Revolutions per Minute cover

Revolutions per Minute

Rise Against · 2003

37 min · 13 tracks · melodic hardcore

Melodic hardcore anthems collide with urgent political themes, delivering a raw yet polished sound that provokes thought and action.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Black Masks & Gasoline Start here — The opening track sets a fierce tone with its driving rhythm and incisive critique of war and consumerism, perfectly encapsulating the album's themes.
  • →
    Heaven Knows — This song balances melodic hooks with poignant lyrics about disillusionment, showcasing the band's knack for combining catchy melodies with serious messages.
  • →
    Blood‐Red, White & Blue — A powerful commentary on patriotism and its contradictions, this track stands out for its intense delivery and insight into national identity issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic melodies with politically charged lyrics, making it a notable entry in the melodic hardcore genre.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and driving drums, creating a sense of urgency.
  • Several songs feature tempo changes that shift from fast-paced verses to slower, more melodic choruses, enhancing emotional impact.
  • Lyrical themes focus on political and social issues, often delivered in a direct and confrontational manner, which engages the listener intellectually.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short, punchy listening sessions
  • energetic motivational vibes
  • urgent, driving rhythms
  • catchy hooks and melodies

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its lyrical depth and musical intensity, solidifying the band's identity.
Career context
Released in 2003, Revolutions per Minute was Rise Against's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, Siren Song of the Counter Culture. At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the punk scene, known for blending melodic elements with socially conscious lyrics. The album marked a significant step in their evolution as they began to gain wider recognition beyond underground circles.
Stylistic neighbors
Strike Anywhere· Against Me!· Pennywise

Tracklist

  • 1 Black Masks & Gasoline Start here 2:59
  • 2 Heaven Knows 3:23
  • 3 Dead Ringer 1:31
  • 4 Halfway There 3:41
  • 5 Like the Angel 2:46
  • 6 Voices Off Camera: 2:16
  • 7 Blood‐Red, White & Blue 3:39
  • 8 Broken English 3:25
  • 9 Last Chance Blueprint 2:14
  • 10 To the Core 1:33
  • 11 Torches 3:41
  • 12 Amber Changing 2:54
  • 13 Any Way You Want It 2:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata