Live Review: Rise Against Conquer Brixton Academy with a Ferocious, Career-Spanning Set
Hailing from Chicago’s fiery punk scene, Rise Against storm into Brixton Academy like they never left. It’s been a few years since their last visit, and tonight’s sold-out crowd—packed wall to wall with young and old fans—is eager to welcome them back. The air buzzes with anticipation and the moment the opening riff of Satellite kicks in, the entire venue erupts.
Rise Against is making every show of this UK/Euro tour unique, and tonight’s selection is a testament to their deep, rewarding catalogue. Under the Knife and Architects follow quickly, McIlrath’s unmistakable vocals cutting through the wall of sound as the pit churns beneath him. The band’s energy is relentless—Joe Principe’s basslines thunder beneath Brandon Barnes’ machine-gun drumming, while Zach Blair’s lead work adds just the right amount of sharp-edged melody. It’s a mix that feels urgent and anthemic as if every note is meant to spark action.
When State of the Union roars to life, McIlrath takes a moment to fire up the crowd with a sharp political jab: “There are no adults in the government, only lunatics.” The room explodes in agreement before the band hurtles into the track, an old-school blast of fury that proves their political bite is as sharp as ever.
Midway through, the set takes an emotional turn. House on Fire bathes the stage in red, jets of dry ice shooting skyward as McIlrath prowls the riser, urging the crowd to sing along. Then, a hush falls over Brixton as he stands alone under a dozen golden spotlights for a beautiful acoustic Swing Life Away, the fans taking over the vocals in a genuinely moving moment of unity.
Newer material also gets its due—Nod, their latest single, sparks an impassioned reaction, proving that their message still resonates deeply with fans in 2025.
The final stretch is a masterclass in how to close a punk rock show. Prayer of the Refugee sends the crowd into an absolute frenzy, fists pumping and voices rising as one. The band briefly leaves the stage, but the encore is inevitable. They return with Make It Stop (September’s Children), a reminder of their unwavering stance on social issues, before launching into a furious Blood-Red, White & Blue, a circle pit spinning wildly at the heart of the floor.
Then comes Savior. At that moment, there’s no separation between the band and the audience—everyone in the Academy is singing, screaming, and feeling every word as the crowd surfers stream towards the pit. As the final notes ring out, Rise Against stands victorious, proving that their fire still burns as fiercely as ever. Rise Against in 2025? Still as vital, urgent, and electrifying as ever.
Setlist:
Main Set:
Satellite
Under the Knife
Architects
Ready to Fall
Behind Closed Doors
Heaven Knows
State of the Union
The Violence
House on Fire
People Live Here (Acoustic)
Swing Life Away (Acoustic)
Nod
Prayer of the Refugee
Encore:
Make It Stop (September’s Children)
Blood-Red, White & Blue
Savior
