ALBUM REVIEW – RISE AGAINST – ”RICOCHET.“

HARRY K
Aug 19
1 min read

RISE AGAINST

RICOCHET

Out Now

WORDS HARRY K

Chicago’s punk-political stalwarts return with Ricochet, their tenth studio album, recorded with fresh production by Catherine Marks and mixed by Alan Moulder. From the adrenaline-fueled opener “Nod” through the defiant swells of the title track and the stirring duet “Black Crown” (with Andy Hull), the album hits like a rallying cry with melody and purpose.

Across 12 tracks, Ricochet finds the band firing on all cylinders—balancing unflinching lyrical punch with strong melodic contours. Cuts like “Damage Is Done” reference the band’s roots in urgency and grit, while tracks like “Us Against the World” introduce emotional resonance that’s both personal and broad.

The album’s strengths lie in its emotional core and razor-sharp commentary. Standouts like “Sink Like a Stone” and “State of Emergency” offer high-impact soundscapes layered with commentary, reminding fans why Rise Against still matter. The production polish brings clarity without dulling the edge, while their political and personal urgency hums just under the surface.

In essence, Ricochet is not just another album—it’s a refined declaration of purpose, delivered with both melody and moral conviction. Rise Against proves that after two decades, their fire burns with relevance and resonance even though at times it feels like they tread too close to mainstream gloss, diminishing their edge just a little.

7/10