Rise Against - Ricochet

Rise Against return with 'Ricochet', a record that sharpens their message and broadens their sound, balancing urgency with reflection.

It begins with intent. 'Nod' sets the tone, all conviction and momentum, with Tim McIlrath declaring, “I swear to God this can’t wait / Not one more minute, one more day”. It’s a call to action delivered with clenched fists and clear purpose. 'I Want It All' follows, taut and tense before bursting into one of the band’s most anthemic choruses in years.

From there, the tempo softens. Tracks like 'Damage Is Done', 'Us Against The World' and 'Black Crown' trade fury for introspection. There's heart in the quieter moments, the album’s middle section leaning more towards contemplation than confrontation.

The final stretch brings things back into sharp focus. 'Soldier' is a standout: widescreen, emotional and built to be shouted back. 'Prizefighter' closes the record with grit and defiance. “I don’t belong to you, or anyone else,” McIlrath insists, drawing a sharp line in the sand.

Catherine Marks’ production gives 'Ricochet' a widescreen feel without losing the band’s edge, while Alan Moulder’s mix keeps things punchy and direct. The message remains pointed, taking aim at division and complacency engineered by modern life. 'State of Emergency' and the title-track push back at that noise, asking where our outrage leads, and who it really serves.

'Ricochet' doesn’t rework the formula, but it doesn’t need to. Rise Against still sound urgent, defiant and fully engaged: a band with purpose, not just volume. It's another charged, clear-eyed addition to a catalogue built on resistance and resolve.