Rise Against
Endgame
DGC / Interscope
March 15th

By Marisa Volo

If there’s anything you should know about Rise Against before listening to their newest album, Endgame, it’s that they are reaching the level of, if not topping, prominent American punk rock bands of music history. If you need proof, give some tracks on Endgame a listen and you’ll understand exactly what it is that puts Rise Against on such a high pedestal.

Rise Against’s new album is a compilation of politically charged and angry songs. It is a 12-track album full of calling for change in the American government in the way of frontman Tim McIlrath pounding into your ears the issues that plague our country today, touching on everything from the Hurricane Katrina devastation to the lack of concern for the future of America.

Not sure exactly what social issues McIlrath is talking about? Don’t worry, he’s got a number of issue-specific songs on Endgame to help you wrap your head around the situation. The most ear-perking and deepest of them is “Make it Stop (September’s Children).” This song is in reference to the suicides of homosexuals in September 2010 and exhibits Rise Against’s ability to fight against intolerance through music and touching lyrics.

Endgame cleverly enables 12 tracks to discuss the same general topic, but makes each song as invigorating. Rise Against incorporates clips from the film Catch-22 in “Survivor Guilt” that resonate in your head, while songs like “Satellite” feature awesome lyrics that portray the band’s disdain for the nation like “We are orphans of the American dream.” While some songs have the ability to drag on (some lasting up to four minutes), you are still never disappointed.

If awesome albums like Endgame don’t get this generation’s blood pumping over change, I don’t know what will. If you like bands like Ignite, Strike Anywhere or Bad Religion, you will especially appreciate Rise Against’s newest album.