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...And Out Come the Wolves
...And Out Come the Wolves
...And Out Come the Wolves
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...And Out Come the Wolves
Studio album by
Rancid
ReleasedAugust 22, 1995 (1995-08-22)
RecordedFebruary–May 1995
Studio
Genre
Length49:39
LabelEpitaph
ProducerJerry Finn, Rancid
Rancid chronology
Let's Go
(1994) 		...And Out Come the Wolves
(1995) 		Life Won't Wait
(1998)
Singles from ...And Out Come the Wolves
  1. "Roots Radicals"
    Released: August 7, 1995
  2. "Time Bomb"
    Released: November 1, 1995
  3. "Ruby Soho"
    Released: November 3, 1995

...And Out Come the Wolves is the third studio album by American punk rock band Rancid. It was released on August 22, 1995, through Epitaph Records. Rancid's popularity and catchy songs made them the subject of a major label bidding war (hence the title, ...And Out Come the Wolves[1] taken from a poem in Jim Carroll's The Basketball Diaries) that ended with the band staying on Epitaph. With a sound heavily influenced by ska, which called to mind Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman's past in Operation Ivy, Rancid became one of the few bands of the mid-to-late 1990s punk rock boom to retain much of its original fan base. In terms of record sales and certifications, ...And Out Come the Wolves is a popular album in the United States. It produced three singles: "Roots Radicals", "Time Bomb" and "Ruby Soho", that earned Rancid its heaviest airplay on MTV and radio stations to date. All the singles charted on Modern Rock Tracks. ...And Out Come the Wolves was certified gold by the RIAA on January 22, 1996. It was certified platinum on September 23, 2004.[2]

Along with Bad Religion's Stranger than Fiction, Green Day's Dookie and The Offspring's Smash, ...And Out Come the Wolves helped revive mainstream interest in punk rock in the mid-1990s, signaled the initial rise of mainstream punk rock, and proved to be successful for the band. To coincide with its 20th anniversary, Rancid performed the album live in its entirety on their 2015–2016 Honor Is All We Know world tour.[3][4][5]

Background

[edit]

Rancid formed in Albany, California, in 1991. They signed to Epitaph Records (founded by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz) in 1992 and released their eponymous debut album, Rancid, a year later to rave reviews. While Rancid was already writing another album, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, one of the band's friends, joined them to co-write the song "Radio". This led to him playing a live show with the band, and Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong eventually asked him to become a member of the band, but he decided to continue playing in Green Day. Armstrong had previously asked Lars Frederiksen to be Rancid's second guitarist, but he turned down the request. After Billie Joe declined, Frederiksen changed his mind and decided to join the band. Rancid's second album, Let's Go, was released in 1994 to unexpected success and acclaim. After the release of Green Day's Dookie and The Offspring's Smash later that year, Rancid was pursued by several major labels, including Madonna's Maverick Records, but eventually turned them down. They decided to stay on Epitaph and soon began recording a follow-up album.

Recording and production

[edit]

...And Out Come the Wolves was recorded mainly between February and May 1995. The recording took place at not only Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California (where Let's Go was recorded), but also at the famous Electric Lady Studios (built by Jimi Hendrix) in New York City. This was the first time Rancid recorded an album at more than one studio.

Rather than having the band's previous producer Brett Gurewitz, Jerry Finn was appointed to produce the album. Gurewitz would eventually start working with the band again, beginning with 2000's Rancid.

Release, reception and legacy

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStarHalf star[6]
The Des Moines RegisterStarStarStarStar[7]
Entertainment WeeklyA+[8]
Los Angeles TimesStarStarStar[9]
NME7/10[10]
The Philadelphia InquirerStarStarStarHalf star[11]
QStarStarStar[12]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStarStar[13]
Select3/5[14]
The Village VoiceA−[15]

...And Out Come the Wolves was released on August 22, 1995, and peaked at number 45 on the Billboard 200 album chart.[16] Five months after its release, the album was certified gold and in 2004 it was certified platinum.[2]

The album received positive reviews, Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic described the album as having "classic moments of revivalist punk". Erlewine praised the music and claims the album "doesn't mark an isolationist retreat into didactic, defiantly underground punk rock". The album received a rating of four and a half out of five stars, while "Time Bomb," "Ruby Soho" and "Roots Radicals" earned Rancid its heaviest airplay on MTV and radio stations to date.[1] In 2005, ...And Out Come the Wolves was ranked number 368 in Rock Hard magazine's book The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time.[17] BuzzFeed included the album at number 14 on their "36 Pop Punk Albums You Need To Hear Before You F——ing Die" list.[18] Cleveland.com ranked "Ruby Soho" at number 21 on their list of the top 100 pop-punk songs.[19] ...And Out Come the Wolves became a cultural phenomenon and truly helped catapulted punk into the mainstream. The album has been listed as an essential punk album,[20] In 2015 Loudwire put the album at number 16 on their list of the top 25 best punk albums of all time.[21] In 2016 the readers of Rolling Stone voted it the 9th best punk album of all time,[22] In 2018 Revolver Magazine named it the 8th greatest punk album of all time.[23] that same year Metal hammer dubbed the album the 13th greatest punk album of all time.[24] In 2021 Kerrang! named the album to their list of the 40th greatest punk albums made since Never Mind The Bollocks.[25]

On May 21, 2021, it was announced that Lavasock Records is releasing a tribute album titled ...And Out Come the Lawsuits featuring Link 80, Sarchasm, Omnigone, Flying Raccoon Suit, Little Debbie & The Crusaders and Stay Wild.[26]

Professional wrestler Dori Prange came up with her in-ring name, Ruby Riott, from the song "Ruby Soho". Prange lost the rights to the name after her release from the WWE in June 2021 however thanks to Lars Frederiksen, who hosts a wrestling podcast, she now wrestles under the name of Ruby Soho.[27]

Artwork

[edit]

The cover art is a tribute to Minor Threat, a landmark hardcore punk band, that originally used the image of Alec MacKaye (brother of the band's lead singer Ian MacKaye) with his head on his knees on steps of the Wilson Center steps on their eponymous debut EP.

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Tim Armstrong, Matt Freeman and Lars Frederiksen, except where noted.

No.TitleLead vocalsLength
1."Maxwell Murder"Frederiksen, Armstrong1:25
2."The 11th Hour" (written by Armstrong, Freeman, Frederiksen, Eric Dinn)Armstrong2:28
3."Roots Radicals"Frederiksen, Armstrong2:47
4."Time Bomb"Armstrong2:24
5."Olympia WA."Armstrong3:30
6."Lock, Step & Gone"Frederiksen, Armstrong2:25
7."Junkie Man" (written by Armstrong, Freeman, Frederiksen, Jim Carroll)Armstrong, Frederiksen3:04
8."Listed M.I.A."Frederiksen2:22
9."Ruby Soho"Armstrong2:37
10."Daly City Train"Armstrong3:21
11."Journey to the End of the East Bay"Armstrong3:11
12."She's Automatic"Frederiksen1:35
13."Old Friend"Armstrong2:53
14."Disorder and Disarray"Armstrong, Frederiksen2:49
15."The Wars End"Frederiksen1:53
16."You Don't Care Nothin'"Frederiksen, Armstrong2:28
17."As Wicked"Armstrong, Frederiksen2:40
18."Avenues & Alleyways"Armstrong, Frederiksen3:11
19."The Way I Feel"Frederiksen, Armstrong2:34
Total length:49:39
2015 Remaster CD Bonus Tracks
No.TitleLead vocalsLength
20."Blast 'Em"Armstrong2:29
21."That's Entertainment"Frederiksen1:31
Total length:53:39

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for ...And Out Come the Wolves
Chart (1995) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[29] 30
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[30] 89
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[31] 30
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[32] 39
UK Albums (OCC)[33] 55
US Billboard 200[34] 45
2016 chart performance for ...And Out Come the Wolves
Chart (2016) Peak
position
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[35] 74

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[36] Gold 35,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[37] Gold 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[38] Gold 100,000‡
United States (RIAA)[2] Platinum 1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

...And Out Come the Wolves

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
...And Out Come the Wolves is the third studio album by the American punk rock band Rancid, released on August 22, 1995, through Epitaph Records. The album consists of 19 tracks that blend punk rock with influences from ska and pop, capturing themes of street life, personal struggles, and anti-establishment sentiments inspired by the East Bay punk scene. Produced by Jerry Finn and the band itself, with mixing by Andy Wallace, it features standout singles like "Time Bomb," "Roots Radicals," and "Ruby Soho," which propelled its commercial success. The album marked a pivotal moment for Rancid, following their 1994 release Let's Go and amid the mid-1990s punk revival alongside bands like and . It debuted at No. 45 on the chart and was certified gold by the RIAA on January 22, 1996, before reaching platinum status on September 23, 2004, with over one million copies sold in the United States. Critically acclaimed for its energetic songwriting and raw authenticity, ...And Out Come the Wolves is often regarded as a landmark in , earning high praise for transcending genre boundaries while maintaining the band's DIY ethos rooted in Berkeley's collective. Its legacy endures through consistent sales, frequent inclusion in "best punk albums" lists, and cultural impact, including inspiring the upcoming 2025 film …And Out Comes the Wolf, a punk drama set in the 1990s East Bay scene. Notable musical highlights include Matt Freeman's prominent bass solo in "Maxwell Murder" and the ska-infused hooks that defined tracks like "Olympia WA." and "Daly City Train." The album solidified Rancid's status as enduring figures in punk, influencing subsequent generations and supporting their career, which includes ten studio albums and ongoing tours as of 2025.

Background and development

Band context

Rancid formed in 1991 in , when vocalist and guitarist and bassist , both former members of the influential ska-punk band —which had disbanded in 1989—teamed up with drummer to create a new outfit. The trio's roots were deeply embedded in the punk scene, a thriving DIY community centered around venues like , where bands emphasized raw energy, social commentary, and independence. Drawing heavily from the streetwise reggae-infused punk of and the intense, straight-edge hardcore of , Rancid quickly established a sound that blended melodic hooks with aggressive rhythms, reflecting their working-class backgrounds and commitment to punk ethos. The band's initial output included a self-titled five-track EP released in January 1992 on , a key label in the Bay Area punk underground, which showcased their nascent style and garnered local attention. This early exposure led to a signing with in 1992, orchestrated by founder and guitarist , who recognized Rancid's potential amid the burgeoning punk revival. Epitaph issued the band's debut full-length , also self-titled, in May 1993, featuring 15 tracks of high-octane punk that highlighted Armstrong's raspy vocals and Freeman's driving bass lines. In 1993, rhythm guitarist joined the band, expanding the lineup to a and contributing to their evolving sound. Rancid's sophomore effort, Let's Go, arrived in June 1994 via and represented a breakthrough, propelled by tours supporting peers like and during the punk explosion sparked by albums such as . The record peaked at number 97 on the chart and number 2 on the Heatseekers chart, selling modestly but steadily and introducing hits like "" to wider audiences. Its success ignited a fierce major-label bidding war, with offers from imprints including —complete with extravagant perks—and Interscope, but Rancid rejected them all to preserve their artistic control and loyalty to 's independent model. This decision underscored the band's punk principles amid growing commercial pressures, setting the stage for their most ambitious work to date.

Songwriting and pre-production

The songwriting for ...And Out Come the Wolves was led by and over 1994 and 1995, with the pair crafting material rooted in their lived realities of , fractured relationships, and the gritty underbelly of street life. Drawing from these experiences, songs like "Ruby Soho" served as a tribute to an ex-girlfriend amid the band's nomadic existence, and "Roots Radicals" captured the radical spirit of their cross-country travels and punk roots. Armstrong's sobriety, hard-won after years of substance abuse and multiple overdoses, profoundly shaped the creative process and infused the lyrics with themes of redemption and resilience—most explicitly in tracks like "Salvation," which recounts his time in rehab. This personal transformation, supported by Freeman's steadfast friendship, strengthened band dynamics and allowed Rancid to channel frustration into music while deciding to broaden their punk sound with ska and reggae elements, reflecting their Operation Ivy heritage. Pre-production took shape through informal home setups and intensive rehearsals in Berkeley, where the honed arrangements in the DIY spirit of the local punk scene at venues like . Committed to independence, the band rejected major label overtures—including a high-profile offer from Madonna's Maverick Records—opting instead to remain with to preserve their punk ethos and creative control.

Musical style and composition

Genre and influences

...And Out Come the Wolves is primarily classified as , a fusion of with , , and elements, alongside influences that emphasize raw energy and fast-paced rhythms. The album features 19 tracks totaling approximately 50 minutes, with most songs averaging 2 to 3 minutes in length and tempos ranging from 155 to 184 beats per minute, creating an urgent, guitar-driven sound characterized by bouncy riffs and aggressive hooks. The band's musical style draws heavily from earlier punk and ska acts, including The Clash's songwriting structure and energetic delivery, Operation Ivy's pioneering ska-punk hybrid, ' rhythmic ska foundations, and Minor Threat's raw, unpolished aggression. For instance, tracks like "" incorporate classic ska skanking rhythms reminiscent of Jamaican pioneers such as , blending them with punk velocity to advance third-wave ska revival. This approach marks Rancid's contribution to the genre's evolution in the 1990s, balancing underground authenticity with broader melodic appeal. Compared to Rancid's 1993 self-titled debut, which leaned heavily into , and their 1994 follow-up Let's Go, which introduced more melodic punk elements but remained predominantly hard-edged, ...And Out Come the Wolves represents a shift toward greater accessibility while amplifying integrations, resulting in a more diverse and anthemic sound. Instrumentation centers on dual guitars from and providing interlocking riffs, Matt Freeman's prominent bass lines accentuating off-beats in ska-inflected tracks, and Brett Reed's steady, driving drumming that propels the album's relentless pace.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of ...And Out Come the Wolves predominantly explore personal struggles, urban life, and rebellion, often drawn from the punk scene's gritty realities. In "The 11th Hour," confronts themes of and shattered aspirations, depicting a moment of reckoning where broken dreams crash down, urging resilience in the face of self-inflicted hardships. Similarly, "Ruby Soho" delves into relational turmoil amid a nomadic punk lifestyle, portraying a rocker who leaves his lover behind for the road, highlighting the emotional toll of pursuing music over stability. Armstrong's narrative voice is deeply autobiographical, weaving streetwise tales from Berkeley and the that blend raw grit with underlying optimism. Songs like "Maxwell Murder" evoke urban rebellion through metaphors of infernal entrapment and unfair societal games, reflecting the chaotic underbelly of city life. "Roots Radicals," sung by , captures youthful camaraderie and radical punk spirit during a bus ride with a close friend, symbolizing roots in the working-class Bay Area scene. These choruses are crafted for communal sing-alongs, fostering a sense of shared defiance. Social commentary permeates the album with subtle critiques of , class divides, and the punk community's bonds. "Journey to the End of the " reflects on the highs and lows of early band life in , emphasizing unity against the destructive pull of fame and commercialization. "" serves as a for explosive emotions and inevitable downfall, narrating a young member's rise and murder in a life of crime, underscoring the perils of urban marginalization. Overall, the album's tone conveys hopeful resilience amid chaos, contrasting the era's often nihilistic punk lyrics by infusing tales of hardship with defiant energy and community solidarity. Armstrong's delivery occasionally nods to influences, adding rhythmic buoyancy to these introspective narratives.

Recording and production

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for ...And Out Come the Wolves spanned from February to May 1995, lasting approximately three months. Initial tracking occurred at in , with overdubs completed at in . Producer oversaw the sessions alongside the band, emphasizing a raw punk energy in the performances. The band recorded basic tracks live to tape to preserve their intensity, typically completing batches in 2-3 days before layering vocals and guitars. The process was challenged by a tight schedule due to concurrent tour commitments, and delivered emotional, raw vocal takes that captured the album's gritty essence.

Production techniques

The album was co-produced by the band and , who was selected for his recent success mixing Green Day's Dookie, bringing a polished yet energetic approach to Rancid's punk sound that emphasized melodic clarity amid raw energy. Finn's involvement marked his first full production credit on a major punk release, contributing to the record's distinctive sheen while retaining its gritty, live-wire intensity. Recording took place primarily on analog tape at in , with additional sessions at in , lending the tracks a warm, organic texture characteristic of mid-1990s punk productions. This analog approach preserved the band's high-speed performances and dynamic shifts, avoiding digital sterility to maintain an authentic, unpolished feel despite the album's commercial polish. Mixing occurred at Soundtracks Studio in , where engineer Andy Wallace balanced the rapid punk tempos with prominent hooks, particularly on standout track "Ruby Soho," which Finn mixed separately to highlight its anthemic chorus. Mastering was handled by at Masterdisk in New York, optimizing and punch without sacrificing sonic detail or introducing distortion. A key artistic choice was the inclusion of an intro sample on "Maxwell Murder," sourced from Lech Kowalski's Gringo, adding a raw, cinematic edge that complemented the 's street-level narratives without relying on extensive edits to keep the overall live-band energy intact.

Release and promotion

Album release

...And Out Come the Wolves was released on August 22, 1995, through in both the and . The marked Rancid's continued commitment to the independent , despite facing a major label bidding war sparked by the success of their prior releases. Initial formats consisted of compact disc, cassette, and vinyl, with the vinyl edition pressed on standard-weight black vinyl. Epitaph handled distribution independently, leveraging its network within the punk rock scene to reach fans without major label support. Promotion for the release included in-store appearances at record shops and advertisements in punk fanzines, amplified by the band's active touring schedule during the summer of 1995, which provided ongoing exposure amid the punk festival circuit like the inaugural Vans Warped Tour. The standard CD packaging featured a jewel case with an enclosed lyrics booklet, while the vinyl arrived with a printed inner sleeve containing lyrics and was configured as a double-sided LP to fit all 19 tracks.

Singles and marketing

The album spawned three singles: "Roots Radicals" in 1995 as a promotional release, "" in April 1996, and "Ruby Soho" in October 1996. These were issued in formats including 7-inch vinyl and CD singles, with B-sides such as "I Wanna Riot" accompanying "Roots Radicals." Music videos were produced for "Time Bomb" and "Ruby Soho" to support the singles' promotion. The "Time Bomb" video, directed by Marcus Raboy, featured a low-budget performance by the band in a simple warehouse setting. In contrast, the "Ruby Soho" video, directed by Tim Armstrong and Jim Guerinot, incorporated elements of East Bay street culture, including scenes of skateboarding and local punk scenes. Marketing efforts for the singles emphasized Epitaph Records' grassroots approach, leveraging punk zines, flyers, and independent distribution networks typical of 1990s punk promotion. Radio airplay on influential stations like KROQ and appearances on MTV's 120 Minutes helped expand reach beyond core punk audiences. The band tied singles promotion to extensive touring that amplified visibility in the punk and ska scenes. These promotional strategies broadened Rancid's appeal to and listeners, with "Ruby Soho" emerging as a major and radio hit that drove album sales.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release in August 1995, ...And Out Come the Wolves received widespread critical acclaim for its energetic sound infused with elements, marking a significant evolution from Rancid's earlier work while maintaining their raw edge. Critics praised the album's catchiness and accessibility, positioning it as a key release in the mid-1990s punk revival alongside albums like Green Day's . AllMusic's review by praised the album for its classic moments of revivalist punk and the band's development of a more accessible identity through melody and influences. Spin magazine ranked it among the top 20 albums of the year, noting its immediate accessibility and infectious hooks, particularly on tracks like "Time Bomb," which exemplified the record's anthemic quality. Overall, contemporary reviews reflected its status as ' flagship release during the punk boom.

Retrospective assessments

In the years following its release, ...And Out Come the Wolves has been reevaluated by critics as a cornerstone of , often praised for its blend of raw energy and melodic accessibility that bridged underground scenes with mainstream appeal. For the album's 20th anniversary in 2015, Stereogum hailed it as the best straight-up record of the , emphasizing its lack of weak tracks, confident dynamics, and anthemic quality that projected resilience and pride amid the era's guitar music trends. Kerrang! included it at number six on its list of the 50 greatest punk albums ever, recognizing its role in elevating Berkeley punk to new heights during the mid-1990s revival. By the 25th anniversary in 2020, retrospectives continued to underscore the album's timeless appeal, with Treble describing it as Rancid's definitive masterpiece and one of punk's greatest achievements, noting its epic, downcast songcraft that combined hardcore fury with infectious hooks. Critics highlighted its influence on pop-punk and ska-punk hybrids, crediting tracks like "Time Bomb" for sparking a third-wave ska renaissance while maintaining authentic punk ethos. Marking the 30th anniversary in 2025, GRAMMY.com portrayed the album as a definitive punk portrait that solidified Rancid's East Bay roots and inspired generations, with enduring hits such as "Ruby Soho," "Time Bomb," and "Roots Radicals" remaining setlist staples and cultural touchstones. Glide Magazine reflected on its mainstream breakthrough, praising the 19-track onslaught for pairing melodic accessibility with unrelenting energy, allowing Rancid to expand their audience without compromising their indie label loyalty. Dying Scene echoed this in its throwback piece, calling it one of the decade's top crossover punk albums for legitimizing the genre's growth through polished production and themes of addiction and redemption. Modern rankings affirm its high standing, with Alternative Press featuring it prominently in lists of 1995's best punk albums as Rancid's most recognizable and influential work. Common themes across these assessments include the album's inexhaustible vitality and its pivotal role in punk's evolution, though some note the production's dated sheen as a minor relic of its era.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

Upon its release in 1995, ...And Out Come the Wolves achieved moderate commercial success on various international album charts, benefiting from heavy and radio airplay for its singles "Time Bomb," "Roots Radicals," and "Ruby Soho," which marked Rancid's most significant exposure on mainstream outlets to date. The album debuted at number 45 on the US , representing a for the band amid the mid-1990s surge. Internationally, it peaked at number 30 on the Australian Albums Chart, where it spent seven weeks, and number 30 on the Finnish Albums Chart, lasting four weeks. It also reached number 55 on the , with two weeks in the top 100.
Chart (1995)Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)30
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)30
US Billboard 20045
UK Albums (OCC)55
The album's performance reflected steady support from a dedicated punk fanbase, which sustained its visibility through consistent sales during the punk revival. A 20th anniversary reissue in 2015 further amplified this long-tail effect, renewing interest and boosting streaming activity on platforms like . This led to a re-entry on the German Albums Chart (Offizielle Top 100) at number 74 in January 2016.

Sales and certifications

The album achieved significant commercial success in the United States, where it was certified by the (RIAA) on January 22, 1996, for shipments exceeding 500,000 units. It reached certification on September 23, 2004, denoting over 1,000,000 units shipped domestically. Internationally, the album earned gold certifications in several markets, including for 35,000 units in February 2005, for 50,000 units in 1996, the for 100,000 units on 7 January 2022, and for 100,000 units in February 2006. These accolades reflect its strong performance beyond the U.S., particularly within punk and audiences. Worldwide sales estimates for the album stand at approximately 1.5 million copies as of the early 2000s, bolstered by consistent catalog sales through , where it ranked as one of the label's top-selling releases until surpassed by later acts like Bad Religion's Stranger Than Fiction. The 20th anniversary reissue in 2015 and 30th anniversary restocks in 2025 further sustained its momentum, aided by streaming platforms where it features prominently among top punk albums on services like .

Legacy

Cultural impact

The album ...And Out Come the Wolves played a pivotal role in the punk explosion by blending with elements, helping to popularize the ska revival alongside bands like and Sublime while bridging the gap to mainstream . Released amid a surge in punk's commercial viability, it captured the raw energy of the era's crossover sound, solidifying Rancid's place in the punk pantheon and contributing to the genre's resurgence through its East Bay-rooted authenticity. Tracks like "Time Bomb" and "Ruby Soho" achieved widespread ubiquity in popular media, appearing in video game soundtracks such as (1999), which introduced the songs to younger audiences and amplified their cultural reach. "Ruby Soho" also inspired the ring name of professional wrestler Ruby Riott (later Ruby Soho), a longtime Rancid fan whose adoption of the moniker was endorsed by guitarist in 2021 during her transition to . In the punk scene, the cemented Rancid's status as icons by upholding DIY values and working-class ethos, even as major label interest grew, thereby reinforcing the region's legacy of independent, community-driven punk culture centered around venues like . This commitment to grassroots principles amid mainstream temptations helped sustain the scene's anti-authoritarian spirit and influenced subsequent generations of Bay Area musicians. To mark the album's 20th anniversary, Rancid embarked on a 2015-2016 tour performing ...And Out Come the Wolves in full, including sets at festivals like Punk Rock Bowling in and Riot Fest events in , , and , which reignited fan engagement and highlighted its enduring appeal.

Tributes, reissues, and adaptations

In 2015, to mark the album's 20th , released a remastered edition overseen by engineer , sourced from the original analog tapes. This version was pressed on 180-gram vinyl and included a fold-out featuring on one side and artwork on the other, while the digital edition added two bonus tracks: "Blast 'Em" and "The Brood." Five years later, in 2020, a deluxe 25th edition followed on metallic silver vinyl, highlighting the album's enduring appeal through limited pressing and packaging. As of 2025, vinyl editions of the album remain widely available through major retailers, reflecting sustained collector interest and demand for physical formats. A tribute album titled ...And Out Come The Lawsuits!, celebrating the record's 25th anniversary, was released on June 4, 2021, via Lavasocks and Sell The Heart Records. The compilation features full covers of the original tracklist by 19 punk bands, including , , and Omnigone, offering fresh interpretations while preserving the raw energy of the source material. The album inspired the 2025 ...And Out Comes the Wolf, an upcoming drama set in the punk scene directed by Danny Peykoff in his feature debut and scheduled for release in fall 2025. Drawing thematic elements from the record's portrayal of street life and resilience, the movie stars Orlando Norman, , and , with a trailer unveiled in August 2025 and distribution announced in November 2024. In 2025, the album's 30th anniversary was marked by various retrospectives, including a feature on Grammy.com highlighting its lasting impact on .

Artwork and credits

Cover art and design

The for Rancid's ...And Out Come the Wolves features a stark black-and-white photograph of guitarist seated on concrete steps in a dejected pose, directly referencing imagery of 's 1981 self-titled EP. That original Minor Threat cover depicted —Ian MacKaye's younger brother—in a similar slouched position on steps, captured by Susie Josephson to embody the raw intensity of early . Rancid's version, shot by Jesse Fischer, recreates this composition to honor their influences while grounding the aesthetic in the band's punk heritage. The design adopts a minimalist, gritty visual style typical of punk album packaging, with the band name "RANCID" rendered in a bold white font overlaying the image, evoking military or industrial lettering common in DIY punk graphics. This choice reinforces the album's themes of street life and , bridging hardcore with punk revival energy. The inner sleeve includes additional black-and-white photographs of urban landscapes, further emphasizing Rancid's local roots and the working-class environments that shaped their sound. Symbolically, the cover signals Rancid's deep ties to punk's foundational era—particularly the straight-edge and DIY ethos of —while asserting their evolution into a more mature, ska-infused punk outfit amid the boom. Art direction and layout credits go to Jesse Fischer, who handled photography, artwork, and overall visual assembly for the release.

Track listing and personnel

All tracks are written by , , and , except where noted.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Maxwell Murder"Armstrong, Frederiksen1:25
2."The 11th Hour"Armstrong, Freeman, Frederiksen, Eric Dinn2:28
3."Roots Radicals"Armstrong, Frederiksen2:47
4."Time Bomb"Armstrong, Freeman2:24
5."Olympia, WA"Armstrong, Frederiksen3:30
6."Lock, Step & Gone"Armstrong, Freeman2:25
7."Junkie Man"Armstrong (contains elements from Jim Carroll's "People Who Died")3:04
8."Listed M.I.A."Armstrong, Freeman, Frederiksen2:22
9."Ruby Soho"Armstrong2:37
10."Daly City Train"Armstrong, Freeman3:21
11."Journey to the End of the East Bay"Armstrong3:11
12."She's Automatic"Armstrong, Freeman1:35
13."Old Friend"Armstrong2:53
14."Disorder and Disarray"Armstrong, Freeman, Frederiksen2:49
15."The Wars End"Armstrong1:53
16."You Don't Care Nothin'"Armstrong, Freeman2:28
17."As Wicked"Armstrong, Freeman, Frederiksen2:40
18."Avenues & Alleyways"Armstrong3:11
19."The Way I Feel"Armstrong, Freeman2:34
Total length:49:28
The album was recorded primarily at in , with additional sessions at in . Rancid Production
  • – producer
  • Rancid – producer
  • Andy Wallace – mixing
  • – engineer
  • Joe Pirrera – assistant engineer
  • Eddie Schreyer – mastering
The liner notes include thanks to influences such as , , and , with no additional guest musicians listed beyond the core band. The standard track listing appears on the original 1995 CD and vinyl releases; the 2015 20th anniversary physical maintains the core 19 tracks but includes bonus material on select formats, such as B-sides from singles.

References

  1. https://www.epitaph.com/artists/rancid/release/and-out-come-the-wolves
  2. https://www.grammy.com/news/rancid-and-out-come-the-wolves-anniversary-definitive-punk-portrait
  3. https://www.discogs.com/master/39171-Rancid-And-Out-Come-The-Wolves
  4. https://musicbrainz.org/release/a4326c18-4cf9-4e16-a289-2e6e7508d450
  5. https://thebandindex.com/band/rancid
  6. https://riffology.co/2024/08/01/rancid-rancid/
  7. https://www.piratespressrecords.com/rancid/
  8. https://www.epitaph.com/artists/rancid/release/rancid-ep
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/546199-Rancid-Rancid
  10. https://www.epitaph.com/artists/rancid/release/rancid
  11. https://www.discogs.com/master/39186-Rancid-Lets-Go
  12. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-03-ca-41645-story.html
  13. https://glidemagazine.com/316518/30-years-later-rancid-reach-the-mainstream-with-and-out-come-the-wolves/
  14. https://www.epitaph.com/artists/rancid/bio
  15. https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-08-22/the-ordeal-and-salvation-of-tim-armstrong-the-bob-dylan-of-punk-went-into-rehab-to-form-rancid-it-was-like-a-rocky-movie.html
  16. https://www.oocities.org/vivo_80/TimArmstrong1
  17. https://larrylivermore.com/journey-to-the-end-tim-armstrong-matt-freeman-and-lars-frederiksen-talk-to-larry-livermore-about-operation-ivy-rancid-and-that-whole-east-bay-thing/
  18. https://getsongbpm.com/album/and-out-come-the-wolves/lnY6
  19. https://www.theaudiodb.com/album/2123103-Rancid-...and-Out-Come-the-Wolves
  20. http://www.punkrockacademy.com/stm/int/rancid.html
  21. https://dyingscene.com/ds-throwback-thirty-years-of-rancids-and-out-come-the-wolves/
  22. https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/rancid-influences/pl.133656ccca0b4012a972edf455c107e8
  23. https://www.altpress.com/ska-reggae-punk-influence/
  24. https://www.allmusic.com/style/third-wave-ska-revival-ma0000012129
  25. https://trouserpress.com/reviews/rancid/
  26. https://www.treblezine.com/rancid-and-out-come-the-wolves-punk-sad-masterpiece/
  27. https://altrockchick.com/2014/04/28/and-out-come-the-wolves-by-rancid/
  28. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/rancid/ruby-soho
  29. https://genius.com/Rancid-roots-radicals-lyrics
  30. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/rancid/time-bomb
  31. https://www.highresaudio.com/album/view/swrufy/rancid-and-out-come-the-wolves-20th-anniversary-edition
  32. https://www.discogs.com/release/910619-Rancid-And-Out-Come-The-Wolves
  33. https://www.epitaph.com/artists/rancid/release/and-out-come-the-wolves-20th-anniversary-re-issue
  34. https://www.stereogum.com/1825540/and-out-come-the-wolves-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/
  35. https://www.discogs.com/release/396440-Rancid-And-Out-Come-The-Wolves
  36. http://www.rancid-discography.com/albumaoctw.htm
  37. https://www.discogs.com/release/892807-Rancid-And-Out-Come-The-Wolves
  38. https://www.discogs.com/release/1746200-Rancid-Roots-Radicals
  39. https://www.discogs.com/master/39227-Rancid-Time-Bomb
  40. https://www.discogs.com/master/39218-Rancid-Ruby-Soho
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8838270/
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8838200/
  43. https://www.spin.com/2010/10/oral-history-epitaph-records/
  44. https://www.reddit.com/r/nofx/comments/1dscspm/found_some_tickets_from_shows_i_went_to_when_i/
  45. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpreter/rancid/368337
  46. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-greatest-pop-punk-albums-122677/
  47. https://www.allmusic.com/album/and-out-come-the-wolves-mw0000645241
  48. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/list/300-spins-20-best-albums-of-1995/
  49. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/23441-rancid-and-out-come-the-wolves.php
  50. https://rateyourmusic.com/list/unj/kerrang__50_greatest_punk_albums_ever/
  51. https://www.altpress.com/best-punk-albums-1995/
  52. https://thebrag.com/looking-back-20-years-rancids-out-come-wolves/
  53. https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rancid&titel=...And+Out+Come+The+Wolves&cat=a
  54. https://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rancid&titel=...And+Out+Come+The+Wolves&cat=a
  55. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/rancid-and-out-come-the-wolves/
  56. https://thefirenote.com/vinyl-spotlight/20th-anniversary-re-issue-of-rancids-and-out-come-the-wolves/
  57. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/37603
  58. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/10800
  59. https://consequence.net/2021/08/best-punk-songs-list/10/
  60. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0eq1PYZ1sTuI1Ux3v7QIAR
  61. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1807050/
  62. https://www.cbr.com/wwe-ruby-riott-possible-name-change-rancid/
  63. https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a37637418/ruby-soho-interview-aew-all-out-rancid-wwe/
  64. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm/SSRN_ID2275725_code2061565.pdf?abstractid=2275725&mirid=1&type=2
  65. https://preludepress.com/news/2015/11/10/rancid-release-20th-anniversary-reissue-of-and-out-come-the-wolves/
  66. https://www.punksinvegas.com/rancid-play-come-wolves-entirety-punk-rock-bowling-2015/
  67. https://lollipopmagazine.com/2015/12/rancid-celebrate-20-years-of-and-out-come-the-wolves-news/
  68. https://selltheheartrecords.bandcamp.com/album/and-out-come-the-lawsuits
  69. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/out-come-the-wolves-rancid-album-1236062462/
  70. https://consequence.net/2025/08/movie-and-out-comes-the-wolf-trailer/
  71. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/stories_behind_4_iconic_punk_album_cover_photos-164691
  72. https://www.discogs.com/release/11504208-Rancid-And-Out-Come-The-Wolves
  73. https://www.discogs.com/release/5555260-Rancid-And-Out-Come-The-Wolves
  74. https://www.discogs.com/release/13669784-Rancid-And-Out-Come-The-Wolves
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