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“Many moons ago…” says bassist Chris #2, with regards to the formation of the political punk band, Anti-Flag, in 1993.

The band, out of Pittsburgh, PA, blew up when they hit the scene.  Anti-Flag was created because of a love for political punk bands, and have been influenced by bands such as The Clash and the Dead Kennedys.  After band changes and the addition of #2 in 1998, Anti-Flag has now hit one of the most controversial points of their careers. They have signed with RCA records and have released their latest CD, For Blood and Empire, off of that label.

Some call it blasphemous and hypocritical. Some say they’re turncoats. But critics need to hold their tongues, because For Blood and Empire is quite possibly Anti-Flag’s best CD yet.  #2 says he hopes that people are comfortable with the choices the band makes.  Although they are signed to one of the biggest record labels in the world, the band still has control over what they do.   They’re still allowed to decide what their t-shirts look like, what their songs sound like, and who they record with.  In addition, A-F records is in charge of all the independent publicity for this record.

As a whole, the band is very excited about their sign with RCA.  Although many of their fans have given them flack, they are not necessarily worried about losing fans. “I feel like the record will speak to people with curiosity,” notes #2.

And that is just what this album does.  Anti-Flag is still the band they always were, and For Blood and Empire sends fans the same political messages.  In their CD pamphlet, there are album lyrics, facts, and even a letter from a Rwandan survivor of a genocide.  Following the lyrics to the track “Depleted Uranium is a War Crime” is information on what depleted uranium actually is and information on an Act that calls the government to do in-depth studies on the effects of DU.

Also included are a list of reasons why they believe George W. Bush should be impeached and lyrics which address the public by saying, “Don’t take our word for it, do some research and find out for yourself!  Once you’ve learned the truth, get pissed and do something positive with your anger!”

They speak out on topics from Bush’s neglect on domestic public welfare to his ordering the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on Americans without seeking the right permission. But Anti-Flag wants their audience to be properly informed on political issues not just in our country, but in the world.

They confront the issue of genocide with their song “Exodus.”  As stated earlier, an essay from a genocide survivor, Stephanie Nyombayire, is included. In her essay, she recalls the terror and tragedy that the genocide brought to her life.  She is now the outreach director for the Genocide Intervention Network which is trying to stop the Genocide in Darfur.

Another interesting track on the CD is “The Press Corpse.”  Following these lyrics, there is a dedication to the “mainstream corporate media.”  But isn’t RCA part of the mainstream corporate media?  They’re owned by SONY BMG, and their artists are known all over the world.  #2 explains, saying, “We’re really targeting media like the New York Times.”

In their pamphlet, they say the Times “failed miserably in their role as The People’s watchdog of the powerful, and instead acted as a stenographer for the White House in the lead up to the invasion of Iraq.  Anti-Flag applauds Democracy Now! for giving the public the correct information of the Iraq war.”

As a whole, this CD may be their best yet.  It provides the audience with solid lyrics on political issues that need to be addressed.  Even with their recent sign to RCA, one of the biggest labels in the music industry, the band is still sending out positive political messages and trying to get younger people involved in what’s going on in the world. Anti-Flag is still the band they always were.