The group Rise Against has already been making waves in the punk rock scene for more than a decade. The American band hails from Chicago, Illinois.

Past Story

The birth of Rise Against began when members of Baxter and 88 Fingers Louie joined forces to first form Transistor Revolt. On lead vocals was Tim Mcllrath while Joe Principe and Mr. Precision provided backup vocals while handling bass and guitar. On drums was Toni Tintari. As an independent performer, the band was able to come up with an EP demo carrying four tracks called “Transistor Revolt.”

Tony Tintari never moved on beyond the initial EP band work. He left and the band commissioned Dan Lumley to handle drums. Lumley left early too and was replaced by Brandon Barnes. Barnes is still with the group today playing in the same capacity.

After several months, the band was able to make a deal with Fat Wreck Chords. Before they released their album with this label, the band name changed to Rise Against. More than three months into 2001, the band was able to release its debut album “The Unraveling.” After this accomplishment though, Mr. Precision left the group and Todd Mohney took his place. They then moved on to their second album “Revolutions per Minute” which was released in 2003.

The band began to move towards the mainstream path when they signed a deal with Dreamworks Records in 2004. This paved the way for the release of their third album, “Siren Song of the Counter Culture” in the same year. Dreamworks was later taken in by the Universal Music Group and Rise Against moved on to Geffen Records.

After this change, Todd Mohney decided to leave the band and Chris Chasse came in to fill the spot. Chasse however did not stay for long, leaving in 2007 after the fourth Rise Against album release. Zach Blair became the new guitarist and worked with the band on its fifth album and on other Rise Against video features. He is still currently with the group.

Albums Out

After Transistor Revolt changed its name, its first album “The Unraveling” came out in 2001. The first demo tracks in their EP were made with Brandon Barnes behind the drums. In 2005, the tracks were remixed and remastered and were then subsequently released again. With Fat Wreck Chords behind the group, “Revolutions per Minute” took the fifteenth spot in the Billboard Top Independent Albums list of 2003.

The third album “Siren Song of the Counter Culture” came out when they signed up with the Dreamworks label. Of all the releases, it was this one that was regarded a big deal but got mixed reactions from listeners. The fourth album “The Sufferer the Witness” was more popular, selling more than 48,000 in just the first week. Music fans have been more critical of the following album “Appeal to Reason.” Nonetheless, it still took the number three spot and sold more than 64,000 copies.

There is every indication that Rise Against will be moving away from the underground music scene. This has not met with complete approval among fans. Nonetheless they seem all set for a building a broader reputation. They will record a new album in autumn of 2010 and will soon open up for Green Day in the hopes of improving interest for the Rise Against discography.

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