Into the Unknown (Bad Religion album)

Into the Unknown is the second studio album by American punk rock band Bad Religion, released in 1983. It marks a significant and controversial departure from the band's earlier hardcore punk sound, embracing a slower tempo, progressive rock elements, and keyboards.

The album was met with considerable backlash from the band's fanbase, who were largely unreceptive to the stylistic shift. Many considered it a betrayal of Bad Religion's punk roots. The inclusion of synthesizers and more complex song structures alienated many listeners accustomed to the band's fast, aggressive sound and socially conscious lyrics.

Musically, Into the Unknown incorporates elements of progressive rock, featuring longer songs, more elaborate arrangements, and a heavier reliance on keyboards. Greg Graffin's vocal delivery also differs from earlier works, adopting a more melodic and less aggressive style. Lyrically, the album explores themes of personal struggle and philosophical questioning, but the shift in musical style overshadowed the lyrical content for many fans.

Following the negative reception, Into the Unknown was largely disowned by Bad Religion. It remained out of print for many years and was rarely discussed in band interviews. It represents a low point in the band's history, but also serves as an example of their willingness to experiment, albeit unsuccessfully, with different musical styles. Despite its initial failure, the album has gained a cult following in some circles over the years, appreciated for its unconventional approach and unique sound within Bad Religion's discography.

The album's failure led to a temporary hiatus for the band. After a few years apart, Bad Religion reformed and returned to a more hardcore punk sound with their subsequent releases, effectively erasing Into the Unknown from their official narrative for many years.