One of modern Punk Rock’s most successful bands, Rise Against, leans into a softer sound groove with their tenth album, Ricochet. Released on August 15, 2025, this fast-moving collection of emotion and guitar is the newest release from a band that has been around since before the turn of the millennium and has used its time filling the airwaves with a rocking rage and hardcore sound.
The harsh reality is that, going into Ricochet, fans are expecting a sound similar to songs like 2008’s “Savior,” when radio was still king and the band was finding success by appealing to the public’s sound. Instead of a spiritual successor to this sound, you are met with a similar, albeit overall more intense sound, thanks to the heavy bass guitar and vocals that lack the same tangy punch present in Tim McIlrath’s voice in 2008.
Despite this discrepancy, there is plenty to enjoy in this 41-minute album, which treads into Nu Metal territory with its guitar but keeps its drums steady, building an Alt Rock template that they either climb out of and express themselves through “State of Emergency,” or fall into and lose any Hardcore uniqueness with”Us Against the World.” Given this understanding, it makes sense that the album has no sharp edges to surprise the listener; the pre-release singles, “Nod” and “Prizefighter,” were likely chosen because of their overall polish and catchiness, rather than being indicators of a new sound or era in the band’s discography.
Ricochet is the second album released under Loma Vista Records, a label that has allowed Rise Against the creative freedom to determine what sound they want to make, as apparent from their previous release, 2021’s Nowhere Generation. Compared to this release, the sound is a little simpler and lighter. Overall, it floats closer to Pop Rock, and the production quality is top-notch, thanks to Catherine Marks, whose work with Boygenius earned her a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. Marks, along with Alan Moulder, who helped produce some of the best sounds of the ’90s, are one reason why the release feels so cohesive to listen to in its entirety.
The sound is steady and robust throughout, its emotions calling to the listener, especially in the standout track on the release, “Soldier.” Here, the lyrics do their job in telling a compelling story; the drums play a unique role, more than just a glorified metronome that takes up most of the release, and the guitar feels like an accentuation of the words rather than its own instrument. Every piece is working together here to make a sound that is more than just an avenue of Metal and Rock. Unfortunately, this penultimate track is the only true standout of the selection.
This discussion would not be complete without talking about Rise Against as a collective. What we mean to highlight, of course, is that they absolutely rule as people. Even if their music rose to popularity only after they took a turn towards accepting radio censorship, each band member is a social activist in their own right, and most members are straight edge, vegetarian, and members of PETA. Similar to Minor Threat and other Hardcore bands. These rockers want to spread the chaos of good rather than evil.
Additionally, in the past, Rise Against has collaborated with DC Comics on producing a score for a Batman comic and has also worked with Punk Rock idols The Descendents. Now they are embarking on a new chapter in their musical careers. Furthermore, Rise Against is on tour this year with Papa Roach. An exciting escapade that will be energetic for sure, especially with the gossip that Papa Roach’s stage presence is one of the best in the scene. The Rise of the Roach Tour will spend a few more days in Europe before moving to the United States for September, October, and early November. They will finish off their performances in Canada at the end of November and throughout December.
Overall, Ricochet is an Alt Rock album from a Hardcore Punk band over twenty years past their entrance into the scene. There is nothing particularly new or exciting, but it is a testament to an influential band with the correct type of energy and an ear for Alternative yet catchy Rock. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this album 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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