no remorse, ending with a surprising impression, courtesy of the six instrumentalists and Epitaph records.
Clocking in at around 40 minutes, this albums longevity is manageable for those with small attention spans. The longest song here last exactly four minutes and eight seconds. Fast, energetic, and loud are the commandments of the album. These thirteen tracks (not including the first one) are played so well, you might think there is a god out there somewhere. This band, and punk music in general is a genre that is driven in simplicity. This turns out to work in their favor, resulting in music stamps pressed in your brain.
If you ever come across hearing this, expect some good elements melded in a form of compact disc. First off, track one is actually an instrumental, compromising of a slow buildup starring the drums, bass, and other small effects. After that, it's Bad Religion as we know it. Everyone contributing to the success of the album played their part well. From vocals to percussion, each branch nourished a healthy tree to grow flourished. The singer sings loud and clearly, the drums keep proper time without doing too much, the guitars provide the hooks, and bass is heard and backs up the others. But the alteration of the tempos is abnormal. There is no slowing down as the songs go by, constructing a somewhat repetitive direction.
This is up there with the group best acclaimed work in their discography. Crafting catchy music is an art in itself, and this is a band that understands this concept well. One must love the anthemic hits provided here. Another way to describe this album is an earthquake. It's short, but heavily shakes you up and swallows you whole like the Sarlacc pit. This album does have its fair share of flaws, but it's easily forgivable. If you're looking for something to check out, then your prayers have been answered. It’s time to turn the tide, and devote the force to an imperial record that is ‘The Empire Strikes First’. Your dark side will thank you for it, and it's a sin otherwise.
