Rise Against @ Hard Rock Casino Ottawa with Koyo and Destroy Boys
Rise Against – Hard Rock Casino Ottawa with Koyo and Destroy Boys
Review by Mark Kelly
Rise Against, Chicago’s own standard-bearers of modern punk rock, brought a surge of urgency and intensity to the stage at Hard Rock Casino Ottawa on Sunday, March 8.
Opening with The Good Left Undone immediately set the tone for the night-fast, emotional, and unapologetically loud. The band wasted no time reminding the crowd why they remain one of punk’s most vital voices. Known for their outspoken social commentary, Rise Against continues to carry the torch for politically charged music in a way that feels both classic and urgently modern.
Frontman Tim McIlrath delivered each line with conviction, his lyrics echoing many of today’s social and political tensions. Rather than simply performing songs, McIlrath channeled the collective frustration felt by many in the audience, turning it into something powerful and communal. The crowd responded in kind-singing along, all 2,000 fans fists in the air, and feeding off the band’s relentless energy.
Song after song landed with purpose, blending blistering guitar work with the band’s trademark melodic hooks. It’s that balance-raw aggression paired with thoughtful songwriting-that has allowed Rise Against to remain relevant while much of the punk landscape has shifted around them. Playing a set at Defend Minnesota’s benefit concert shows where they stand against injustices.
Taking the stage to open the night Koyo, an American Punk Band from Stony Brook, NY, who describe themselves as “Stony Brook Hardcore” Impressed the crowd with their energy and new songs from their upcoming album Barely Here out May 8.
California punk outfit Destroy Boys made it clear where their roots lie, channeling the raw spirit of classic 80’s punk bands like the Misfits while delivering a fierce, no-frills set that perfectly primed the crowd. Exactly what punk rock band should be.
Fronted by the electrifying Alexia Roditis, the band unleashed a blast of true punk rock energy. Roditis was mesmerizing behind the mic – equal parts intensity and charisma.
More than just a concert, the evening felt like a rallying cry-music as both release and resistance.
Rise Against
Koyo
Destroy boys
