Rock n’ Roll is all about sticking it to the Man! The Man may try and take your jobs, your money, and your freedoms while doing His very hardest to impose His will on you. At times, He may succeed, but you can’t let Him win. Stay true to yourself, hold onto your dignity, and never let go of your beliefs. Raise your fists in the air and Rage Against the Machine.
I picked up Evil Empire on vinyl on a whim for no other reason than I just wanted it. Rage Against the Machine channels a certain energy that is unlike anything I’ve heard. The passion, drive, and zealous anger that comes from every pissed off note Zack de la Rocha sings to Timmy C’s thunderous bass slaps echoes into and awakes the spirits of those who feel they’ve ever been wronged in any way by the Man.
Evil Empire opens with “People of the Sun.” Tom Morello kicks off the track in a twang fashion that is distinctly and uniquely all his own. There is no mistaking or denying Morello’s intricate and complex playing abilities that have pushed the imagination of what can be done with the guitar. Following Morello, Zack signals that we better turn the bass up on this one, the drums roll, and the bass hits, kicking you like a bunch of “Bulls on Parade” in the balls.
Wanna blow off some steam or just fucking let loose? Turn on the breakdown of track #2 and let Timmy C’s ridiculously smooth, yet intensely heavy tone do the work.
Every song on Evil Empire stands distinctively, carries its own, and the raw fervor is nonstop throughout. The production quality is outstanding as each note of the instruments and vocals are dialed to precision. Though the album may sound polished, the vibe carries a much grittier, edgy punk feel. I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to sit in on recording sessions watching Rage harness every bit of themselves to straight rock out. The energy resonating through the room must have shaken the walls, igniting a feeling that something special was happening.
When I pull out the sleeve of the record cover, I can’t help but take in every aspect of the front side. Strewn across the page are stacks of books by figures such as Malcolm X, Che Guevara, and Bob Marley highlighting stories and inspirations about believing in what you feel is right and standing up for justice. Now, I’m not saying I’m for all of Rage’s political and social agenda, but I do respect the honesty and extreme enthusiasm that they bring to their music. Not only is it intensely blasted out your speakers, but also heartfelt and real. A lot of bands out there say they believe in something and try to brand themselves as being all political hoorah like, but often times, it’s easy to see right through that. Not with Rage Against the Machine. No compromise.
No song on Evil Empire crawls into my skin and fuels the flame of disdain quite like “Down Rodeo” does when Zack yells “So I’m rollin down Rodeo with a shotgun” over a deafening explosion of drums and bass.
Morello’s riff on “Roll Right” is one of my favorites of his and reminds me of what I think Led Zeppelin’s “The Wanton Song” would sound like if it were injected with steroids and shot of the rage virus from the film 28 Days Later.
If you’ve ever felt betrayed and had the hand of the Man try to wrap you in his grasp, Rage Against the Machine’s Evil Empire will give you the fist to shove it right back in His face. No matter how you interpret the lyrics or feel about the message, one thing is for sure, this album is proof that music inspires and gives you power to fight back.