On this day, January 19, 1982, punk rock legends Bad Religion released their debut album, Could Hell Be Any Worse?. Self-financed by the band, this raw and energetic record was a defining moment in the Southern California punk scene.
With tracks like Fuck Armageddon… This Is Hell and We’re Only Gonna Die, the album showcased Bad Religion’s politically charged lyrics and fast-paced sound, establishing their reputation as one of punk’s most influential bands. The album was recorded for just $1,000 and released on Epitaph Records, which was co-founded by guitarist Brett Gurewitz.
Fun Fact: Could Hell Be Any Worse? sold 10,000 copies in its initial pressing—a significant achievement for an independent punk album in the early 80s.
Trivia Question: What is the name of Bad Religion’s 1988 album that became a cornerstone of melodic punk and included the hit Suffer?