cannotsleep

The cover art is pretty sweet.

So, Rise Against has made a new album. The reviews seem OKAY. 

• AbsolutePunk.net (82%) link
• Bombshellzine.com  link
• Punknews.org  link
• Rolling Stone  link
• Strange Glue  link

My initial impression? It seems okay. 

1. Collapse(Post-Amerika) – Sounds like classic Rise Against, even with their new guitarist. Seems like it’s straight out of “The Sufferer and the Witness” This song is about the collapse of a nation, the subtitle gives it away. I agree with this song 100%, we are just waiting for our fall from grace. My favorite song on this album.
2. Long Forgotten Sons – Like I said before, straight from TS&TW. Nothing special about this. D: I can’t understand it, maybe about Mexicans?
3. Re-Education (Through Labor) – I like this guy’s voice better. I don’t get this one either. I still think it’s about Mexican laborers. D:<
4. The Dirt Whispered – A very personal song, seems less Rise Againsty now. I personally think the guy’s voice is good for screaming and not so much as singing. The message is clear. Nothing lasts forever, hold onto things before they disappear.
5. Kotov Syndrome – Yeah, we will spin out of control. America is already collapsing. I don’t think America will recover under either Obama or McCain.
6. From Heads Unworthy – This album is your guide to America, srsly. It’s about love, and the imbalance of power.  We will take what is rightfully ours, after the rich and wealthy’s castles collapse.
7. The Strength To Go  On – This song begins with an Orwellian feel. It’s about everyone being the sum of massive lies.
8. Audience of One – Pop punk feel. D: Where the hell’s our post-hardcore. ): It’s about a guy and how there is no one blame but himself.
9. Entertainment – Yeah, we are all entertainment to the power. They don’t give a fuck about us. D:< I’m starting to miss the old Rise Against. 
10. Hero of War – Beautiful song, no doubt about the Iraq War. If you listen to the lyrics, its not actually about glorification of war. It’s all a big fuck you to war. America mistreats the Iraqis. If you piss on someone and hit them, you become a “hero of war”.
11. Savior –  I definitely miss the old Rise. Stop with this lovey dovey pop punk bullshit, that’s only for blink-182. D: It’s more pleasant, and the chorus is all happy and shit.
12. Hairline Fracture – I think this song is about people trying to recover, but fall again, but there hopes are still high. They’re not hardcore anymore.
13. Whereabouts Unknown – It’s about people trying to find a person, they miss him, and try to reflect on memories of him.
14. Elective Amnesia (iTunes bonus)- I don’t know how to interpret this song, but I don’t like it. There’s liek no meaning.

This album was okay, I don’t like there new style. I preferred there old hardcore style. The guitar still sounds the same, even with the new guitarist. I give this album an 7/10. It wasn’t that great in my opinion. Comment away people, I have been listening to Rise for a while, and i found nearly every one of their songs has multiples meanings and interpretations.