Review: Dan Maynard
Rise Against return with their long-awaited 10th studio album Ricochet in just a few weeks. The band that helped shape and redefine punk rock in the early 2000s have spent years crafting a sound that’s become unmistakably Rise Against. But Ricochet flips the script. It is a pivotal moment in the band’s career, a record that sees them step outside their comfort zone, exploring new sonic terrain while still holding true to the fire that has always driven them. It is bold, fearless, and nothing short of incredible.
Opening track Nod breaks tradition for Rise Against. No slow build or atmospheric intro, just straight into the fray with full-band energy that hits like a punch to the gut. It is raw, it is powerful, and it is Rise Against at their most distilled. Following closely is I Want It All, the first single from Ricochet. This track is the perfect bridge between the old and new, a signal of what is to come and a taste of how far the band is willing to push their sound.
Black Crown is, hands down, the standout moment on the album. It is everything you could want and more. Featuring guest vocals from Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull, the track is a masterclass in collaboration. The interplay between Tim McIlrath’s raw, impassioned delivery and Hull’s unmistakable tone creates a powerful, emotional fusion. It is one of the most compelling pairings we have heard in years. A beautiful reflection of both bands’ worlds, Black Crown is lyrically moving and musically intense. It is an absolute ripper.
At the halfway mark, we dive into Sink Like a Stone, which channels that gritty, old-school Rise Against energy. Forty Days takes a more contemporary turn, layering in the band’s recent sonic evolution. Gold Long Gone strips things back as the acoustic centerpiece of the album, offering a moment of calm introspection before we are launched into closer Prizefighter. The finale is a dynamic blend of old and new, a driving anthem with an uplifting chorus that brings Ricochet to a climactic and satisfying close.
As Rise Against approach their 30th year as a band, Ricochet stands as a bold statement. They are far from finished. This album is not a swan song, it is a new chapter. And without exaggeration, Ricochet might just be one of the finest records they have ever put out. This is not just praise for the sake of it. It is earned. Ricochet deserves to be recognised among Rise Against’s very best..
RICHOCHET – OUT NOW
https://ffm.to/ricochetalbum
