Punk rock heroes Rise Against are back with a brand-new album Nowhere Generation. One of the few punk acts over the years to hit the public eye, Rise Against are the perfect example of what can happen when you step outside your comfort zone and break the barriers placed by society and peers. Throughout the history of punk rock, the genre has barely reached mainstream stations, and Rise Against have been featured on the charts not just once, but multiple times with their angsty anthems that have crossed the line from punk, melodic hardcore, emo and pop-punk, traveling various subgenres in their over twenty-year career. Hits like “Savior,” “Swing Life Away,” and “Give it All,” gained massive commercial success while showcasing the band’s range and styles.

Nowhere Generation powerfully captures the hope (and hopelessness) of this era with the heated passion and drive that encompasses many millennials and Gen Z.

“The Numbers,” introduces the album with a powerful message full of iconic lines and the band’s trademark rapid tempo style. The chorus rings out “They have the power, but we have the numbers now,” a statement of the younger generation’s power, and how old traditions that may no longer benefit society are on their last days if the youth stand up and add their voices to the crowd. “Will you gallop when kicked or throw the rider off?” hides in the bridge of the song, questioning what we allow to keep happening. “The Numbers,” is a song about change and standing up against the chains that bound us, a bold and empowering intro to a fierce album. “Sudden Urge,” swings in next, with a chaotic pounding rhythm, delivering a banger of a track fueled with characteristic punk energy, making way for the title track, “Nowhere Generation,” which leads us back to the theme of giving the youth a voice.

“Nowhere Generation,” is a song that many can relate to and find solace in, as vocalist Tim McIlrath sings of individuality, rebellion, and being a misfit of society. Songs like “Talking to Ourselves,” and “Broken Dreams,” follows suit with the album’s theme, questioning if we’re all alone in our individuality and desire to create a better world, threatening to break the cycle of old beliefs and traditions. There’s an angsty energy that goes beyond the typical teenage rebellion that often stems from the genre. Rise Against focuses on the bigger picture, carrying their anger through these songs as a burning torch to light the way for others.

“Forfeit,” serves as the album’s ballad, a beautiful if not sorrowful tune of loyalty and the promise not to give up on someone, no matter how challenging and painful the road may be. McIlrath’s vocals kill it on this track, showing emotional vulnerability from the opening lines, and the acoustic instrumentals can captivate any listener as they showcase the band’s softer side in simple yet mesmerizing melodies before returning to the energetic fury of the rest of the album.

“Sooner or Later,” speaks the truth that every action will bear a consequence, as the chorus highlights the line, “Sooner or later comes a time when we will reap what we have sown.” Desperate emotion stands behind th  e poetic lines of this track, that you can’t escape darker days and will eventually have to face the results of your actions, whether good or bad.

Overall, Nowhere Generation is nothing short of epic. With so many heavy emotions displayed in eleven tracks and the overwhelming message of breaking cycles and letting the old ways die out, Rise Against speaks for the younger generations who are ready to take a stand, punk rock at its truest form.

I’m Music Magazine Contributing Writer Tessa Kearney

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