2. Every Single Lyric Is Tattoo-Worthy
FacebookWhen Tim McIlrath's not penning emotionally-resonant tales on the likes of The Approaching Curve or Hero Of War, he's effortlessly delivering any number of pieces that land with enough weight to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship. "Pushed so far to the edge, we teeter just on the brink, you can lead me to the bloodbath, but you can't make me drink" (Tip the Scales) "Do you care to be the layer of the bricks that seal your fate? Or would you rather be the architect of what we might create? (Architects) "If strength is born from heartbreak, then mountains I could move, and if walls could speak I'd pray that they would tell me what to do" (Drones) They're just three choice-cuts from three of the band's tracks, but please nominate your own favourites in the comments below!
1. Tim McIlrath's Scream Is The Most Passionate Thing On Earth
Geffen RecordsIt's the make-or-break element that can propel any band up to the next level and really rally the masses to their cause; that idea that the singer truly believes what they're singing about. Luckily for Rise Against, Tim has been honing his craft over the years to hit a whole range of notes, as well as not being afraid - especially in the early days - of getting his point across with a righteous venom that powered all of his screams far further than many other bands ever could. In the live arena when he's not climbing stage equipment and bouncing around like the embodiment of the band's social-uprising mentality, he's hitting every single note just as it was recorded - or doing both at the same time. With some of the most emotionally-intense and politically-relevant messages you're ever likely to hear, delivered by a genuine master of the craft that has almost 20 years in the game - needless to say, when Tim McIlrath speaks, the world listens.
Is there anything we missed? Let us know your favourite lyrics and albums in the comments!