To keep things fresh, the band ditched long-time collaborators and called in Grammy-winning producer Catherine Marks (Boygenius, St. Vincent). Four years in the making, Ricochet keeps the political bite but dresses it in sleeker production, a dash of country-western grit, and enough energy to power a small city.

_Nod_ kicks off with capitalism in its crosshairs, while _I Want It All_ and _Sink Like a Stone_ channel the band’s classic, clenched-fist punk. The title track starts with dusty acoustic strumming before exploding into an arena-sized chorus.

For a softer gut punch, _Gold Long Gone_ and _Soldier_ slow things down with acoustic reflection and simmering political anger. Meanwhile, _State of Emergency_ and _Prizefighter_ demand both unity and volume — preferably shouted from stadium seats.

McIlrath hasn’t mellowed. He’s still swiping at conspiracy culture for distracting from real problems like climate denial, and urging artists to speak their minds despite the risk of alienating fans.

For Rise Against, politics isn’t a brand — it’s the point. Ricochet is their reminder that in a world full of noise, the loudest thing you can be is unapologetically yourself.