Artist: Rise Against
Album: Endgame
Tracks: 12
Released: 2011
"Architects" jumps right into the frenzy and doesn't hold anything back. It deals with issues of this changing world and modern habits, in a slightly screamo, confusing tone, though the subject matter makes up for it. The actual clarity of what the song's message really is cuts through the confusion, making for an enjoyable, guitar riff and drum-driven track. "Help Is On The Way" presents a situation where someone abandoned speaks out, telling everyone exactly how they feel about being left without aid. This track also alludes to modern flaws, neighbors ignoring one another in the interest of industry or privacy issues. All in all, it's a very catchy song with clever verses and a hint of screamo during the bridge. "Make It Stop (December's Children)" is a heartfelt, more personal track that speaks volumes of emotion while still managing a hardcore rock flair. Although it lacks the screamo that Rise Against has incorporated into many of their tracks, this song manages to appeal to the "beautiful" side of rock. "Disparity By Design" talks about the cynicism and distrust of so-called "fairy tales" that many people choose to believe to get through the day. At first glance, the song's styling is very much like "Architects", at least instrumentally, but the lyrics tell a much different story. "Satellite" provides a mild rock alternative feel, the lyrics painting a philosophical picture, using lines such as "you can't understand what lies ahead if you don't understand the past."Midnight Hands" contains both elements of mystery and an enjoyable instrumental track. The lyrics are engaging, and screamo tones once again emerge during the bridge, though a later chorus transitions quietly, balancing out the intense sounds with lighter ones. "Survivor Guilt" presents the seriousness of soldiers going out to fight war with unmistakable bluntness. A soldier is telling the story of his career, being sent out to fight, giving his country everything, but leaving his family nothing but memories at his death. Raw emotion and understanding resounds in this track, and you can't help but try to relate. This track really makes you think, set to a creative rock beat. "Broken Mirrors" describes a bleak peek into the future of a man, likening it to "broken mirrors". While screamo is absent from this song, plenty of soulful verses and choruses once again capture your attention, as well as make you think about life today. "Wait For Me" combines both soft verses and intense choruses to produce a surprisingly calming effect. While other tracks purposely stirred ripples in the water, this track smooths the waves. With picturesque verses, this track hints at a more personal note. "A Gentlemen's Coup" tells the story of various conquering throughout history, which follows the same pattern, and Rise Against believes that no one has "gone far enough". Impressively blending the issue and their rock roots, this song literally screams intensity. "This Is Letting Go" speaks out about going against the grain and being an individual, despite your situation, because it's ultimately better for you and will take you to where you want to be in life. The meaning is brilliantly overlaid onto the instrumental track, making it's own unique mark on this strongly themed album. It's traditional to save the best for last, and "Endgame", the title track, is surely one of the best of this album. It immediately grabs your attention, imagining an almost Apocalyptic world, and the freedom that you can declare for yourself once it's time for a new beginning.
