Week 3 Album Review: Rise Against: Appeal to Reason

In the anticipation of melodic rock band, Rise Against's, upcoming 6th studio album, Endgame, I am reviewing their previous album, Appeal to Reason, as well as looking at Endgame's first single, Help is on the Way. Endgame is to be released a little over a month from now on March 15th. Rise Against's transition from hardcore punk to melodic rock has moved them towards the top of modern rock artists today, garnering them 2 Gold albums in the US and 3 Platinums in Canada. They have also been included on numerous compilations, soundtracks, and other media appearances. Below is their most recently released album, Appeal to Reason, released October 7, 2008.

Track Listing
1. "Collapse (Post-Amerika)"
2. "Long Forgotten Sons" 
3. "Re-Education (Through Labor)" 
4. "The Dirt Whispered"
5. "Kotov Syndrome"
6. "From Heads Unworthy"
7. "The Strength to Go On" 
8. "Audience of One"
9. "Entertainment"
10. "Hero of War"
11. "Savior"
12. "Hairline Fracture"
13. "Whereabouts Unknown"

This album easily being one of my favorite albums by any artist of all time, obviously had to contain some very excellent songs within. "Re-Education (Through Labor)", "Audience of One", and "Savior"were the three singles from the album, with "Savior" being one of my favorite songs of all time as well. The entire rest of the album of songs are all extremely good, combining deep raspy vocals with clean fast instrumentals. Appeal peaked at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling around 64,700 copies in its first week of release, and 490,000 to date, 10,000 short of Gold certification.

Savior Music Video

Upcoming Endgame Album Art:

Help is on the Way Single with Lyrics:

Stay tuned for more news on this Endgame's release and/or other Rise Against news. The single gives cause for another promising album. 

Listen informed.

-Jarid Holliday