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RISE AGAINST
‘Ricochet’
Album Review

(4th September 2025)

Review by Amy Smith

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Photo – Mynxii White

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Politically charged Chicago Rockers Rise Against are back! In true Punk Rock fashion, their 10th studio album Ricochet seems to be attracting strong opinions. Love it or hate it, there is no in between.

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The grumbles had already started prior to its official release on August 15, with three singles  Nod, Prizefighter and I Want it All,  already out in the wild. These tracks indicated a more commercial sound and loss of their  grittier edge.

This can be largely attributed to a change in production team- whose mark is glaringly obvious and may be jarring for some long term listeners.  Yes, Rise Against have brought in some big guns (Catherine Marks  and Alan Moulder) that help give this record are more a polished sound, but is that really such a bad thing? Absolutely not!

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In fact, making the music more accessible is a smart move. Rise Against have always been a politically charged band with a mission to educate. Being able to reach more listeners is a good thing!

Especially with the message that they are trying to convey with Ricochet. Across its 12 tracks, it describes the impact  of political discontent, social disconnection and emotional burn-out. In a political climate that feeds on division, community is the remedy. Threading these ideas together, it urges the listener, not to fight blindly, but to consider why the fight matters in the first place. Every action (or lack of) has a reaction. Apathy can spiral into injustice and silence becomes complicity/complaincy.

Ricochet seems to be more about reflection than raging. It’s not the aggressive, in your face fury that is present on albums like Siren Song of the Counter Culture and The Sufferer & The Witness. It’s a more subtle, almost tired anger. This is especially apparent in songs like Nod and Black Crown. Not everything has to be in your face. There is beauty in space. It’s a balancing act between fury and fragility.

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With Tim McIlrath’s voice as a delivery system for these ideas, it’s visceral. The exhausted exasperation of  Nod. The fiery fury of  Prizefighter. The empathetic warmth of Sink Like  a Stone. On Black Crown, Tim’s voice works with Andy Hull’s  (Manchester Orchestra) to create a  haunting juxtaposition. One voice wounded, the other one raging. It makes you want to cry and punch something at the same time!

While the overall sound sometimes deviates away from what you would typically expect from Rise Against, there are elements that are still very much Rise Against. Stadium ready moments that you just know are going to be massive in a live, community setting. The battle-cry, call and response “Woah Oh’s” of State of Emergency. The “Raise your fist in the air” driving beats of I Want it All. You just know Tim will be spitting through a megaphone at the end of Forty Days.

Rise Against have never set out to be an experimental band. They know their strengths and use them to their advantage. In their mission to mission to give this album its own unique, sonic vibe, they sought out a new production team, resulting in a slight deviation from the established punk sound. While not everyone may vibe with it, especially long time listeners who may prefer the bands grittier edge, Ricochet still boasts the lyrical depth and contemporary themes that Rise Against are known and loved for.

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Yes,  Ricochet may lean towards a more ‘stadium rock’ sound, but Rise Against’s ethos has always remained consistent. Never being one to shy away from politically volatile topics, they have remained an authentic voice. Even through this cancel culture era. What’s more punk than that?

Rise Against are experts at making records that move – whether that be bodies, hearts or minds.

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While Ricochet may be packaged and delivered in a different way, perhaps one that not everyone with resonate with, Hopefully this approach will reach new listeners, and find more people who share the same world view. Maybe it will give them the courage to speak up for their beliefs that little bit more.

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Photo – Mynxii White

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Follow RISE AGAINST
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter
Spotify – Apple Music – Youtube – Tiktok

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AMNPLIFY – DB