Endgame

Endgame is the sixth studio album by American punk rock band Rise Against. It was released on March 15, 2011, by DGC Records and Interscope Records. A melodic hardcore album, Endgame continues the trend by Rise Against towards more crisp, polished production, which began with the band's previous album Appeal to Reason. Social and political commentary constitute the majority of the lyrical content on Endgame, and a major theme revolves around the end of humanity. After a lengthy tour in support of Appeal to Reason, Rise Against began recording Endgame in September 2010, with producers Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore. Endgame debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, with 85,000 copies sold in its first week. It holds the record for the band's highest position on the chart. The album also charted highly in several other countries such as Canada, where it became Rise Against's second consecutive album to reach number one on the Canadian Albums Chart. Three songs from Endgame were released as singles: "Help Is on the Way", "Make It Stop (September's Children)", and "Satellite". All three songs appeared on various Billboard charts, in particular "Help Is on the Way", which became Rise Against's only song to reach the Billboard Hot 100. Critical appraisal was mainly positive, with reviewers complimenting the music, and Rise Against's ability to integrate its hardcore punk roots with a mainstream rock sound. Most reviewers liked the politically driven lyrics, although some felt the lyrics were either lacking or melodramatic. Background and recording In 2008, Rise Against released its fifth studio album, Appeal to Reason. It was the band's highest charting album on the Billboard 200, where it peaked at number three. Despite sales of nearly 500,000 copies, critics were divided in their opinions of the album. To promote the album, Rise Against embarked on the Appeal To Reason Tour, which concluded in mid-2010 with performances at several European festivals. That September, the band members reconvened at the Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado to record Endgame.