Released: Mar 15, 2011
Genre: Punk Rock, Melodic Hardcore
Label: DGC, Interscope
Number Of Tracks: 12
Rise Against's heavy social and politically driven commentary on Endgame syncs up unfortunately perfectly with today's chaotic headlines.
EndgameFeatured review by: UG Team, on march 15, 2011 3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Sound: On its sixth studio record Endgame, Rise Against doesn’t mince words when it comes to delivering honest social and political commentary – which is exactly what you’d hope for from any of today’s contemporary punk bands. The album arrives at a sadly appropriate time between the chaos that’s occurred recently in Egypt and the horrific earthquake/tsunami in Japan, even though the band members were garnering inspiration from a bevy of other world incidents (Hurricane Katrina, the oil spill, etc.) while writing the lyrical content for Endgame. Although the band has confirmed that Endgame is most definitely not a concept album in the traditional sense, its dismal-yet-real reflections do make an impact as a whole.
In terms of the musical content, Rise Against continues in the melodically driven punk sounds of bands like Bad Religion, who coincidentally they will be touring with this year. The band isn’t reinventing the wheel with their 11 new tracks, but the energy and catchy melodies (all delivered with a subtle dose of aggression) make for an engaging listen. The first single off the record “Help Is On The Way” is easily the most memorable, from its infectious intro to its varied musical transitions. That particularly song also features one of the few moments where vocalist Tim McIlrath veers into screamo territory – albeit briefly.
There are quite a few tracks that revolve around that key vibrant energy and steady, sharp strumming from guitarist Zach Blair (Endgame marks his second Rise Against record). “Broken Mirrors” and “Midnight Hands” are standouts in terms of the guitar work, with the latter broaching an all-out metal genre. The band tackles metal so well with “Midnight Hands,” in fact, this particular reviewer hopes they’ll explore that side a bit more in the future. “Survivors Guilt” features a more retrained guitar part, but the pick work is still effective. The strength of “A Gentlemen’s Coup” lies within its more stagnated phrasing of the vocals and guitar, while “Architects” sounds like it is a shoe-in for the next single thanks to its sing-along chorus. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: There is enough vagueness to the lyrical content on Endgame that you could associate the songs with pretty much any natural or human-caused strife/disaster occurring in the world today. This is an album that steers clear of relationship or love talk, and in many ways that is one of the most refreshing aspects of Endgame. Granted, that means there aren’t many soft-and-cuddly moments, but that was probably the point. Whether it’s the calamity-filled reflection in “Midnight Hands” (“Eyes open slowly as the dust is shaken off; To gaze upon the wreckage; That the midnight hands have wrought”) or the equally bleak title track (“When they're burning signal fires; To guide us to the fields; We're building funeral pyres; They all commit a final appeal”), the members of Rise Against keep the conversation heavy – which again, is what one would expect from a socially conscious punk band. // 9
Impression: There is a straightforward nature to most of the track that doesn’t necessarily stray from your traditional rock/punk arrangements, but the passion within Rise Against’s delivery is ultimately the selling point. Endgame often incorporates several different musical transitions within the course of one song, which keeps listeners’ attention a bit more than if they were to pen a verse-chorus-verse and be done with it. “Midnight Hands” with its metal-oriented riff work possibly delivers the biggest payoff, but contemporary punk purists should find plenty of satisfying material elsewhere on Endgame. // 8
Endgame
Reviewed by:
Z13J, on march 28, 2011 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Rise Against returns with their trademark power chord riffs and powerful pick slides. Lead singer Tim McIlrath ventures into the old Rise Against screaming territory in a few songs, which brings me back to The Unraveling album. The guitar riffs now range from acoustic-blues to metal shredding, a pleasant addition to the Rise Against style punk spin-off. There is only one song on this entire album I find myself reaching to the skip button, that being Disparity by Design. I find this song to be repetitive, like I've heard it over and over. Minus that, and the rather weak Endgame, this album is an absolute gem. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Tim McIlrath's gruff voice that could hit nearly any pitch nails the well-thought out lyrics that are based solely on the bands beliefs. As soon as I bought the album, I quickly burnt it to a disc so I could listen on the way to school. I was shocked to hear F-bombs dropped in two songs. I am not against cursing, but for a band striving for world peace and animal rights, I was expecting a bit of discretion. Help Is On the Way, which appears to be the public favorite, bases its lyrics off of the uprising in Egypt and the major earthquake and devastating tsunami. My personal favorite, Make it Stop (September's Children), is about the tragic suicides of those who gave their lives after being bullied for their sexuality. Rise Against knows whats wrong and isn't afraid to voice their opinion. The majority of the songs are like this, but eventually, these cryptic lyrics become dull, and even boring in some situations. I would rate Tim's singing an 8 and the repetitiveness of some songs as a 6, totaling an average of 7. // 7
Impression: I feel that this is the album that will put Rise Against on the radio daily. Like I stated previously, I have listened to every single song and have enjoyed every second of almost every one. I feel this album is much better than its predecessor, Appeal to Reason. If someone were to shoot me right now, or within the next year, they would find an iPod with Endgame playing. No doubt about it, whatsoever. // 9
Endgame
Reviewed by:
Shadow9Vesper, on april 10, 2012 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: In the past few years, Rise Against have become one of the leading bands of the newest wave of hardcore punk. Influenced by Minor Threat (especially McIlrath, whose vocals are almost identical of MacKaye's), Black Flag and other classics of US punk rock, their style is easily recognizable.
While "Endgame"'s predecessor, "Appeal To Reason" was criticized by some for losing the sharp, hardcore sound of the previous four albums, "Endgame" manages to steal some of it. The set of the songs is, however, definitely the weakest in their history.
Apart from "Satellite" or "Gentleman's Coup" and maybe two more, the songs are wrecked by the unbearable crystal sound, which, despite being sharper than "ATR"'s mellowed, California-like one, just wastes the potential of some songs. How the compositions may be great, the fact that this is the radio-friendly sound takes away from them great deal of the kick. What's worse, the choirs are put in places that would be better without them. "Help Is On The Way" loses much of the power thanks to "They said, they said" sang in the chorus, similar case is with "Architects", although the choirs aren't that destructive.
"Make It Stop (September's Children)", is by far the one that suffers most from the producers' mistakes. It's amazing that both of the co-creators of "The Sufferer And The Witness" and "ATR"'s success agreed on inserting parts sang by the children. How justified it is by the topic, the introduction would be enough.
"Disparity By Design" and "Satellite" are the highlight of the album so far, both having enough power to overthrow the government or at least create awesome moshpit. "Disparity..." is unfortunately a little more radio-f******y than the other one, yet in this particular case, the song itself is good enough to not lose too much of its charm.
"Midnight Hands" has one of the most un-Rise Against riffs in their whole discography, though the outcome is interesting. Unfortunately, this time one to blame for mediocrity of the song is the vocalist, whose work in here is the weakest on the album.
"Survivor's Guilt", being together with "Satellite" the most punk rock in the whole set is a track that on the concerts surely will trigger a pogo to happen. Additionally, McIlrath's fans will recognize the spoken part from one of the Baxter songs, which is a nice easter egg.
"Broken Mirrors" and "Wait For Me" are very distinctive, first with almost hard rock riff in the opening, experimental for RA's usual compositions, second sounding as if it was crafted for modern emo kids, with surprisingly good bridge, which saves this one from oblivion. It's also the thing that completely doesn't fit in next song, "A Gentleman's Coup", excluding this part nicely done.
Title of "This Is Letting Go" might refer to abandoning punk-rock for the pop-punk, as it is the most pop thing in the set. The questionable mix makes it nice to listen, but definitely not something that will be appreciated for older fans.
Last of the set, the title track is somewhere between "Survivor's Guilt" and "Midnight Hands", being above the average and nice to listen, but with wasted potential, just as bonus track - "Lanterns". // 5
Lyrics and Singing: McIlrath with his lyrics has, as usual, highlighted the problems of modern world and society. In "Architects" he argues with Tom Gabel's "I Was A Teenage Anarchist", answering that indeed, there are people who "still believe in all the things that they stood by before". "Make It Stop" is also the first track about the homophobia, one of the few social topics of great significance RA hasn't yet covered. Lyrics on this album lack, however, quality of the older songs, feel unfinished, somehow rushed.
McIlrath this time doesn't scream as much as he used to (but when he does, it really is the highest standard of hc/punk screaming) and his vocals, which I always loved are weaker than usually. Maybe the sound is to blame, but personally, I think that higher, clean sounds don't fit RA's style. Nevertheless, lyrics and vocals are, for the most of the time, what makes this album possible to go through. // 8
Impression: In comparison to any of the previous achievements, be it great "Unraveling", style-defining "Revolutions Per Minute" or even California-sounding "Appeal To Reason", this album is most radio-friendly, most unfinished and overall weakest. If it was released as an EP, without the weaker half of the songs, I'd give it 8, despite the mix. Unfortunately, this other part of the album deserves at best 4. I really love this band, I was crippled with fear after I saw kids-friendly "Savior" vid, but I still hoped for at least another "ATR" in means of quality. This is really a great letdown, how good the songs may sound live, with the classic edge of the band. I'm concerned about the future of the band, if after the "ATR" hype they committed this, all I hope is their next album will not in any matter resemble "Endgame". Maybe upcoming "Dirt And Roses" song for the "Avengers" soundtrack will be the premise of their comeback to the roots? Time will tell. // 5
Endgame
Reviewed by:
AC0RN, on march 24, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: On Rise Against's sixth studio effort they sound extremely enthusiastic and ready for action. With what seems to be a mostly political drive, they put together powerful songs, although they are getting more and more mainstream. Most songs start off fresh but then take a familiar approach for Rise Against, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sure they are following the same formula from Appeal to Reason, but if you like that formula, then it is a great thing. The first standout track is Architects which is a great way to start off the album. It is a great hype-inducing song with a catchy chorus to it. Unlike most people I've talked to, Help is On The Way is not one of the greatest tracks on this album. Yes, it is a decent song but these guys aren't a couple of teenagers anymore, and these lyrics (the mediocre chorus) are certainly aimed at youths. I would have thought Rise Against has done enough of these. Satellite however, picks the album up again, and is another eye catcher with an epic feel to it. The opening of Survivor Guilt surely makes you think, although thankfully the song isn't preaching anything. Midnight Hands shows a different side of Rise Against, one I wish they showed more of. They take a metal approach in this song with powerful emotion to back it up. Overall, Rise Against has some very good songs in here - as well as some just average ones. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Mcllrath is a great lyricist and a wonderful singer. He has got a good range going for him and a very likeable pronunciation of words such as "life" and "lines." Most songs on this album are politically backed but a good handful are more emotional, ranging from the usual teenage anxiety to reminiscing about ones past. Questions arise about the band's views on the supposed apocalypse and the future of America, none of which are answered but seem to be cleverly avoided in Endgame. If these songs were written a year leader, I'm sure Mcllrath would have found a ton more inspiration from what has gone on in Egypt and Libya to the Tsunami in Japan. // 9
Impression: Although I don't think Endgame quite lives up to their last studio album, Appeal to Reason, Endgame remains a solid album and a great listen. They are probably one of the best punk bands right now and are probably the most determined and sure of themselves. Rise Against are becoming more mainstream however, foregoing most of their old screaming vocals and many fast paced songs, which must be dissappointing for some. I however, praise them for staying alive and still being able to deliver quality music. // 9
This is one of the best albums I've heard this year. I liked every single track. Make It Stop, Help Is On The Way, Surivor's Guilt and Gentleman's Coup were standout tracks for me.
Personally apart from a few standout tracks I didn't find it is good as some of their other albums, although overall it was pretty decent. Architects and Satellite would have to be my favourites, both very catchy
Stop bitching about the name. Megadeth weren't the first to use it. Search it one wikipedia. There are 6 books called Endgame, six movies, and then more.
Stop bitching about the name. Megadeth weren't the first to use it. Search it one wikipedia. There are 6 books called Endgame, six movies, and then more.
Megadeth weren't original with the name either.
Of Course they werent but thats makes RAs album title even less original than megadeths and you also have to think about if people really remembered the books/movies at the time the megadeth album came out.
Did someone back then complain about the title?
Stop bitching about the name. Megadeth weren't the first to use it. Search it one wikipedia. There are 6 books called Endgame, six movies, and then more.
Megadeth weren't original with the name either.
Agreed. In my opinion, it's about how the music reflects the title, and in that sense I think Rise Against deserve to take Endgame.
AWESOME album. Disparity by Design as so much urgency that bands just don't/cannot convey these days...
Of Course they werent but thats makes RAs album title even less original than megadeths and you also have to think about if people really remembered the books/movies at the time the megadeth album came out.
Did someone back then complain about the title?
I personally thought Architects was one of the best on the record. I've only listened to it twice gonna have to go through a few more times to determine, but awesome album for sure. I'll be seeing them in boston on april 30th with Bad Religion, incredibly excited.
Let us quit about the fact that the album bears a name similar to one of the works of Megadeth. It's for goodness' sake a Rise Against album, isn't it?
I felt awestruck by the album. It was pretty much as I had expected it to be, and my expectations were pretty high. I did not feel dissatisfied by any of the songs.
Stop bitching about the name. Megadeth weren't the first to use it. Search it one wikipedia. There are 6 books called Endgame, six movies, and then more.
Megadeth weren't original with the name either.
Agreed. In my opinion, it's about how the music reflects the title, and in that sense I think Rise Against deserve to take Endgame.
AWESOME album. Disparity by Design as so much urgency that bands just don't/cannot convey these days...
i dont understand, you say that the title should reflect the content of the album (I agree) but then you say that Rise Against deserves to have the title (Is there some contest I have been unaware of). I wont rip on RA for taking the title or anything, but it was probably not a very smart move.
First off I'm a Metalhead and I think Rise Against sucks as a contemporary punk rock band, but there have been movies, plays, stores, bands and books entitled the 'Endgame'. Megadeth was just the first to use that title for there recent album & song. Besides most artist get there titles from movies, plays, newspapers, books, other albums etc. Not that Rise Against doesn't deserves the Title, I just think its only fair that Megadeth took the title first for there recent brutal album. It would not have been a fuss if someone could've called it, 'THE ENDGAME!' Then that would've been interesting.
I don't understand why everyone is pissing around about the album title. Why do you give a shit? Megadeth's Endgame is awesome. RA's Endgame is awesome.Just accept it.
Both titles try and reflect their respective albums lyrically. And neither were the first to use it.
There are books,movies,songs and bands with that name. Does it really matter?
I'm not completely sold on this just yet. It's good, but I feel like Rise Against has been releasing the same album with slight variation since Sufferer.I'll have to give it a few more listens and maybe it'll grow on me.
First off I'm a Metalhead and I think Rise Against sucks as a contemporary punk rock band, but there have been movies, plays, stores, bands and books entitled the 'Endgame'. Megadeth was just the first to use that title for there recent album & song. Besides most artist get there titles from movies, plays, newspapers, books, other albums etc. Not that Rise Against doesn't deserves the Title, I just think its only fair that Megadeth took the title first for there recent brutal album. It would not have been a fuss if someone could've called it, 'THE ENDGAME!' Then that would've been interesting.
If you feel the need to give yourself the title of metalhead, then you're probably not one to judge music. I've never met a self proclaimed "metalhead" that knew anything about anything when it came to talking about music.
I can give a shit about the album title. I actually kind of like it though. This album is mediocre at best. The only problem with their music lately is that it ALL SOUNDS THE SAME. FORMULAIC!! They have so many songs that have the same formula as "Help Is On The Way". BIG step down from Appeal To Reason.
Big fan of this album. I really loved their older style with Revolutions and the Unraveling, but also being a fan of more mainstream sounding rock I find this album to be a really interesting and intelligently written take on a sound that sells better. I'd be fine with my radio rock sounding like these songs
is this record as fast as their first few? i haven't listened to it yet cause my vinyl pre-order hasn't came. (i don't listen to online, full length streams)
yep because rise against is the only band out there that has the same album title as any other band.who cares...obviously all u metalheads dont have anything better to do than post on this site and in that case y are u even on this post
I seriously don't mind that the album title is the same as Megadeth's most recent album. I'm not a huge fan of Rise Against anymore (used to be in my early teens), but I wouldn't consider the title "unoriginal" just because someone else used it recently.
Also, I was under the impression that Megadeth got the title themselves from a documentary called Endgame, and so in a sense, both bands could be accused of "ripping off" the title.
Instead of bickering over the album title, why not comment on the review or the album itself?
Awesome their new album. It sounds like something you already know. It's like a mix of Appeal To Reason, an The Sufferer an The Witness, but diffrently. A totally fresh new style. Can't wait to get it come, i've pre-ordered it
I've listened to the new album once, and I have to say, it doesn't bode well that just two minutes into it they blatantly rip off the chorus to Against Me!'s 2010 single I Was a Teenage Anarchist. Am I the only one who noticed that?
I agree with earlier posters who've said that this album sounds almost exactly like their earlier efforts. I was hoping for something more exciting, not more of the same. I'd rather listen to a random track from Appeal to Reason than a single from this album. But who knows? Maybe it'll grow on me.
I've listened to the new album once, and I have to say, it doesn't bode well that just two minutes into it they blatantly rip off the chorus to Against Me!'s 2010 single I Was a Teenage Anarchist. Am I the only one who noticed that?
Yes I did too, I'm not sure what I think of it yet.
About the title though, come on, I personally think it fits their album and style of writing very well. Rise Against are so politically inclined and are obviously environmentalists in some respects. I believe the title "Endgame" has more to do with their beliefs on the environment being destroyed (example; Ready to Fall music video) but thats my opinion.
Quit whining about the title. Prince, Jay-Z, and Metallica all have a "Black Album." XD
One another note, great CD. Lots of melody, attitude, and lyricism.
Metallica's albums is actually a self titled, people just call it the "Black" album because of the cover....
I know what it's called, lol, I own the record. I just said those people HAVE a "Black Album." Can't exactly say I've ever heard Jay-Z's Black Album, or Prince's all the way through.
I was slightly disappointed with Appeal to Reason but this album sounds promising. As far as the Rise Against vs. Megadeth thing, who cares? Just once could there be a post not related to metal on UG without metalheads bitching about something? There is more to music than metal.
I dont want to be this person. But i have listened through the album and i am disappointed. I have every RA album and i really dig their sound. This album just feels to repetitive and similar to Appeal to Reason. I cannot stand it when bands have songs that sound identical to the last track or similar to the other tracks on the album. I'll just say this album isn't to my liking this time around. I always like when bands change it up a bit and give more to their sound. RA just has the same constant beat and i can only tolerate it for so many records.
Megadeth's fanboys are out in full force I see. How enlightened of them to piss on a completely unrelated band for using the word "Endgame" for their album's title when it, y'know, kinda summarizes the album's lyrical content and the band's views on the world today. Thank you all for reinforcing people's negative opinions of us. Meanwhile I will listen to both Megadeth's and Rise Against's Endgames and enjoy the awesomeness of them both. Bye now.
you know what??? **** the music lets argue about the name of the album -.- no
This !
I think its a great album, really good songs on it like Help is on the way. If you liked there last two albums then this is kinda in the same direction and feels just as good if not better.
This is a great album! The name has nothing to do with the quality of the music! STOP BEING A BUNCH OF LITTLE CHILDREN! Who cares if someone else used the name! This is a great album!
You're being immature, who gives a **** if the title is the same as a Megadeth record. It's a great album, I never even really listened to RA until my friend who is obsessed with them told me to, and man was he right, they're a great band.
haven't heard the entire album yet but from what i'm hearing its better than the majority of appeal to reason with the exception of "help is on the way" for its copy and paste from hairline fracture off of appeal to reason. still sounds a bit formulaic but a step in the right direction again.
I agree that they could have used a different title, however, im sure that there were reason for using "endgame" rather than just copying megadeth or anybody else that have used the title. but the title does reflect the music
I like there music but there really just to political for me, it really just gets old after a while IMO, it just seems like people that complain the most about are system enjoy the fruits of its sucess the most
People is just being ignorant about the title, this is a damn review of an album; talk and comment about the music.
Btw this album is solid, have great tracks; my favorite track is Architects.
Sufferer and Siren Song are still their best albums. I don't know, it just seems to me like after they got their new guitarist their music started to downgrade in quality. Appeal To Reason wasn't a BAD album, there were still traces of Sufferer in it, but there was just something missing throughout most of it. In this one I think they've actually gone back more to their punk roots but the music just seemed to be really lackluster. The only song that stood out to me was Midnight Hands at first listen. It seems like all the stuff that used to be Rise Against trademarks within their material have just kind of become cliches. This is just on first listen, I love RA so I do plan to listen to it many more times. Maybe it'll grow on me.
I found this and appeal to reason lacking. It all feels like one long, monotonous song. i miss sufferer and the witness and siren song, their recent records lack the kind of edge that the first few had
pretty good album. does not compare to megadeath at all they're to different bands. anyways second best by rise against so far. topped appeal to reason and all the others but sufferer and the witness still is the best. first three songs on the album got me pumped and middle tracks like midnight hands and broken mirrors were legit same with others but the last song kinda killed the album for me. pretty good album i recomend buying it
The vocalist voice is horrendous and I can't stand how hearing one song by this band really means you have heard their entire catalog. The fact they are still making music and still as popular as they were 6 years ago bugs me.
This band is terrible and keeps re releasing the same songs/albums. I refuse to believe this album has anything but power chords and angsty lyrics about something whiny, delivered slightly off key... or at least in their typically atrocious vocal tone. I will do everything in my power to not hear any of this music.
Got the record today. Aside from "Mirrors" and a few other tracks, it sounds like Appeal to Reason all over again. I'm not saying that's bad, but it didn't really wow me like I was hoping. It's grown on me, but the fact that I can't distinguish some songs from most anything they've done bores me.
This band is terrible and keeps re releasing the same songs/albums. I refuse to believe this album has anything but power chords and angsty lyrics about something whiny, delivered slightly off key... or at least in their typically atrocious vocal tone. I will do everything in my power to not hear any of this music.
exaxtly, i have never in my life heard any of this band's songs but i will bet my own life that i will hate every single one of their songs. go ahead and call me ignorant now.
exaxtly, i have never in my life heard any of this band's songs but i will bet my own life that i will hate every single one of their songs. go ahead and call me ignorant now.
Ahhh sarcasm, wonderful. I've heard their songs in the past and I don't like them. I have no reason to believe this album will be different, so I won't listen to it. Simple.
What people should be talking about how crappy this album is. Every song is the same exact thing being played over and over again. They're unoriginal in their album title and unoriginal in the music. Don't get me wrong i like RA, but this album is just not that good
To everyone who is calling the wahmbulance about the title...
The following bands have releases titled Endgame: Decal, Like Wendy, Soulscar, The Spicy Rizzaks, Barry Guy, Burzukh, Megadeth, Brian Parish, Rise Against
Broken Mirrors and Midnight Hands are standouts in terms of the guitar work, with the latter broaching an all-out metal genre. The band tackles metal so well with Midnight Hands, in fact, this particular reviewer hopes theyll explore that side a bit more in the future.
In fact, this particular commenter hopes this reviewer will get his genres straight.
I have to agree with earlier posters. I am disappointed in this album. Then again, I've been disappointed in Rise Against since Appeal to Reason. Don't get me wrong, I love their sound, and I've stuck by their music since The Unraveling back in 2001. But since AtR I feel that there has been a directional change in their sound as a whole that just kind of...blends together...in ways that previous albums, while constantly in your face, never managed to do. Or at least, all their "singles" and "hits" do.
Granted Endgame does have some guitar work that sticks out in ways that previous albums never did, but I'm not entirely sure I like it. Perhaps I'm just a die hard Siren Song of the Counter-Culture fan...or not a huge fan of Zach Blair's work...
I've listened to the new album once, and I have to say, it doesn't bode well that just two minutes into it they blatantly rip off the chorus to Against Me!'s 2010 single I Was a Teenage Anarchist. Am I the only one who noticed that?
I agree with earlier posters who've said that this album sounds almost exactly like their earlier efforts. I was hoping for something more exciting, not more of the same. I'd rather listen to a random track from Appeal to Reason than a single from this album. But who knows? Maybe it'll grow on me.
They borrow the lyric and then expand on it. If you knew what the song was about then you'd understand why they've borrowed the lyric.
He quotes against me "don't you remember when we were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?" and then adds "well I still am, and I still do". Saying he still believes in what he did before, unlike Tom Gabel. Take that how you want but I think it's a gutsy thing to do.
Honestly, this album just sounds like a whole bunch of b-sides from Appeal to Reason that have been reworked to sound the best they possibly could. They should have taken the time and put down some better material. The guitar work is bland, Tim has little aggression in his voice and compared to Siren Song Of The Counter Culture and Sufferer and The Witness, this album blows. One thing I will say for it is that Joe's bass lines are great and stand out more than the guitars. I mean, I'll listen to it a few times more to hopefully get a better feel for it, but this album sounds like they've taken a step back.
Honestly, this album just sounds like a whole bunch of b-sides from Appeal to Reason that have been reworked to sound the best they possibly could. They should have taken the time and put down some better material. The guitar work is bland, Tim has little aggression in his voice and compared to Siren Song Of The Counter Culture and Sufferer and The Witness, this album blows. One thing I will say for it is that Joe's bass lines are great and stand out more than the guitars. I mean, I'll listen to it a few times more to hopefully get a better feel for it, but this album sounds like they've taken a step back.
This is far better than Appeal To Reason in terms of songwriting. It's more interesting. It's more intense. Definitely not a backwards step after Appeal To Reason.
I love Rise Against, I own all of their albums. So far I have listened to Endgame 3 times through and while I didn't think much of it at first listen, it's really growing on me.
I honestly thought the album title was a bad pick but have been looking forward to something new from RA and glad to have it.
It's pretty funny reading people saying how all Rise Against songs sound the same. On that note, so does most of Metallica, Megadeath, AC/DC, ...etc
I've listened to the new album once, and I have to say, it doesn't bode well that just two minutes into it they blatantly rip off the chorus to Against Me!'s 2010 single I Was a Teenage Anarchist. Am I the only one who noticed that?
I agree with earlier posters who've said that this album sounds almost exactly like their earlier efforts. I was hoping for something more exciting, not more of the same. I'd rather listen to a random track from Appeal to Reason than a single from this album. But who knows? Maybe it'll grow on me.
In literary terms, this is called an Allusion, and you wouldn't be wrong to assume that Rise Against has heard that song and is alluding to them, and later answering them when he says "I still do."
I feel obligated as a die-hard RA fan to comment just in agreement with almost everybody. Yes, they should have chosen a new title after Megadeth came out with it first, but did anyone even open the album and see the "Watch" and "Read" section? They mention Endgame as well as several other readings and documentaries they feel will help you better understand the album for a reason. About the Album, I loved it, and I also agree they sound the same, but lets face it, we're not asking you to listen to all 6 RA albums in a row and be content that you heard something new. There are different bands so that bands can keep original styles, and people can enjoy original music. If you put your iPod on shuffle you won't complain when an RA song from any album comes after your Megadeth, Jay-Z, or freaking Lady Gaga song, because you'll just enjoy the taste of Rise Against. At the risk of sounding like some wannabe intellect, I've said my say, and can only hope for your consideration.
This album is a 10 to me, for it's content, not for it's ability to be played over and over without getting tired, because I challenge you to find an album that posses that sort of magic.
most of the comments on this are about how Rise Against "stole" Megadeath's album name. Will you guys just grow up, do you know how many album names are the same for bands, starting with being the most used, "Greatest Hits" And for you guys who are saying "Megadeath > Rise Against" if you think Megadeath is better whay are you on a Rise Against page, and they really are not even comparable to say one is better than the other, one does metal and one does punk so just accept the fact that both a awesome bands
Tim seems to have forgotten how to be angry these past two albums. He seems like he's just trying to sing pretty, and I don't like it. What happened to the rough, textural vocals he used to pump out?
Everyone needs to stop arguing! Especially about the title because as far as I'm concerned the title of the album doesn't make or break the actual music.. I was just reading these comments to see if this album is good or not but all I'm reading is "blah, blah, blah,argue, argue, argue!" so anyway...is this album good or not???
and i don't mean to sound..ya know..bitchy or anything..so please if you're gonna respond, and acually let me know if this album is awesome or not, please no harsh words? thanks
RA and megadeth are both awesome in their genre and its pointless to compare them because they are nothing alike.
as for the album; i really liked it. it reminded me of sufferer and the witness (my favorite album). and i like that Tim is going back to some screaming. keep up the good work Rise Against
I think this is a great album. It is different, but it still has that RA vibe to it. I agree that arguing over the title is retarded, and both RA and Megadeth are good in their own ways.
Anyways, I think the highlights are Make It Stop (September's Children), Survivor Guilt, Wait for Me, This is Letting Go and Endgame. I'd recommend listening to them.
Rise Against is awesome!