There was a time when punk was dirty and loud, when it had an edge that would make anyone over 40 shiver with irritation and rage with a meaningful passion. Though the pristine punk on MTV today may have lost that quality, Bad Religion has certainly not forgotten it, with its latest CD, The Process of Belief, serving as an homage to the grit and grime.
The entire album shifts from quick hits to slowed rock, while still functioning as that proverbial fist in the air to society. As the CD opens, listeners will be thrown back a few feet by the explosion that is the opening track, "Supersonic."
This song sets the pace for the first half of the album — quick guitar and thunderous drums coupled with Greg Graffin's calm yet structured vocals. Where wayward modern punk bands would become easily untangled at such a fast pace, Bad Religion shows its experience by keeping tight and delivering a quality sound.
Though the first three tracks lack little distinction, the album slowly changes form to more of a driving rock sound. "Sorrow" slows down almost to a point that would catch listeners off guard or make them uneasy. All becomes familiar, though, when the triumphant power-chord chorus enters.
"Epiphany" continues this walking pace, oscillating between a soft verse and crescendos into a powerful anthem. Though the harmonies in the refrain tend to be overdone — appearing on nearly ever track — the entire band comes together on this song to deliver a strength that makes the song that much more powerful. The guitar work of Brett Gurewitz, Brian Baker and Greg Hetson provide an example of every type of sound Bad Religion is capable of: loud, raucous, controlled, commanding, soft and stinging.
The Process of Belief simplifies music — it comes in, makes its point and leaves gracefully. In a just world, Bad Religion would be teaching Punk Rock 101 to all of today's pop-punk bands enchanted by fame and corrupted by mediocrity. But for now, the band will just continue to make poignant punk rock.
— Reviewed by Dante DelVecchio
