Rage Against The Machine
Biography
Rage Against the Machine (RATM) is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1991. The band consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk. They are known for their unique blend of hard rock, punk, and hip-hop, creating a genre-bending sound that has made them one of the most influential bands of their time. Their lyrics are fiercely political, addressing issues of social injustice, corporate greed, and government corruption.
Formation and Early Years
The band was formed in 1991 when Tom Morello, whose previous band Lock Up had disbanded, connected with Zack de la Rocha and Tim Commerford. Brad Wilk, who had previously auditioned for Lock Up, completed the lineup. The name "Rage Against the Machine" came from a song de la Rocha had written for his former band, Inside Out.
Debut Album and Rise to Fame
In 1992, RATM released their self-titled debut album, which became a critical and commercial success. The album featured powerful tracks like "Killing in the Name" and "Bombtrack," which showcased the band's aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics. The album's cover art, a photograph of the self-immolation of Vietnamese monk Thích Quảng Đức, was as provocative as their music. Their performance at the 1993 Lollapalooza festival further solidified their popularity.
Musical Style and Influence
Rage Against the Machine's music is a fusion of various genres, including rap metal, funk metal, alternative metal, and rap rock. Tom Morello's innovative guitar work, which incorporates feedback and unconventional techniques, is a hallmark of the band's sound. De la Rocha's vocal style combines the rhythmic delivery of rap with the intensity of punk rock. The band has been cited as a major influence on the nu-metal genre that emerged in the late 1990s.
Subsequent Albums
The band's second album, "Evil Empire," was released in 1996 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It featured the popular single "Bulls on Parade." Their third album, "The Battle of Los Angeles" (1999), also topped the charts and included the Grammy-winning song "Guerrilla Radio." In 2000, they released "Renegades," an album of cover songs from artists like Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Afrika Bambaataa.
Political Activism
Rage Against the Machine is as famous for its political activism as it is for its music. They have been involved in numerous protests and causes, including supporting labor unions, opposing censorship, and speaking out against war and corporate influence in politics. They have performed at protest concerts, including one outside the 2000 Democratic National Convention. Their activism is a core part of their identity, with the band viewing their music as a vehicle for spreading their revolutionary ideas.
Breakups and Reunions
In 2000, Zack de la Rocha announced his departure from the band, leading to their first breakup. The remaining members formed the supergroup Audioslave with former Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell. RATM reunited in 2007 for a series of performances, including a headlining slot at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. They toured intermittently until 2011. A second reunion was announced in 2019, with a world tour planned for 2020 that was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2024, drummer Brad Wilk announced that the band would not be touring or playing live again, marking their third breakup.