Rise Against have unleashed “Ricochet,” the title track from their upcoming album.
“When I was writing ‘Ricochet,’ I couldn’t shake this image: people dancing while bombs and bullets careened overhead,” lead singer Tim McIlrath explained vs press release. “That contrast — the obliviousness of joy against the backdrop of destruction — felt like the world we’re living in.”
“Ricochet” arrives with a powerful music video — which you can watch below — that further drives home the song’s message.
“It’s about more than action and reaction,” McIlrath noted. “It’s about how even our silence, even our detachment, carries weight. Every choice, every shrug, every shot fired — they all ricochet.”
“Ricochet” arrives just days ahead of the album of the same name, which will be released this Friday, August 12. In discussing the LP, McIlrath again noted an overarching them of cause, effect and connectivity.
READ MORE: Rise Against’s Tim McIlrath Discusses State of Punk in 2025
“We rely on each other, whether we like it or not,” the singer explained. “Everything that you do will affect somebody. We’re connected to other countries and other economies; we’re connected to undocumented immigrants. We’re connected to every decision that our leaders make. We are not as isolated as we think. What we do, good or bad, creates one big ricochet effect.”
Rise Against have had a busy year so far and there are no signs of slowing down. The group recently made their triumphant return to Vans Warped Tour, played LA’s Kia Forum, and have toured across three continents this year. Next, the punk giants will hit the road for a fall tour, playing dozens of arena and amphitheater shows.