Bad Religion Aren't in Wheelchairs Just Yet
| Published 09/24/04

Graphic by: Tim Tuley

While many Bad Religion fans claim that the groupís glory days were over after jumping from the independent force of Epitaph Records to the "big leagues" with major label Atlantic in 1993. After a series of mediocrity, sans co-founding Brett Gurewitz (who held a key role in the bandís success and head of Epitaph Records),the band found redemption in 2002 with their original label and released "The Process of Belief," rousing the nonbelievers and garnering a new, younger fan base.

As expected, "Overture" opens the record with a side unexpected of Bad Religion, but after a minute or so of anticipation, "Sinister Rouge" kicks into the familiar harmonious gang vocals that make this band so distinct. Greg Graffinís penchant for catchy yet confrontational vocals is still a constant in the groupís formula, and his lyrics still leave many listeners reaching for a dictionary.

The United States' current standing in world politics is always a feed for the punk rock community, and Graffin is still shining in that game, as heard on "Atheist Peace"---"Tell me what weíre fighting for, no progress ever came from war-only a false sense of increase".

"All There Is" touches on hopelessness and is followed by the recordís catchiest track, "Los Angeles is Burning". The current single asks, "How could hell be any worse?" a reference to the band's first official record, as well as a statement of Graffinís obvious distaste for humanity's present condition. Rapper Sage Francis makes an appearance on "Let Them Eat War", and the band questionís religion once again on "God's Love".

"To Another Abyss" comes in at a slower, more laid-back pace but the vocal hooks and chorus are some of the album's strongest. "The Quickening" is probably the album's weakest track, aside from the spectacular guitar work. Then again, maybe the title track could lay claim to that. While not necessarily bad, the layout of the songs doesn't work to the advantage of those two songs.

Just when you think the record is winding down, "Beyond Electric Dreams" is a welcome sign of liveliness, oddly placed, but nonetheless a quality cut. The Orwell-influenced "Boot Stamping on a Face Forever" is another glance at the band's more relaxed side, and "Live Again (The Fall of Man)" is a suitable close, with what comes across as country inspired choruses soaked with optimism.

Though Bad Religion may be losing their hair and bone density by the day, they've once again proven that they're at the top of punk rock's intellectuals and have managed to become insanely successful without compromising their politics, ethics or beliefs.

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