Anti-Flag "For Blood And Empire" (RCA)

It's amazing how long Anti-Flag have been around doing their thing. It's also amazing that the band hasn't really progressed too much throughout their career either. This is the Anti-Flag's seventh album and first since they jumped to the big leagues of RCA. For Blood And Empire sees the band continuing to play their brand of melodic pop-punk with political based lyrics. The band does it well and should definitely be commended for that as well as shedding some light on some real political issues. I'm guessing that is why the band has justified their move to RCA. They want as many people to get their message as possible. The sad thing is that Anti-Flag's politics will certainly be over the head of most of your average teen listeners. I certainly can't imagine many teens taking the time to read the extensive and informative liner notes offered up by the band in the album booklet. However, I give the band credit for trying. For Blood And Empire is definitley the band's slickest and most poppy record yet. Lyrically, the band touches on some important issues. While it certainly won't change the world, For Blood And Empire is still a solid record with substance from a band that's been doing it for ten years now.

RIYL: Rise Against, Rancid, NOFX

Listen: www.myspace.com/antiflag