Revolutions per Minute | ||||
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Studio album by Rise Against | ||||
Released | April 8, 2003 | |||
Recorded | November – December 2002 | |||
Studio | The Blasting Room, Fort Collins, Colorado | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 37:42 | |||
Label | Fat Wreck Chords | |||
Producer |
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Rise Against chronology | ||||
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Revolutions per Minute is the second studio album by American rock band Rise Against. It was released on April 8, 2003, by Fat Wreck Chords. After establishing a fanbase with their 2001 debut The Unraveling, Rise Against wanted to record an album that distinguished themselves 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.
Musically, Revolutions per Minute is rooted in hardcore punk and 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 reach number thirty-five on the Independent Albums chart, and was praised for its impassioned lyrics and unique blend of hardcore punk and melodic hardcore. 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 greater reliance on musical accessibility. In 2013, Fat Wreck Chords re-released the album with ten bonus demo tracks and expanded packaging.
In April 2001, Rise Against released their 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.