Vocalist Tim McIlrath recalled, "I was trying to figure out where Rise Against fitted in - in the musical world and our fans' lives.

McIlrath recalled "It was clear we'd also put ourselves physically outside of our comfort zone by leaving Chicago, which is this liberal nest where you're hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees with the progressive politics of Rise Against...

I think it's really good for anybody to see both sides of the fence and spend time in a place that is hurting—and helping to create the narrative of the country you live in.

When asked in a Reddit AMA about why they were not included on the standard album, McIlrath responded, "because lazy Tim didn't finish the lyrics in time.

"[7] McIlrath stated in an interview with The Shrine Auditorium that "In many ways, a Rise Against show is a safe space for our fans.

[17] Loudwire's Chad Bowar described the album as "an appealing combination of catchy songs and thoughtful, passionate lyrics",[24] while Nik Young of Metal Hammer commented "Rise Against certainly know how to sweep you along for the ride".

[19][22] Alternative Press in particular wrote: "Of course, this album won't beat Trump's administration alone, but it's part of a vital movement that's prepared to stand up and fight against it.

"[19] In contrast, Paste critic Scott Heisel said "For being one of the first big punk albums in post-Trump America, Wolves doesn't howl nearly enough and rarely shows its fangs".

Rock Sound wrote "familiarity does dull the edges of their less immediate efforts",[22] while Heisel commented "Wolves, for or better or worse, feels like it could've been recorded a decade ago, or maybe three years from now".

[21] A reviewer for Sputnikmusic was especially disappointed by the musical similarities, writing: "The thing is, though, if you'll permit me to borrow the buzzword-iest of Shakespeare lines; Wolves is a whole bunch of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

[12][13][20] Josh Gray of Clash commented on the unique juxtaposition of lyrical themes, such as pacifism in "The Violence" and aggression in "Wolves".

[21][23] The Sputnikmusic reviewer jokingly likened the lyrics to "an entitled soccer mum at a game where her beloved son has lost".

[17] Bowar complimented the production value of Raskulinecz, noting how he gave the music "plenty of punch and clarity without making things too slick".

Club however criticized Raskulinecz by writing "Wolves is somehow even more polished, almost glossy to a fault with its compression and ladled-on sweetening of the distortion.