RATM - Rage Against the Machine (Rock/ Rap, 1991)

"Its not the most ideal situation by far. There is a sense of compromise, but you stay on top of it and play an active roll. You have to be very assertive otherwise they'll try to do things for you."








Thích Quảng Đức who self-immolated in protest of the discriminatory treatment endured by Buddhists under the authoritarian administration of President Ngô Đình Diệm in South Vietnam.

Probably the first album to successfully merge the seemingly disparate sounds of rap and heavy metal, Rage Against the Machine's self-titled debut was groundbreaking enough when released in 1992, but many would argue that it has yet to be surpassed in terms of influence and sheer brilliance — though countless bands have certainly tried. This is probably because the uniquely combustible creative relationship between guitar wizard Tom Morello and literate rebel vocalist/MC Zack De La Rocha could only burn this bright, this once.
While the former's roots in ‘80s heavy metal shredding gave rise to an inimitable array of six-string acrobatics and rhythmic special effects (few of which anyone else has managed to replicate), the latter delivered meaningful rhymes with an emotionally-charged conviction that suburban white boys of the ensuing, nu-metal generation, could never hope to touch. As a result, syncopated slabs of hard rock insurrection like "Bombtrack," "Take the Power Back," and "Know Your Enemy" were as instantly unforgettable as they were astonishing. Yet even they paled in comparison to veritable clinics in the art of slowly mounting tension such as "Settle for Nothing," "Bullet in the Head," and the particularly venomous "Wake Up"all of which finally exploded with awesome power and fury.
And even listeners who were unable (or unwilling) to fully process the band's unique clash of muscle and intellect were catered to, as RATM were able to convey their messages through stubborn repetition via the fundamental challenge of "Freedom" and their signature track, "Killing in the Name," which would become a rallying cry of disenfranchisement, thanks to its relentlessly rebellious mantra of "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!"
I personally enjoyed every RATM album, even Renegades which featured covers from EPMD to the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan but their debut album remains unparalled. Such raw energy and heavy atmosphere i 've never encountered before, it was certainly a great record to hear while being a 6thgrader right?
RATM were the ultimate hardcore band, not only for their heavy music but also for their inspiring lyrics. They played benefit concerts for organizations such as Rock for Choice, the Anti-Nazi League, the United Farm Workers, children's care organization Para Los Niños and UNITE. They burned the USA flag at Woodstock 1999. They participated in political protests and other activism to advocate their beliefs. They played free concerts in protest of the war in Iraq. They caused the doors of the NY Stock Exchange to be closed whilst filming the music video for their song "Sleep now in the Fire". They performed at a benefit concert with all proceeds donated to the International Concerned Family And Friends Of Mumia Abu-Jamal. They stood onstage naked for 15 minutes with duct tape on their mouths and the letters PMRC painted on their chests in protest against censorship by the Parents Music Resource Center.
To me that's what Rock is about. Do keep in mind that they have succesfully re-united as well.
Ultimately, if there's any disappointment to be had with this near-perfect album, it's that it still towers above subsequent efforts as the unequivocal climax of Rage Against the Machine's vision. As such, it remains absolutely essential.



Let's Go Get It!