Rise Against

With the intention of resurrecting the energy of classic hardcore, ex-88 Fingers Louie bassist Joe Principe formed Rise Against in Chicago in 1999. Powered by the impressive vocals of Tim McIlrath, the band plays modern retro hardcore that is closer to Bad Religion than Black Flag. But that's OK since they deliver plenty of punch; and while the messages are positive, they stick close enough to the sonic brutality of their progenitors to ensure that punk is still not dead. Since forming in 1999, the band has released four records and a handful of singles, played Black Flag in the skateboarding epic Lords of Dogtown and became one of the shining stars on Fat Wreck Chords' artist roster.