35
This review was released on Sunday, March 27, 2011.
Endgame
Rise Against
Interscope Records
Released March 15, 2011
Holy Visage rates this album:
★ ★ - Adequate
Collected score:
21/60
This is the first album by Rise Against that George W. Bush wasn't in office on its release. Their past lyrics had been inspired by their hatred and disagreement of his presidency. So, now that he is out of office, and liberals finally have power, what is left for them to write about? The album covers many current events, including natural disasters and suicides of homosexual teenagers. In a musical sense, Rise Against definitely didn't disappoint with this album. Fast-paced drum beats and powerful guitar anthems support this album. Though the music may sound similar to previous albums, Rise Against proves that they aren't afraid to reach new heights.
1. "Architects"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★ ★
The album opens with heavy, fast-paced drums and thundering guitar. Instrument-wise, this song is outstanding. It's accompanied with solid vocals. Lyric-wise, this song is a disaster. The song talks about going against God's purpose, and being the master of your own life; choosing your own fate, instead of waiting patiently to be saved. And if that isn't enough, strong profanity also makes an appearance in the second verse. However, based on the musical genius of this song, we would have to say that this is the best track on the album.
2. "Help Is on the Way"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★ ★
This track talks about the destruction of recent natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon Oil-Spill, and sympathy for the families of the eleven men who were killed when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded. It also speaks about the future of our nation's price of oil. Musically, this song is different from ordinary Rise Against songs. It has a slower pace in the verses, but a faster-paced chorus. This song is definitely one of the better songs on the album.
3. "Make It Stop (September's Children)"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★ ★ ★
This song is easily one of the best songs on the album in an instrumental view. Lyrically, however, this song is easily the most offensive song on the album. This song talks about the suicides of homosexual teenagers, and basically blames Christians, because of their view on homosexuality as a sin. He labels this conviction as "hate." In the bridge of this song, we respectively hear the names of some of the homosexual teenagers who committed suicide. With this song, Rise Against goes beyond their dislike of conservatives; they introduce their dislike of Christianity. However, because of the song's genius melodies and instrumental talent, it received a higher rating than it may deserve.
4. "Disparity By Design"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★
This song has themes of justice and equality, speaking of why some people are privileged and some end up on welfare. It speaks of the arrogance of the wealthy people of this nation; how they have the mentality that they have earned everything they have. Quite frankly, we find no fault in that. This song pretty much introduces the band's support of socialism. The song is accompanied by fast-paced drum beats and adequate guitar riffs.
5. "Satellite"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★ ★
Potentially the less-offensive song on the album, this song is built of superb melodies, vocals, and arguably the best bridge in the band's musical history. It contains several tempo-changes, starting slow-paced, and picking up in the chorus. The song speaks of "the orphans of the Amerikan dream" plotting a revolution. We definitely suggest buying this song. You won't be disappointed.
6. "Midnight Hands"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★
Lyrically, this song is a continuation of it's preceder, "Satellite." It tells of two (or more) friends trying to make a change for the better good of their selves and their nation. The song pledges faithfulness between the group, saying they will follow each other, whatever path they may take. Probably one of the heavier songs on the album, the song includes screaming in the bridge and heavy drums and guitar throughout the song.
7. "Survivor Guilt"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★
The song opens with an eerie discussion of the potential ending of America, saying "all great countries are destroyed." This track is written from the perspective of an American soldier, questioning whether it was worth the risk of giving his life to fight for his country. He feels that he gave everything, only to lose his life in return. There is an occurrence of strong profanity in the bridge. Disregarding that, this is definitely one of the better songs on the album.
8. "Broken Mirrors"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★
We found this song to be a weak effort. The song tells of seeing your outer appearance in a mirror, and hiding from them. By the end of the song, he encourages us to smash the mirrors, because they can't see our hearts. In a musical sense, Rise Against takes a different approach with this song, opening with a raspy guitar. The song is also accompanied by rather impressive vocals and drum beats.
9. "Wait for Me"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★
Opening with an intriguing guitar riff, this song picks up heavy drums and loud guitars in it's chorus. The song asks somebody if they see the world in different colors, or if they see the world in black and gray, possibly asking this person for a second chance. By the end of the song, he too sees the world drain to black and gray. Like we said before, the sudden tempo changes and volume increases of this song make it one of our favorites on the album.
10. "A Gentlemen's Coup"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★
From the chorus, this song talks about the changes in rule that have gone before ultimately not changing things enough. By the end of this song, we hear them sing that it would have been better to burn this nation to the ground while they had the chance. From a musical mindset, this song is a typical, fast-paced Rise Against song.
11. "This Is Letting Go"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★
Reminiscent of earlier songs from Rise Against, this song is definitely a well-composed track, musically and lyrically. The song tells of leaving a relationship that may have possibly been alive at once, but over time lost meaning. In the chorus, he sings of saying goodbye. He says he isn't giving up, but letting go. This song is absolutely worth the purchase.
12. "Endgame"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★
The album closes with a perfect summary of the album. The song tells of the upcoming end of this nation, and ending this way of life. In the opening verse, he sings of the foolishness of Americans, being unaware of the warning signs for the upcoming ending. Instrumentally, this song is one of the better songs on the album, opening with an impressive bass groove. The song also contains many tempo-changes. Definitely a recommended purchase.
Rise Against has made it known that they aren't afraid to offend anybody (especially Christians). We weren't surprised about the typical liberal-influenced lyrics on this album. Our surprise was the hatred and blaming towards Christianity's' convictions about the issue of homosexuality. We found the album's pessimistic and dooming take on our entire civilization created an atmosphere in which that negativity didn't lower much afterwards. This album is miles apart in our appreciation from the lyrics and the musical composition. We weren't satisfied with the lyrics, but often offended. Rise Against's music is either attractive to you, or it isn't. We aren't going to recommend that you purchase this album. We will, however, tell you that if you aren't easily offended, you won't be disappointed. We will leave the purchase of this album to your own judgement.
Top songs of this album:
1. "Make It Stop (September's Children)"
2. "Architects"
3. "Help Is on the Way"
4. "Satellite"
5. "Survivor Guilt"
This review was written by Austin Lovelace.
Rise Against
Interscope Records
Released March 15, 2011
Holy Visage rates this album:
★ ★ - Adequate
Collected score:
21/60
This is the first album by Rise Against that George W. Bush wasn't in office on its release. Their past lyrics had been inspired by their hatred and disagreement of his presidency. So, now that he is out of office, and liberals finally have power, what is left for them to write about? The album covers many current events, including natural disasters and suicides of homosexual teenagers. In a musical sense, Rise Against definitely didn't disappoint with this album. Fast-paced drum beats and powerful guitar anthems support this album. Though the music may sound similar to previous albums, Rise Against proves that they aren't afraid to reach new heights.
1. "Architects"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★ ★
The album opens with heavy, fast-paced drums and thundering guitar. Instrument-wise, this song is outstanding. It's accompanied with solid vocals. Lyric-wise, this song is a disaster. The song talks about going against God's purpose, and being the master of your own life; choosing your own fate, instead of waiting patiently to be saved. And if that isn't enough, strong profanity also makes an appearance in the second verse. However, based on the musical genius of this song, we would have to say that this is the best track on the album.
2. "Help Is on the Way"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★ ★
This track talks about the destruction of recent natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon Oil-Spill, and sympathy for the families of the eleven men who were killed when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded. It also speaks about the future of our nation's price of oil. Musically, this song is different from ordinary Rise Against songs. It has a slower pace in the verses, but a faster-paced chorus. This song is definitely one of the better songs on the album.
3. "Make It Stop (September's Children)"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★ ★ ★
This song is easily one of the best songs on the album in an instrumental view. Lyrically, however, this song is easily the most offensive song on the album. This song talks about the suicides of homosexual teenagers, and basically blames Christians, because of their view on homosexuality as a sin. He labels this conviction as "hate." In the bridge of this song, we respectively hear the names of some of the homosexual teenagers who committed suicide. With this song, Rise Against goes beyond their dislike of conservatives; they introduce their dislike of Christianity. However, because of the song's genius melodies and instrumental talent, it received a higher rating than it may deserve.
4. "Disparity By Design"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★
This song has themes of justice and equality, speaking of why some people are privileged and some end up on welfare. It speaks of the arrogance of the wealthy people of this nation; how they have the mentality that they have earned everything they have. Quite frankly, we find no fault in that. This song pretty much introduces the band's support of socialism. The song is accompanied by fast-paced drum beats and adequate guitar riffs.
5. "Satellite"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★ ★
Potentially the less-offensive song on the album, this song is built of superb melodies, vocals, and arguably the best bridge in the band's musical history. It contains several tempo-changes, starting slow-paced, and picking up in the chorus. The song speaks of "the orphans of the Amerikan dream" plotting a revolution. We definitely suggest buying this song. You won't be disappointed.
6. "Midnight Hands"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★
Lyrically, this song is a continuation of it's preceder, "Satellite." It tells of two (or more) friends trying to make a change for the better good of their selves and their nation. The song pledges faithfulness between the group, saying they will follow each other, whatever path they may take. Probably one of the heavier songs on the album, the song includes screaming in the bridge and heavy drums and guitar throughout the song.
7. "Survivor Guilt"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★
The song opens with an eerie discussion of the potential ending of America, saying "all great countries are destroyed." This track is written from the perspective of an American soldier, questioning whether it was worth the risk of giving his life to fight for his country. He feels that he gave everything, only to lose his life in return. There is an occurrence of strong profanity in the bridge. Disregarding that, this is definitely one of the better songs on the album.
8. "Broken Mirrors"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★
We found this song to be a weak effort. The song tells of seeing your outer appearance in a mirror, and hiding from them. By the end of the song, he encourages us to smash the mirrors, because they can't see our hearts. In a musical sense, Rise Against takes a different approach with this song, opening with a raspy guitar. The song is also accompanied by rather impressive vocals and drum beats.
9. "Wait for Me"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★
Opening with an intriguing guitar riff, this song picks up heavy drums and loud guitars in it's chorus. The song asks somebody if they see the world in different colors, or if they see the world in black and gray, possibly asking this person for a second chance. By the end of the song, he too sees the world drain to black and gray. Like we said before, the sudden tempo changes and volume increases of this song make it one of our favorites on the album.
10. "A Gentlemen's Coup"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★
From the chorus, this song talks about the changes in rule that have gone before ultimately not changing things enough. By the end of this song, we hear them sing that it would have been better to burn this nation to the ground while they had the chance. From a musical mindset, this song is a typical, fast-paced Rise Against song.
11. "This Is Letting Go"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★
Reminiscent of earlier songs from Rise Against, this song is definitely a well-composed track, musically and lyrically. The song tells of leaving a relationship that may have possibly been alive at once, but over time lost meaning. In the chorus, he sings of saying goodbye. He says he isn't giving up, but letting go. This song is absolutely worth the purchase.
12. "Endgame"
Holy Visage rates this song: ★ ★
The album closes with a perfect summary of the album. The song tells of the upcoming end of this nation, and ending this way of life. In the opening verse, he sings of the foolishness of Americans, being unaware of the warning signs for the upcoming ending. Instrumentally, this song is one of the better songs on the album, opening with an impressive bass groove. The song also contains many tempo-changes. Definitely a recommended purchase.
Rise Against has made it known that they aren't afraid to offend anybody (especially Christians). We weren't surprised about the typical liberal-influenced lyrics on this album. Our surprise was the hatred and blaming towards Christianity's' convictions about the issue of homosexuality. We found the album's pessimistic and dooming take on our entire civilization created an atmosphere in which that negativity didn't lower much afterwards. This album is miles apart in our appreciation from the lyrics and the musical composition. We weren't satisfied with the lyrics, but often offended. Rise Against's music is either attractive to you, or it isn't. We aren't going to recommend that you purchase this album. We will, however, tell you that if you aren't easily offended, you won't be disappointed. We will leave the purchase of this album to your own judgement.
Top songs of this album:
1. "Make It Stop (September's Children)"
2. "Architects"
3. "Help Is on the Way"
4. "Satellite"
5. "Survivor Guilt"
This review was written by Austin Lovelace.