Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 12, 2026

The Terror State

The Terror State is the fifth studio album by Pittsburgh punk rock band Anti-Flag, released on October 21, 2003, on Fat Wreck Chords. The album's artwork was regarded as somewhat controversial, and the band was forced to create an alternate version for sale in some larger chain stores, such as Wal-Mart.

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Jul 12, 2026
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The Terror State
Studio album by
Anti-Flag
ReleasedOctober 21, 2003
Genre
Length36:48
LabelFat Wreck Chords
ProducerTom Morello, Nick DiDia
Anti-Flag chronology
BYO Split Series, Vol. 4
(2002) 		The Terror State
(2003) 		Death of a Nation
(2004)
Singles from The Terror State
  1. "Turncoat"
    Released: 2003
  2. "Death of a Nation"
    Released: 2004
  3. "Post-War Breakout"
    Released: 2004
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar3
Punknews.orgStarStarStarStarHalf star4

The Terror State is the fifth studio album by Pittsburgh punk rock band Anti-Flag, released on October 21, 2003, on Fat Wreck Chords. The album's artwork was regarded as somewhat controversial (picturing lead vocalist Justin Sane's niece, Rachel, amongst rubble and holding an automatic handgun), and the band was forced to create an alternate version (which was simply all black with the Terror State logo centered) for sale in some larger chain stores, such as Wal-Mart.5

On the inside of the cardboard sleeve surrounding the CD case there is a stencil print of GW Bush with text stating "one term President".

Produced by Tom Morello, The Terror State was hailed as Anti-Flag's most polished album to date. The album made #1 on KTUH's charts on the week of January 19, 2004.6 As of April 3, 2008, the album had sold 106,000 copies.7

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."Turncoat"2:10
2."Rank-n-File"3:46
3."Post-War Breakout" (Woody Guthrie)3:11
4."Sold as Freedom"2:16
5."Power to the Peaceful"2:57
6."Mind the G.A.T.T."3:14
7."You Can Kill the Protester, But You Can't Kill the Protest"2:33
8."When You Don't Control Your Government People Want to Kill You"2:47
9."Wake Up!"2:35
10."Tearing Down the Borders"3:07
11."Death of a Nation"1:55
12."Operation Iraqi Liberation"2:21
13."One People, One Struggle"3:01
14."Fuck the Flag" (bonus track (Only available on the LP or the first 15,000 pressings of the CD))0:52

Personnel

  • Justin Sane - guitar, lead vocals on tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14
  • Chris Head - guitar, backing vocals
  • Chris #2 - bass guitar, lead vocals on tracks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14
  • Pat Thetic - drums

Charts

Chart (2003) Peak
position
US Billboard 2008 91
References

References

  1. McElhiney, Brian (January 30, 2010). "Punk & Politics: Anti-Flag remains angry band, but uses music to unite fans". Daily Gazette. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  2. Chesler, Josh (June 8, 2015). "10 Best Political Punk Albums". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  3. Allmusic review
  4. Punknews.org review
  5. {Sounds Like A Revolution Documentary}
  6. [1] Archived October 31, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  7. "Anti-Flag: Frequently Asked Questions". Post-gazette.com. April 3, 2008. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
  8. "Anti-Flag Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 5, 2021.