Bad Religion Biography

Bad Religion is an American punk rock band formed in 1979. They are one of the bands which brought punk into the mainstream world, therefore are one of the best-selling bands of their genre. Bad Religion has released a total of 16 albums, Stranger than Fiction (1994) being their most popular. They are currently working on another album, due for 2017.

Early Years

The band was formed in the suburbs of LA, California. The guitarist, Gurewitz created his own record company, Epitaph. Consequently, Bad Religion released its debut album, How Could Hell Be Any Worse? in 1982, which brought them exposure in the hardcore music scene. The band’s compositions became more complex starting with Into the Unknown (1983). That direction proved quite controversial in their community, therefore the follow-up EP Back to the Known‘s sound was heavier.

Breakthrough & Success

After a period of hiatus, the group returned with the 1988 album Suffer. However, it was 1993 when the group finally made a breakthrough, with Recipe for Hate. The album debuted at number 14 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. It spawned 2 major hits, American Jesus and Struck a Nerve. Furthermore, the band released their highest-selling album to date, just one year later. Stranger Than Fiction generated the popular singles Inflicted and 21st Century, both broadcasted by MTV. After few mildly successful albums, in 2001, the band released

After few mildly successful albums, in 2001, the band released The Process of Belief. The record was highly acclaimed, along with its lead single Sorrow. Additionally, The Empire Strikes First (2004) and New Maps of Hell (2007) came out as strong and straightforward statements against America’s politics and the global crisis.

Photo source: Discogs