Rise Against-The Sufferer and The Witness

"The Sufferer and The Witness" finds Rise Against continuing on the path begun on 2004's well received "The Siren Song of the Counter Culture".Their melodic hardcore may still sound more mainstream accessible,but this can hardly be looked at as a bad thing.After all the band's sincerity and passion remain very much intact,their socially conscious approach no less pressing and new and old fans alike must take to "The Sufferer and the Witness" with open arms.As such,Rise Against continues to muscularly confront political and personal grievances to the tune of swirling guitars and assertive rhythms.However "Chamber the Cartridge" doesn't open the record with the same acidic bite of the previous lead tracks,as the chorus is lacking something in its delivery to really hit a nerve.However "Injection" and "Ready to Fall" bring things back into invigorating Rise Against territory early on,while "Bricks" stands out as a vicious blast of old school energy and power.This record is basically one shout along.The excellent "Prayer of the Refugee" jarringly alternates between plaintive guitars and weary singing to an empowered chorus and exploding rhythm section to affectingly address the plight of displaced families of war.The frustrated disconnect distressing a troubled relationship is represented surprisingly well in "The approaching curve" with its driving use of spoken words and complementary female backing vocals.Essentially,"The Sufferer and the Witness" showcases Rise Against maturing within the realms of major-label hardcore revivalism,while still remaining relevant and exciting.So even with the occasional letdown,there's a lot to be said for Rise Against pulling everything of with as much substance and strength as they do the whole away.

Band:Rise Against
Album:The Sufferer and the Witness
Year:2006
Genre:Rock
Rating:8.2/10