Rating: Dig It!

While best known for members’ stage antics, Rise Against continues to impress fans with its distinct sound and powerful lyrics, time after time. Since the release of “Appeal to Reason” in 2008, the band has only improved. Last month, Rise Against released its newest album, “Endgame,” and the sound that first made its members famous shines through even on this release — their sixth.

The first track, “Architects,” begins with a booming chord, reminding the listener of Rise Against’s trademark sound. When vocalist Tim McIlrath enters, there’s a sense of familiarity; while songs are varied enough, there is seemingly little different between this album and any of the group’s previous releases. The first few lines of “Help is on the Way,” the album’s second track and first single, draw the listener in. Though slightly repetitive during the chorus, the instrumental and lyrical aspects of this song are phenomenal, keeping listeners focused until the very end.

As the album unfolds, the song “Satellite” comes to attention. The beat of the song is both catchy and memorable. Holding true to Rise Against’s style, the song’s lyrics inspire the listener to resist oppression and fight for what he believes in.

The seventh track, “Survivor Guilt,” is the album’s most unusual song. The lyrics come from a man who, after being killed in battle to save another, talks to the ungrateful survivor. Needless to say, this song is much less optimistic than Rise Against’s other songs.

No part of this album is easily forgotten. Rise Against has done it once again, putting out another solid album while keeping true to its alternative rock/punk rock way of life.