The very fact that I’m reviewing this disc reflects on my sentiment that “dreams do come true with Epitaph Records.” Along with many of BAD RELIGION’s other die-hard fans, I knew that the only way this band would reclaim the melodic hardcore sound that they pretty much created would be with the reunification of songwriting duties between Mr. Graffin and Mr. Gurewitz. I can’t say that I honestly felt such a thing would ever happen, but I never lost hope, and thankfully, that was the case with those in the band as well. In a stunning showing of what nearly two decades of experience amounts to, and with the new found urgency of a band looking to put out their first release reborn, “The Process of Belief” is an incredible record, and no doubt, the missing link in this band’s storied history. A friend of mine first introduced to me this band with a tape that had “Suffer,” “No Control” and “Against the Grain,” all placed back to back. Many times, I find myself arguing that those three albums constitute the finest 90 minutes of punk rock ever unleashed. “Generator,” the disc that appeared afterward (and is often forgotten), represented a landmark change with the band heading for a more melodic, mid-paced feel, checking some of their socially conscious lyrics for more personal challenges. “The Process of Belief,” in my opinion, fits in perfectly between “Against the Grain” and “Generator.” Songs like “Can’t Stop It,” “Prove It,” “Materialist,” and “The Lie,” all evoke the spirit and fury from their earliest works – songs crashing and burning around the one minute mark, yet still containing harmonic vocals, pointed lyrical targets, and a viscious guitar attack (three guitars in this case!). “Materialist,” a song that passionately yields to the occasional act of indulgence, emits a sense of spirit from the “No Control” days reminding me a bit of the great tune, “Big Bang.” The fourth track, “Broken,” engages the listener by causing stylistic whiplash. After the first three tunes whirl ahead at warped speed, BAD RELIGION come back with a mid-paced rocker that has one of the most infectious choruses I’ve ever heard. This song is so radio friendly (but in a good way) it’s scary. With lyrics that hint at a wounded, but not altogether lost friendship, this type of autobiographical work makes this disc all the more special. In similar fashion, “Evageline,” and “Sorrow,” (which fits the sound of songs on “Stranger than Fiction” to a tee) work overtime with huge choruses and double strong “ooohs and ahhhhhs.” These guys don’t let their more blatant political side slip away either, as “Kyoto Now!” clearly repremands US policy towards environmental responsibility, and its unilateral exiting from the Kyoto Treaty, which nearly every other modern nation has signed. I’m thrilled to see that BAD RELIGION has gained a good bit of its bite back, and in some cases, maybe a little extra bite to boot. Finally, I’m truly amazed on how well fitting the sound quality is on this disc. With BAD RELIGION hopping from underproduced (“No Substance”) to overproduced (“The New America”) on their last two outings, “The Process of Belief” is a wonderful amalgamation of that old-school punk rock feeling with fluid, guitar heavy production. Thankfully, there’s not a trace of major label “gloss” to be found, but nothing appears to be neglected either. The backing harmonies sound better than ever before. Brooks Wackerman is a terrific drummer, and his first outing with the band is full of high energy fills and all sorts of neat things that were lacking in this band’s previous three or so albums. I’d truly consider this album to be a part of “Punk Rock History,” as it allows BAD RELIGION to come full circle in their musical career – back on Epitaph where it all started, and with an album finally worthy of being mentioned along with their classics. No album has brought me as much joy as this one in all my years involved with this music, and I can only profess the strongest feelings of encouragement towards directing you to purchase this album and cherishing it as well.

Epitaph

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