One might be excused for not knowing Bad Religion's "Generator" record turns 30 today. The world was in a tense place in 1992, and so far 2022 is proving that history repeats itself.

The band's 6th studio album marked a few of firsts for the group;

• They filmed their first video (for "Atomic Garden")

• It was the 1st time the band played together in the studio while recording.

• This was the first record featuring drummer Bobby Schayer,

Arguably the high point of the record, "Atomic Garden" reads like it could've been written last week. A harrowing spin through an era may of us thought we'd left behind, it speaks of the tension and geopolitical conflict of the Cold War.

All my scientists are working on a deadline,
so my psychologist is working day and nighttime,
they say they know what's best for me,
but they don't know what they're doing,

The record came mid-career for Bad religion, and as a result is often overlooked and underrated. It was generally well-received, but even positive reviews tended to be lukewarm.

All Music:

Generator demonstrates an improved sense of melody from Greg Graffin, which doesn't mean Bad Religion have abandoned their blistering hardcore inclinations. Instead, the band has managed to incorporate melody within the framework, adding an increased depth to their already provocative songs.

That's it. That's the entire review. And while their points are fair, the anodyne recap doesn't do the record justice. From my point of view, the only negative is that it's too short. It was ahead of it's time in 1992, and is just as timely today.