The Black Market cover

The Black Market

Rise Against · 2014

46 min · 12 tracks · melodic hardcore

A fierce blend of melodic hardcore and punk rock, charged with political urgency and personal introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Great Die‐Off Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    I Don’t Want to Be Here Anymore — This track stands out for its raw exploration of despair, encapsulating the angst that permeates the album while showcasing the band’s melodic prowess.
  • →
    The Eco‐Terrorist in Me — A powerful commentary on environmental issues, this song combines aggressive instrumentals with poignant lyrics that challenge listeners to consider their relationship with nature.
  • →
    Tragedy + Time — This track blends introspective lyrics with anthemic melodies, illustrating the tension between personal pain and the wider struggles of society.

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 polished production with strong melodies and political themes, making it a solid entry in Rise Against's discography.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive tempos and driving guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more melodic section.
  • Several songs incorporate dual vocal harmonies, with one voice delivering the lead and the other providing backing lines.
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 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • steady mid-tempo progression
  • lyrical exploration of struggles
  • thought-provoking themes throughout
  • consistent flow for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek purely upbeat energy

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in their catalog that doesn't fit other specific roles.
Career context
At the time of its release in 2014, The Black Market was Rise Against's sixth studio album, following their 2011 effort Endgame. This album marked a continued evolution in their sound as they embraced a more polished production style while maintaining their signature lyrical themes of social justice and personal struggle.
Stylistic neighbors
Strike Anywhere· Against Me!· Pennywise

Tracklist

  • 1 The Great Die‐Off Start here 3:39
  • 2 I Don’t Want to Be Here Anymore 3:59
  • 3 Tragedy + Time 4:16
  • 4 The Black Market 4:15
  • 5 The Eco‐Terrorist in Me 2:45
  • 6 Sudden Life 4:08
  • 7 A Beautiful Indifference 3:24
  • 8 Methadone 3:48
  • 9 Zero Visibility 4:38
  • 10 Awake Too Long 3:11
  • 11 People Live Here 4:08
  • 12 Bridges 4:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata