Rise Against Biography
Chicago's Rise Against began in 1999 when ex-88 Fingers Louie bassist Joe Principe tapped area vocalist Tim McIlrath for a new project rooted in the sound and social vision of traditionalist hardcore. Joined by fellow 88 Fingers vet Dan Precision on guitar and, eventually, drummer Brandon Barnes, Rise Against signed to Fat Wreck and issued The Unraveling in 2001. Precision left the band that same year to be replaced by Todd Mohney. Extensive touring followed, leading to their sophomore outing, 2002's Revolutions Per Minute. After solid response from fans and critics alike, as well as a stint on the Warped Tour, Rise Against left the Fat Wreck fold for DreamWorks/Geffen. By this point, guitar duties were being handled by Chris Chasse (Reach the Sky). Rise Against made their major-label debut in August 2004 with Siren Song of the Counter Culture. They toured steadily after the album's release, received plenty of solid press, and even saw Counter Culture crack the Billboard Top 200. In 2005, Rise Against appeared in the skateboarding film Lords of Dogtown, playing an old-school Cali punk band. (They performed a rousing version of Black Flag's "Nervous Breakdown" for the film's soundtrack.) Rise Against continued to tour throughout that summer, including a spot at the U.K.'s Reading and Leeds festivals in August. Their fourth album, The Sufferer & the Witness, appeared in July 2006 and its debut at number ten on the Billboard Top 200 was their highest yet. The band spent the summer tearing up Warped's main stage before hooking up with Thursday and Billy Talent that fall. Rise Against continued playing shows into 2007, but their extensive tour schedule eventually proved to be too much for Chasse, who bowed out that February. The band solidered on, enlisting Only Crime's Zach Blair to temporarily take his place. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
Popular Biographies:
Dodheimsgard Biography: A more traditional (read: raw, furious, and often unintelligible) Norwegian black metal band, Dodheimsgard featured guitarist/vocalist Aldrahn, bassist/backing vocalist Fenriz, and drummer Vicotnik...
Jah cure Biography: Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, but raised in Kingston Town, golden-voiced singer Jah Cure (real name Siccature Alcock) became involved with reggae music as a teenager and rapidly rose to fame...
Fragma Biography: German Fragma emerged in 1999 after ex-Hardfloor member Ramon Zenker joined Dirk Duderstadt (born 1977) and Marco Duderstadt (born 1979) to assemble a new dance music outfit. Fragma debuted with the...
Excel Biography: Not the computer program, but a skatecore/crossover band from Venice, CA (where else?), Excel were musical baby brothers to hometown heroes Suicidal Tendencies, and recorded a trio of...
Alpha Biography: The duo of Corin Dingley and Andy Jenks formed Alpha after working on such projects as Statik Sound System and the Sugarboat. The duo are inspired by film soundtracks and the songwriting of Jimmy...
Kajagoogoo Biography: Kajagoogoo's light synth pop and pretty, photogenic look made the group an instant sensation in the early days of MTV. Led by vocalist Limahl (born Chris Hamill), the group also featured Steve Askew...
Praxis Biography: Praxis is one of producer Bill Laswell's many projects, featuring guitarist Buckethead, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, AF Next Man Flip (turntable) and Brain (drums) Transmutation (Mutatis Mutandis)...
Stutterfly Biography: Stutterfly called Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, home. Vocalist Chris Stickney, guitarist Bradyn Byron, bassist Jordan Chase, and drummer Craig Langerud issued the Hollow demo in 2000, and by the...