The Empire Strikes First

The Empire Strikes First is Bad Religion's thirteenth studio album and serves as a definitive statement of their 21st-century sound. Released during the height of the Iraq War and the Bush administration, the album is heavily flavored by the geopolitical climate of its time, specifically critiquing American imperialism and religious dogma. Sonically, it continues the return-to-form started by its predecessor, Process of Belief, benefiting from the return of founding guitarist and songwriter Brett Gurewitz. The album is notable for its high production values and experimental flourishes, including the use of a goth choir on 'Sinister Rouge' and a guest rap verse from Sage Francis on 'Let Them Eat War.' Critics from AllMusic and other outlets praised the album for its consistency and the band's ability to maintain their signature speed and melody while evolving their lyrical complexity. It remains one of their most commercially successful and critically respected later-career efforts.