Bad Religion: New Maps Of Hell

Bad Religion
New Maps Of Hell
Epitaph Records [2007]









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Album Review:
There is something very energizing about the thought of spinning Bad Religion’s fourteenth album New Maps Of Hell. They are one of the godfathers of punk rock and by comparison not many can match their longevity of over 20 years. The most important thing to note about Bad Religion is that they are just as relevant today as they were then and New Maps Of Hell does not alter their views on political, social, or economical issues. New Maps is chalked full of two and three minute power tracks that never let you catch your breath and like the one minute opener “52 Seconds” they show you immediately why they top the punk rock food chain. You might think by now the punks from Southern California might have lost their edge but what you still get and come to expect on New Maps Of Hell is the ever witty songwriting of Greg Graffin and Brett Gurewitz, solid tight musicianship and the steady powerful voice of Graffin. After sixteen songs and a blistering time of 38 minutes, Bad Religion is still as pissed as they ever have been at the surrounding world. This only gets translated to another strong outing and I actually might be afraid when Bad Religion releases an album because they are just happy. So nobody save the world alright!

Key Tracks: "52 Seconds", "New Dark Ages", "Prodigal Son"

Bands With Similar Fire:
NOFX
Rancid
All

Official Bad Religion Website
Bad Religion MySpace
Bad Religion Info [Allmusic]
Epitaph Records

Greg Graffin: Cold As The Clay [Fire Note Review 7/14/06]

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony