The Empire Strikes First
by Bad Religion
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Jun 8, 2004
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Village Voice
    30
    A bore of an album.

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Most Discussed Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. Andremax
    Jul 13, 2018
    5
    Regular to bad album. As usual, Bad Religion plays very well for a punk rock band and it became evident with the well clear production,Regular to bad album. As usual, Bad Religion plays very well for a punk rock band and it became evident with the well clear production, although the musics structures are commons and nothing more. Bad Religions lyrics are intelligent, but here its looks pedant and even anti-accessible. Tiring and boring.… Full Review »
  2. Mezmer
    Oct 28, 2016
    9
    This is in my top three Bad Religion albums of all time. Sure, they did milk the whole, "George Bush sucks" cash cow, but who cares? ItThis is in my top three Bad Religion albums of all time. Sure, they did milk the whole, "George Bush sucks" cash cow, but who cares? It resulted in some very provocative and interesting lyrics, surely to capture the listener. Songs like, "Sinister Rouge", "Beyond Electric Dreams, "The Empire Strikes First", and "Social Suicide" show the band's tenacity, that they still have. The opener blasts you with double bass and Wackerman's superb drumming. The production quality is incredible, and everything about this album is great to me. I would've liked to hear some more slower songs, as they did very well with, "To Another Abyss", but I'm fine with that. One song that might be a little weak is, "The Quickening", but, its chorus saves it from flopping. Anyway, if you're a true Bad Religion fan, there's no excuse as to why you can't listen to this awesome album!… Full Review »
  3. SteveH
    Feb 3, 2010
    6
    This is a solid album that does exactly what Bad Religion are supposed to do. It's melodic, it's angry, it gets to the point. Fans This is a solid album that does exactly what Bad Religion are supposed to do. It's melodic, it's angry, it gets to the point. Fans won't be disappointed.… Full Review »
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