With their 10th studio album, Ricochet, due out in August, and a headlining slot at All Your Friends Fest in Burl's Creek, Ontario on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Rise Against took some time with SWOMP for an interview at the Universal Music office in Liberty Village in Toronto.
Listen to the full chat with Zach Blair (guitar/vocals) and Brandon Barnes (drums).
The Chicago, Illinois rockers return with news of their most resounding and reinvigorating music to date.
Out August 15th on Loma Vista Recordings, Ricochet marks the rock band’s first album in four years, arriving in a world of constant stimuli, where the algorithm wants us all to be angry: like a pile of marbles hit hard and bouncing uncontrollably, continuing to spread further and further. But across these twelve songs, produced by GRAMMY®-winner Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Foals, Manchester Orchestra, St. Vincent) and mixed by Alan Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Queens of the Stone Age, The Killers), Rise Against ask listeners to consider who ultimately benefits from this collective division and displeasure – to look before we leap, to think about the consequences our actions have on each other, as the power structures that prod us remain preserved and protected.
Rooted in unification, Ricochet is a record massive in sound, but centred around the small parts of the psyche that lead to the biggest positive change. It all starts with oneself, and on the searing lead single, 'I Want It All,' Rise Against rev the engine and jump-start a mission of self-determinism that is ardent, ambitious and unapologetic.
"The algorithm wants our attention so it is designed to make us laugh or cry, but mostly, it wants us to be angry, because that is how it spreads the furthest. Like a pile of marbles, hit hard. Who benefits from our anger? Questions we don't ask, as we fire away," stated lead singer Tim McIlrath.
'I Want It All' follows recent singles 'Nod' – hailed as a “particularly potent rallying cry for the moment” (Rolling Stone), and “the anthem we need right now” (VICE) – as well as 'Prizefighter,' illustrating the internal battle between making art, maintaining autonomy and meeting the demands of our rapidly-shifting attention span.
Throughout the rest of Ricochet, Rise Against dive deeper into the solace we find in community and the chain reaction of our words and actions – how hurt is not something that can be reversed, and that the fight for a better existence begins not with blind allegiance, but through an unpopular opinion from a minority of voices.
While so much of the world is designed to feel like we are in a constant state of emergency, Rise Against urge us to come together to not simply survive, but to save it now.
In the four years since 2021’s Nowhere Generation, the Chicago band’s outspoken messages, bulletproof melodies and deep body of multi-Gold and Platinum hits have reached more fans than ever, uniting millions in a necessary embrace of vital, progressive issues.
Whether they are singing about injustice, instability, environmentalism, animal rights or the way the social and economic decks have been stacked against the youth, Rise Against continue to fill arenas, top charts, break records and earn billions of streams.
This summer, they are back bigger than ever.
Having already performed at LA’s Kia Forum and toured across three continents this year, Rise Against return to the road hot on the heels of the album announcement, for an impressive EU/UK tour and festival headliner run in June, followed by Vans Warped Tour, and dozens of arena and amphitheatre shows in the US.
All of the details can be found at riseagainst.com.
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com