Dissatisfied with "Siren Song of the Counter Culture" (2004) producer Garth Richardson, the band members decided to record their next album with Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore, the duo that worked on their 2003 album "Revolutions per Minute". "The Sufferer & the Witness" sold 48,327 copies in its first week of release, and charted in seven countries, including the United States where it entered at position ten on the "Billboard" 200. Critical appraisal was mainly positive, with reviewers complimenting Rise Against's ability to mature in its sound while simultaneously retain its punk roots. Reviewers also highlighted the vocals of singer Tim McIlrath and the production of Stevenson and Livermore.