For its third full-length, Rise Against side steps the pop-punk breakup music saturating the scene in 2004. Instead, the Chicago quartet channels classic punk-rock unrest, brandishing socially conscious lyrics in front of a backdrop of eager melody and tireless hardcore energy. SIREN SONG OF THE COUNTER CULTURE stretches itself stylistically, from the thrashy "State of the Union" to the compellingly melodic "Tip the Scales" to the acoustic ballad "Swing Life Away". Feverishly poppy and catchy, "Rumors of My Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated" captures Rise Against at their best, waving the punk-rock banner proudly for a new generation of fans.

Mar 2005

Rise Against are the latest punk band to take the US by storm. With strong views that they are unafraid to voice (or scream), they are about to be surrounded by controversy, patricularly with lead album track 'Give It All', an explosive anti-commericalism anthem.

U.K. edition
Once the dust settled on the now-defunct 88 Fingers Louie, bassist Joe Principe founded Rise Against. In the spirit of its musical heroes (Black Flag to name one), the band got in the van and built a loyal following before taking the risky leap from indie to major label. For its third full-length, Rise Against side steps the pop-punk breakup music saturating the scene in 2004. Instead, the Chicago quartet channels classic punk-rock unrest, brandishing socially conscious lyrics in front of a backdrop of eager melody and tireless hardcore energy. SIREN SONG OF THE COUNTER CULTURE stretches itself stylistically, from the thrashy "State of the Union" to the compellingly melodic "Tip the Scales" to the acoustic ballad "Swing Life Away." Feverishly poppy and catchy, "Rumors of My Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated" captures Rise Against at their best, waving the punk-rock banner proudly for a new generation of fans.

After the breakup, in the late 1990s, of Chicago hardcore band 88 Fingers Louie, bassist/vocalist Joe Principe formed Rise Against, a similarly melodic outfit that balances angst, punk politics, and post-grunge hooks, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the Chicago hardcore scene. After two well-received albums on Fat Wreck Chords and hundreds of thrilling live shows, the band landed a major label deal and continued to attract a larger fanbase. Their 2006 album charted at #10 on the Billboard 200, and the band's music has shown up in films, on TV, and in video games, but, true to their name, Rise Against continues to uphold a David-vs.-Goliath punk ethos that includes endorsing PETA and other animal rights and vegan concerns.