Rise Against Unleash New Single ‘Prizefighter’ and Power into Festival Season
With a whirlwind of tour dates and a firestorm of fresh material, Rise Against are charging full steam ahead in 2025. The Chicago punk rock veterans have just dropped ‘Prizefighter’, their second single of the year, out now via Loma Vista Recordings, and it’s another potent entry in their legacy of politically sharp, emotionally raw anthems.
The track arrives just weeks after their explosive comeback single ‘Nod’, described by VICE as “the anthem we need right now.” This latest cut continues the momentum, with a powerful lyrical core that examines the delicate balance between creativity, personal well-being, and the expectations of a devoted fanbase.
Fighting the Good Fight
Vocalist Tim McIlrath dives deep into the meaning behind ‘Prizefighter’, saying:
“It’s about a compulsion to create, that then creates an audience, and then your connection with that audience… what you owe the people that are your fans versus what you owe your own mental health.”
Musically, the song is fierce and fast, backed by the sonic intensity fans have come to expect from the group. Produced by Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Foals) and mixed by Alan Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, The Killers), ‘Prizefighter’ is an anthemic call to arms and self-reflection, packed with soaring choruses and a fistful of grit.
Tour Season Heats Up
Already storming stages across the U.S. on their Rise of The Roach co-headline tour with Papa Roach, the band is also eyeing summer festival domination — including a confirmed slot at Download Festival. Their tour will keep them on the road throughout the year, with shows stretching across the States and beyond.
More Than Just a Song
With ‘Prizefighter’ and ‘Nod’, Rise Against are doing more than releasing songs — they’re sparking conversations. Their latest work is a reflection of the times, blending raw punk urgency with a progressive vision, earning their place as one of the most essential bands in modern rock.
More Rise Against on Punkinfocus: Rise Against Bring Fans Into The Fold With All Rise Together Initiative (February 2026) · Rise Against Unleash New Anthem ‘Nod’ ahead of February UK Tour Dates (January 2025) · Rise Against Announce 2025 UK & European Tour with L.S. Dunes (October 2024) · RISE AGAINST RELEASE NEW VIDEO FOR ‘PAIN MGMT’ (September 2022) · Rise Against Announces New Album, “Nowhere Generation” + New Single & Video (March 2021)
More Download Festival on Punkinfocus: Download Festival 2026 closes its sold-out 23rd edition (June 2026) · South Arcade drop DEADMEAT before Download Festival main stage set (June 2026) · Download and Kerrang! Bring Heavy Sounds to The Great Escape 2026 (April 2026) · Download Festival expands District X with chaotic and star-studded 2026 line-up (March 2026) · Download 2026 Unleashes Second Wave As Day Tickets Go Live (February 2026)
