In an interview with Kerrang!, vocalist Tim McIlrath stated that "As we were watching the news and seeing all the different things [unfold] around the planet, I realized that violence has such a role in a lot of what we see when the world is falling apart.

"[2] On May 1, 2017, "The Violence" became enshrouded in controversy when it was revealed that the band was prohibited from shooting a music video due to being "anti-government".

[4] Later that day, Rise Against posted a message on their Facebook page[5] reading: "As we prepare for the June 9th release of our new record WOLVES, we planned to shoot a video for the first single of that record “The Violence.” The song talks about whether violence is an inevitability of the human condition, or whether it's a choice we make, and therefore, can reject.

Our director approached us with the idea of filming in a field full of the Presidential busts (basically the giant concrete heads of Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington, etc).

Our permit to shoot the video was initially granted, but subsequently pulled by the board of directors who oversee the location.

Rolling Stone stated that the song was "packed with jagged guitar riffs and rumbling drums that combine with Tim McIlrath punchy vocals to create a furious tension that finally bursts with a soaring chorus.

Rise Against sound just like themselves with “The Violence,” as frontman Tim McIlrath ramps up his distinctive vocal style over buzzing guitars and marching drum beats.