Rise Against- A True Taste of Punk Rock

The group Rise Against has already been making waves in the punk rock scene for more than a decade. The American band hails from Chicago, Illinois.

Band History

It was the members of 88 Fingers Louie and Baxter that originally got together to create the group Transistor Revolt. It was Tim Mcllrath who took the lead on vocals while Toni Tintari handled the drums. Mr. Precision took on the guitar while Joe Principe tackled bass. The two also provided backup vocals. The group was able to independently release an EP demo with four tracks. It was called “Transistor Revolt.” It was after this that they were then able to ink a record deal.

After the first independent EP release, Toni Tintari left the group, making the four tracks his only stint with the band. He was temporarily replaced by popular drummer Dan Lumley. After his brief inclusion, Brandon Barnes took the permanent role of drummer and still plays for the group.

After a year, the band signed up with Fat Wrech Chords which is an independent label. Before they were able to come up with their first album Transistor Revolt became known as Rise Against. In April 2001, they were able to release their first album “The Unraveling.” After the conclusion of this first project, Mr. Precision left and Todd Mohney took on his responsibilities. In 2003, the band released a second album, “Revolutions per Minute.”

The band began to move towards the mainstream path when they signed a deal with Dreamworks Records in 2004. This paved the way for the release of their third album, “Siren Song of the Counter Culture” in the same year. Dreamworks was later taken in by the Universal Music Group and Rise Against moved on to Geffen Records.

Todd Mohney left the band after the label changed and Chris Chasse stepped up to be the new guitarist. Chris Chasse remained in the band till 2007 after the fourth Rise Against album was released. After he left, Zach Blair replaced him. The four members proceeded to work on their fifth album and a couple of Rise Against video releases and still remain together.

Albums Released

“The Unraveling” is the debut album that was released in 2001 after “Transistor Revolt” changed name. All of the demo tracks in their early EP were rerecorded with Brandon Barnes in action as the drummer. It was reissued in 2005 where the tracks were remixed and remastered. Under the same Fat Wreck Chords label, “Revolutions per Minute” followed where it made it to number 15 of the 2003 Billboard Top Independent Albums.

The third album “Siren Song of the Counter Culture” came out when they signed up with the Dreamworks label. Of all the releases, it was this one that was regarded a big deal but got mixed reactions from listeners. The fourth album “The Sufferer the Witness” was more popular, selling more than 48,000 in just the first week. Music fans have been more critical of the following album “Appeal to Reason.” Nonetheless, it still took the number three spot and sold more than 64,000 copies.

There is every indication that Rise Against will be moving away from the underground music scene. This has not met with complete approval among fans. Nonetheless they seem all set for a building a broader reputation. They will record a new album in autumn of 2010 and will soon open up for Green Day in the hopes of improving interest for the Rise Against discography.