“…A gem of a record that manages to walk the line of recaputuring the heart of his early works yet still feels totally vibrant for today …moments that shine best here are the album opening “Touching The Divine”, “The Death of Me”, the Stones-ish balladry of “Waiting On The Demons” and “HYPE”. Keifer’s second act is something to rise up and cheer. – Chad Childers, Loudwire (RISE Top 50 albums of 2019)
“…a return to form for KEIFER and company. RISE features a cross section of tunes that cull inspiration from NIGHT SONGS and LONG COLD WINTER with a potent, modern age punch that will please diehard and casual fans alike. On RISE, KEIFER is showing the kids and his contemporaries how it’s done. Well done KEIFER BAND. 5.0 Out Of 5.0” — Ruben Mosqueda, KNAC.com (RISE #3 Top 10 albums of 2019)
“TOM KEIFER is an outstanding guitarist and songwriter, and that’s apparent on his solo music. KEIFER’s 2019 release, RISE stands out for its gritty songs and riffs, with each track offering its own character.” — Anne Erickson, Audio Ink Radio (RISE #22 Best Albums of the Decade: Rock and Metal in the 2010s)
“The former Cinderella mastermind’s second solo release contains Rolling Stones nods (‘Waiting on the Demons,’ ‘Breaking Down’), Cinderella-styled scorchers (‘All Amped Up,’ ‘Life Was Here’), and modern sounds (‘The Death of Me,’ ‘Hype,’ ‘Untitled’). ‘You Believe in Me’ is a soul-baring tribute to his wife/songwriting partner/bandmate, Savannah. KEIFER and Tony Higbee trigger ringing acoustic and electric parts throughout.” — Bret Adams, Vintage Guitar
“In sum, with RISE, TOM KEIFER succeeds in proving (once again) to be an artist who knows no creative boundaries and remains in a league of his own.” — Christopher Long, Ink19.com
“…A collection of 14 blues howlers, Stones-y rock and, yes, big ballads, the album calls to mind Cinderella but with an even more rootsy undercurrent.”
“…14 songs that stay true to form – killer blues-rock playing and tones, hooks galore, and strong songwriting. If you’re a fan of harder-edged rock and long to hear genuinely enjoyable new tunes, it may be just the thing; the opener, ‘Solid Ground,’ offers pure Keifer guitar and vocals with a feel reminiscent the Stones’ Exile On Main Street.”
“…The record features such vital, vibrant guitar tones and parts that are immediate and honest. They also have that cool, interlocking, layered quality that made so many classic rock albums so, well, classic. Keifer flat-out knows how to play vibey guitar parts with ungodly tone, and fans of the Stones, Zeppelin, Steve Marriott, and early Aerosmith should definitely take notice. And, although you wouldn’t wish hemorrhaging vocal cords on anyone, this guy is singing better than ever to complement his great 6-string parts.”
“…An amazing, raspy voice and a knack for writing songs that lodge themselves on the brain and refuse to leave for days…”