Reviews (CD)

Rise Against : Endgame 

15/03/11- Interscope

I've discovered Rise Against while they released The Sufferer and the Witness (2006) , which is my favorite record from their discography. Then I discovered  previous releases which showed me the hardcore roots of the band. When Appeal To Reason (2008), their previous effort entered my CD player, I must say that I was like other fans : disappointed. Some songs are really good but the band took a new path that let us skeptical. Today, the band presents us their sixth album, Endgame. I had no expectations, but one hope : to hear the band go back to the melodic hardcore/punk that we love.

The first time i listened to Endgame, I was disappointed. I decided to give it another try, to finally say that it is a good album.

It starts with "Architetcs": the band is in good shape, proving they are still a punk rock band. The first single, "Help Is on its Way" is following. I was disappointed when I heard it as the first extract, but it is a good song that brings a few screams. "Make It Stops (September's Child) " is another effective track. A children choir makes an appearance to emphasis the melody of the chorus, for a convincing result. The following song "Disparity by Design" reminds the sounds of Siren Song of the Counter Culture (2004), which is obviously enjoyable. A good melodic punk song. The album goes on with a very catchy "Satellite" and a slower and heavier "Midnight Hands". "Survivor Guilt" starts as a slow, boring song that suddenly wakes up when Tim McIlrath sings faster. "Broken Mirrors" is quite different, showing the band's will to explore a new territory. As the first notes suggests us, "Wait For Me" is the power ballad of the record. "A Gentlemen's Coup" and "This Is Letting Go" are both good energic songs but did not really catch my attention. "Endgame" closes the album in a typical Rise Against style.

Endgame is a solid album, blending old punk elements in the new sound of Rise Against. It is definitely not a return to the hardcore era but a more edgy album than Appeal To Reason. If the album is a bit inequal, it is not boring as there are always choruses that you'll love to sing along. Tim McIlrath's voice is still a pleasure, the political content and awereness messages are still there. No doubt, Rise Against are back and ready to be heard. Maybe not their best album, but Endgame definitely deserves your attention.