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Anti-Flag's humble beginnings were centered on relatively shallow musical themes and a juvenile lyrical approach. While the band's blunt approach resulted in some less-than-eloquent material (agree or disagree with the message, "You've gotta die, gotta die, gotta die for your government, die for your country that's shit!" isn't going to convert the opposition), Anti-Flag has always been a standout facet of contemporary punk rock. But with each successive album, the four band members have proven to be more educated and stronger song writers, and their music has reached more ears.
Like fine cheese or wine (or something), Anti-Flag gets better with age.
Much in line with the band's past, Anti-Flag has progressed, but not abandoned their politically, socially and economically themed ideals or their dedicated fan base. For Blood And Empire has the spiteful and angry sort of sound that conjures up thoughts of grungy, sweaty punk rock shows. This time, though, Anti-Flag has markedly improved on their song-writing abilities and, as a result, these 13 tracks are entirely memorable. Even though the lyrics are often scathing, bitter or depressing, the driving, lively music is fucking catchy. I find myself humming, singing along and tapping my fingers to "One Trillion Dollars" and "The Press Corpse" all the time.
For Blood And Empire is a thoughtfully paced album; Anti-Flag employs a sizable variety of tempos and, in doing so, injects enough variety to keep listeners attuned for the record's duration. While there are several mid-tempo songs -- "The Press Corpse," "One Trillion Dollars," "This Is The End (For You My Friend)" -- the focus is on the ripping, upbeat tempos, searing guitar leads and distinct, prominent bass parts. No matter the speed or the number of big vocal melodies, Anti-Flag's stuff sounds as urgent and important as ever.
Continuously honing their lyrical approach and getting much more specific, Anti-Flag gets their point across without cheesy language and broad generalizations. "One Trillion Dollars" sticks out as part funny and part serious. Justin Sane oddly sings that "One trillion dollars can buy a lot of bling," but he's referring to the United States' role in supplying 50 percent of the world's weapons. "I'd Tell You But..." touchingly sees Sane assume the perspective of an innocent, dead Iraqi, while the band freely explores other social ills, such as the problems that stem from corporate media and the deadly, but often ignored effects of depleted uranium as a weapon.
I hesitated to even give For Blood And Empire an initial chance, but Anti-Flag's improvement is wholly impressive and I once again (it's been a while) consider myself one of the band's fans. With media attention, major label support, and a well-written, smart and memorable new album, Anti-Flag has a massive opportunity to affect a wide variety of people. Let's hope they do.
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