Epitaph – Release Date: 9/28/10

Not only did Bad Religion turn 30 this year, they also released their 15th studio album, entitled The Dissent of Man. Easily their best effort since The Process of Belief, this record blends varying genres, bristles with pointed lyrics and radiates a glossy production job. The band wastes little time getting warmed up, as the second track, “Only Rain”, showcases virtually all of their finest attributes. It opens with an intricate guitar lead, flaunts intelligent words, delivers powerhouse drumming and of course incorporates three-part vocal harmonies. The song sounds like classic Bad Religion, but still manages to seem inspired after all these years. Track three, “The Resist Stance”, retains somewhat of a ‘90s alternative vibe and sounds as though it could have plausibly been included on Stranger than Fiction. It’s built around a hypnotic and memorable guitar solo that translates even better in concert. “The Devil in Stitches” is the first single and by far the band’s catchiest song since “Los Angeles is Burning”. Its driving rhythm and sunny chorus are custom-built for commercial rock radio and why it wasn’t a huge smash is plainly unexplainable. “Pride and the Pallor”, “Wrong Way Kids” and “Someone to Believe” are additional melodic entries that are worthy of praise. The residual songs favor more classic rock and folk-like influences, and aren’t as striking as the abovementioned tunes. The Dissent of Man isn’t going to convert many new Bad Religion fans, but it’s significantly better than their last two albums. Those who’ve ever enjoyed the band in the past owe it to themselves to give this a spin.