Rise Against // Ricochet
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Twenty-plus years into their career, Rise Against are still finding ways to channel urgency into melody. Ricochet is polished and powerful, yet it never loses that restless energy that first drew fans in.
Sink Like a Stone is an early highlight, with charging guitars and anthemic vocals that instantly feel familiar. It’s the kind of track that captures their ability to sound raw and direct while still filling a stadium. Nod, by contrast, leans harder into their punk roots, quick and sharp with a rebellious spark that recalls earlier albums.
The most striking moment, though, might be Black Crown. Featuring guest vocals, it’s slower, darker and carries more weight. The song’s steady build makes it one of the album’s emotional anchors, offering something different from the straight-ahead energy elsewhere.
As a whole, Ricochet shows a band comfortable in their skin but not coasting. The production is bigger than ever, with choruses designed to echo far beyond small venues, but the messages remain thoughtful and socially aware. Long-time listeners will find plenty to enjoy, while new ones get an accessible entry point into Rise Against’s world.
REVIEW BY: KAYLA LOUISE LANDALE
