Rise Against Biography

Rise Against is an American melodic hardcore band formed in 1999 and let by Tim McIlrath. The group released seven studio albums, five of which have consecutively gained Gold certifications. They are known for promoting progressivism and animal rights. Their best-known songs are the platinum-certified Prayer of the Refugee and Savior. The band’s eighth album, Wolves, is due for June 2017.

Early Years

The band formed in the late 90s when the members met at a hardcore punk concert. Emerging from the Chicago punk scene, the group was initially called Transistor Revolt. In 2000 they released a self-titled EP, which caught the attention of a fanbase and NOFX’s Fat Mike, who signed Rise Against to his label. Furthermore, they released their first two studio albums, 2001’s The Unravelling and 2003’s Revolutions per Minute.w Additionally, the band began performing opening acts for bigger punk bands.

Breakthrough

In late 2003, the band signed with DreamWorks Records and came out with Siren Song of the Counter Culture (2014). The 2x Gold-certified record entered the Billboard 200 chart. Moreover, it topped the US Heatseekers Albums and spawned the memorable, heartrending single Swing Life Away. In 2006, Rise Against released their first top 10 album, The Sufferer & the Witness. Its second single, Prayer of the Refugee, became very popular, peaking at number 7 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. Injection and the bonus track But Tonight We Dance also made quite an impact. Consequently, the band then became a headliner, performing along bands such as Billy Talent.

Success

In the fall of 2008, the band released Appeal to Reason to immense acclaim. The record reached number 3 on the US Albums chart, due to approaching a more mainstream sound. This somehow displeased the critics, however, the singles Re-Education (Through Labor), Audience of One and Savior created major hype. Moreover, the latter gained a platinum certification and peaked at number 3 on the Rock Songs chart.

Furthermore, 2011’s Architects and 2012’s Wait for Me preceded the band’s next album, Endgame. The album was based on real life tragedies, social and environmental issues, emphasising on acceptance with the song Make It Stop (September’s Children). Additionally, Help Is on the Way became their only single to reach the Hot 100 chart. During that period, Rise Against toured and performed at festivals with bands such as A Day to Remember and Bring Me The Horizon.

In 2014, Rise Against’s seventh album, The Black Market, came out.The record topped numerous charts, including the US Rock Albums and Hard Rock Albums. It generated two singles, I Don’t Want to Be Here Anymore and Tragedy+Time.

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