Revolutions per Minute is the second studio album by American punk rock band Rise Against, released on April 8, 2003, by Fat Wreck Chords. After establishing a fanbase with their 2001 debut, The Unraveling, the band members wanted to record an album that distinguished them from other Fat Wreck Chords bands of the time. They chose Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore to produce the album, with whom they developed a strong rapport. Recording took place from November to December 2002 at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is the band's only album to feature lead guitarist Todd Mohney.
Musically, Revolutions per Minute is rooted in melodic hardcore. Critics noted that the album exhibited greater musical maturity and an overall darker tone when compared to its predecessor. It comprises thirteen songs, with lyrical themes ranging from relationships and politics. To promote the album, Rise Against toured extensively with other Fat Wreck Chords bands, and participated in the 2003 Warped Tour.
Upon its release, the album peaked at number 35 on the Independent Albums chart, and was praised for its impassioned lyrics and unique blend of genres. Some critics called it one of the best albums of the year. According to Bryne Yancey of Punknews.org, Revolutions per Minute not only popularized the melodic hardcore genre, but also influenced "literally thousands of bands" with its music and social commentary. The album also introduced several aspects that would become common traits in Rise Against's newer material, such as extensive social commentary, and reliance on musical accessibility. In 2013, Fat Wreck Chords re-released the album with ten bonus demos and expanded packaging.
Background and recording
left|upright=1.2|thumb|Jason Livermore (left) and [[Bill Stevenson (American musician)|Bill Stevenson (right) produced Revolutions per Minute at The Blasting Room.]]
In April 2001, Rise Against released its debut studio album The Unraveling through Fat Wreck Chords. Although the album failed to reach any major music charts, it did receive positive reviews from critics, and helped establish a steady fanbase for the band. After the release of The Unraveling, guitarist Dan Wleklinski left the band due to personal differences with lead vocalist Tim McIlrath; he was eventually replaced by Todd Mohney, McIlrath's roommate and former bandmate.
When it came time to record Rise Against's second album, Revolutions per Minute, McIlrath noted that the band was suffering from an "identity crisis". At the time, Fat Wreck Chords had a specific pop punk sound, so the band members wanted to find a producer who could help distinguish them from the other bands on the label, and highlight the heavier aspects of their music. They decided on Bill Stevenson—the former drummer of the punk band Descendents—and Jason Livermore to produce the album. Revolutions per Minute was recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, from November to December 2002. Stevenson and Livermore produced the album; Stevenson also served as the engineer and mixer, while Livermore mastered the album. These comments were echoed by Punknews.org's Aubin Paul, who noted the album's overall "darker" tone. Its lyrics advocate for a revolution against a vengeful government, and contain imagery of raised hands and clenched fists. with lyrics that deal with "personal strife". Jo-Ann Greene of AllMusic believes that "Halfway There" is about the need for a real leader and questioning the current leaders' action, bolstered by McIlrath's screaming vocals. Like The Unraveling, it failed to reach any major music chart, but did reach number thirty-five on the Independent Albums chart. and several performances in the 2003 Warped Tour in North America. Additionally, "Like the Angel" was released as a promotional single.
Revolutions per Minute was well received by music critics. Paul praised the album for its honest and personal lyrics, as well as its unique blend of hardcore punk and melodic hardcore. He concluded by declaring it one of the best albums of the year, a sentiment which was shared by The Virginian-Pilot Jeff Maisey. Greene liked the juxtaposition of impassioned and political lyrics, commenting that the album is capable of "rubbing emotions raw and minds numb". Davey Boy of Sputnikmusic felt that with Revolutions per Minute, Rise Against took their craft and musicianship more seriously. He commented that while the songs themselves do not work well individually, "the band should be given credit for how even and consistent the album still is, and for the fact that it is a solid and cohesive listen."
Impact and re-release
Bryne Yancey of Punknews.org notes that in the early 2000s, melodic hardcore was not a well established genre. With the release of Revolutions per Minute, Yancey argues Rise Against not only popularized the genre, but also influenced "literally thousands of bands residing somewhere within the melodic hardcore spectrum" with the album's music and social commentary. Revolutions per Minute was also an important album for Rise Against, as Boy believes it "clearly played a huge role in shaping what was to come" for the band. Some songs like "Voices Off Camera:" and "Broken English" demonstrated a greater reliance on musical accessibility, which "hinted" at the band's eventual shift toward mainstream rock. Yancey felt that album held up surprisingly well, and that while the demos were interesting, they were unessential.
| total_length =
| title14 = Black Masks & Gasoline (Demo)
| length14 = 2:55
| title15 = Heaven Knows (Demo)
| length15 = 3:21
| title16 = Halfway There (Demo)
| length16 = 3:41
| title17 = Like the Angel (Demo)
| length17 = 2:50
| title18 = Voices Off Camera: (Demo)
| length18 = 2:16
| title19 = Blood-Red, White, & Blue (Demo)
| length19 = 3:38
| title20 = Broken English (Demo)
| length20 = 3:27
| title21 = Last Chance Blueprint (Demo)
| length21 = 2:13
| title22 = Torches (Demo)
| length22 = 3:41
| title23 = Amber Changing (Demo)
| length23 = 2:53
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Revolutions per Minute.
Rise Against
- Tim McIlrathlead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Todd Mohneylead guitar, backing vocals
- Joe Principebass guitar, backing vocals
- Brandon Barnesdrums
Additional musicians
- Chad Priceadditional backing vocals
Production
- Bill Stevensonproducer, engineer, mixing
- Jason Livermoreproducer, mastering
Artwork
- Michael Joseph Jacksoncover art and layout
- Steven Karl Metzerband photo
Charts
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Chart (2003)
!Peak<br />position
|-
| US Independent Albums (Billboard)
| style="text-align:center;"|35
|}