Chicago punks Rise Against brought their signature brand of socially conscious punk rock to the legendary O2 Academy Brixton on 6 February 2025, igniting the stage with an electrifying energy that felt almost as if the venue itself was a powder keg ready to explode. Supported by Spiritual Cramps and L.S. Dunes, the night was set to be one for the books—and it didn’t disappoint.
Spiritual Cramps kicked things off, offering an enigmatic, post-punk soundscape that felt haunting yet melodic. Their set was brimming with atmosphere, drawing the crowd in with their ethereal vocals and rhythm-heavy compositions. It wasn’t the most raucous opener, but it set the mood for what was to come, drawing curious stares and appreciative nods from the crowd.
L.S. Dunes came next, injecting the room with an injection of adrenaline. Featuring members from bands like My Chemical Romance and Saosin, their explosive performance provided a taste of chaotic, high-energy punk. Tracks like 2022’s “Past Lives” sent the crowd into a frenzy, setting the stage for what was going to be an unforgettable evening.
And then, as the crowd swelled and anticipation built to a near fever pitch, Rise Against took the stage, kicking things off with Satellite. From the very first note, the band’s ferocity was palpable—Tim McIlrath’s unmistakable vocals soared over the anthemic, fast-paced riffs, and the crowd was immediately thrust into a communal atmosphere of punk solidarity.
The opening run was a relentless barrage of fan favorites. Under the Knife and Architects came next, both of which had the audience singing along with a fervor that made it clear these songs have been ingrained in the fans’ minds for years. The choice to include Ready to Fall early on kept the momentum high, and by the time Behind Closed Doors came roaring through, the energy in the room was off the charts.
The band’s message has always been clear: the world is broken, but there is power in unity, and we can make a difference. This was particularly evident when the band tore into Heaven Knows, the crowd hanging on every word of McIlrath’s impassioned delivery. But the night wasn’t just about activism—it was about escape, catharsis, and pure punk fury.
State of the Union and The Violence ratcheted up the political themes, addressing societal upheaval with lyrics that resonated deeply in the current climate. Meanwhile, tracks like House on Fire and People Live Here showcased the band’s musical versatility, blending melodic anthems with rapid-fire punk beats that kept fans on their toes.
By the time they hit Swing Life Away, there was a brief but powerful pause as the room swelled with sing-alongs. The acoustic-infused track provided a moment of release, a chance to catch a breath before the full-throttle energy kicked back in with Nod and Prayer of the Refugee. The latter of which had the entire room screaming the chorus back at the band with raw intensity, as though the world outside had ceased to exist.
When the band left the stage, there was a palpable sense of anticipation for the encore. As the crowd cheered for more, the band returned with Make It Stop (September’s Children), delivering a sharp emotional punch, especially given the song’s tragic, hopeful message. Blood-Red, White & Blue followed, a song that had the audience in full force, fists raised high in defiance. Finally, Rise Against closed out the night with Savior, a powerful anthem of resistance and resilience that left the crowd roaring in approval.
The entire set was a triumph of musical precision, ideological passion, and the unrelenting spirit of punk rock. The mix of classic hits and new material felt both nostalgic and fresh, providing something for every fan in the room. It was clear: Rise Against are still a force to be reckoned with.
High Fives & Stage Dives 