Reviews (page 2 of 14)
Some people are going to hate me for saying this, but fuck 'em. This is one of the greatest albums ever made. I love Rage Against the Machine. Everything about their music and this album speaks to me on every level. The sound is so crazy and unique and awesome. Everything from Tom Morello's unconventional guitar playing to Tim Commerford's heavy bass playing to Brad Wilk's intense drumming to Zach de la Rocha's iconic vocal style comes together to form some of the most intense music I've ever heard. And I love it. There's something magical that happens every time you hear one of Zach's famous UGHs that truly makes you feel like raging against the machine. Speaking of the machine, let's talk about the writing of the music! You see, unlike some people, I actually understand what they're saying in these songs. This is some truly revolutionary stuff. It's a shame that a lot of it still applies over 30 years later. All of these songs go crazy. "Bombtrack" might be one of the greatest album openers ever. It perfectly sets the stage for what the next 9 songs will entail. And it's immediately followed by "Killing in the Name"?! How did they make an album this great?! That song is, of course, amazing. "Know Your Enemy" is another one of my favorites from the album, and the presence of Maynard James Keenan in the bridge is the closest we'll get to having a Tool album on the list. I can't believe there's not a Tool album on the list. Overall, I love this album. It is an aggressive, powerful album with so much to say. These messages are rapped and screamed in ways that I could never. I don't know what else to say. Maybe I should think less about what to say and more about what to do. That is the ethos of Rage Against the Machine. 5/5. Four in a row, baby!
What an amazing album. It hits so hard and doesn’t stop. Rage has an incredibly distinct sound. Between Morello’s unique guitar work and the aggressive de la Roche, no one ever sounded like this before. Or since. And then part of Tool shows up in the middle of Know Your Enemy and it just gets better. It has always seemed to me that from that point on the album had a more Tool-esque feel to it, too, while still remaining decidedly Rage. Lyrically, they’re a very intelligent band as well. Whether or not you agree with their politics, they’re not simply parroting things they’ve heard, these guys are informed and dedicated. While I generally believe that musicians should stick to music and stay out of politics, they got into music to express their politics. Their not simply using their fame to spout off about things their uninformed about. Besides, it is so incredibly heavy it’s hard to not be moved.
Well, this album makes sense for inclusion on this list, given that it is one of the finest hours of funk metal that has gone on to influence several bands after. Every member on Rage Against the Machine delivers on their debut. Tim Cummerford’s bass slapping is infectious and has several moments. Brad Wilk’s drumming is well-accented, punches when needed, and makes use of a variety of percussive instruments, particularly the cowbell. Tom Morello’s guitar soloing and riffage are some of the most experimental sounds out there. Rounding it all out, Zach de La Rocha commands an excellent balance between rapping and harsh vocals. A lot of the songs are meaningfully constructed, where the riffs stick to memory and there are several movements and percussive breakdowns in between. As for the lyrics, I get that Rage might not be as beloved, given that they are a political band and the American political landscape has changed a lot in the past 30+ years. That said, it cannot be denied that a lot of the themes they touch upon are still relevant issues in the modern age, including the pursuit of freedom and justice, accountability, police brutality, racism and domestic abuse. Love it or hate it, there are reasons this album has maintained relevance to this day. Go into this one with an open mind.
Damn listening to this in a state capitol was funny. This is pretty badass music. Awesome guitar work by Tom Morello and Zach de La Rocha's vocals are pretty stellar too. He means every damn word here.
One of the best debut records ever, if not the best. Captured a time, anger, and created their own genre.
Absolute 5/5 record, come on. Amazing production, sick guitar, the whole package slams. Favourite tracks: the whole thing.
Fuck posting an infographic to your insta story, this album has me ready to start hurling Molotov cocktails. The instrumentals go hard, the vocal delivery goes hard, the messaging goes hard. Full of righteous indignation and a vitriol for our current system, the album is energetic from the first note and never lets up. This album unfortunately still feels very much relevant today three decades later. Fav Songs Bombtrack Killing In the Name Take The Power Back Wake Up Fistful of Steel
Ein prägendes Album meiner Musikgeschichte.
Fire, dude
who up raging against they machine rn
Rage Against The Machine's self-titled debut album is chock-full of dissent and insubordination, agilely achieved through elements of rap and metal imbued funk. Zack de la Rocha's uncompromising delivery of his lines leads the phalanx of badass drum beats and distorted guitars, accomplishing the marvel of music built for purpose. The exemplary alliance of music and direction is further amped up by this album being their debut - never wavering, always sharp-witted.
Saw them back in '93 (with Tool supporting) at a show that got upgraded from a 550 cap room to a 1,500 venue. It was so good. Every few days I wind up thinking "We need a band like RATM now." Does this album ever go out of fashion?
What's to say the first Album that I bought and fell in love with. Was it the driving bass, amazing guitar, screaming vocals, unrepentant Marxism or raging hormones? This album was like my third parent I still refer back for guidance. It could be that it ruined my life or saved it. It was the first time in my life where I felt it was ok to swear to justify my feelings and politics. What a glorious thing.
Such a good album! Weird thing about Killing in the Name is that it was a constant throughout all club nights at uni - Drum and Base night, goth night, standard trendy music club - they all played this and everyone would all sing along another remarkable thing is that no one seems to listen to the lyrics of Rage - I've learnt so much reading into Hoover, MLK's assassination after listening to lyrics - but I guess the tunes are so banging the political message is ignorable - which is a shame. Bombtrack is by far my least favourite track - start at 2 and work down and it's a 10/10 album
God damn! I've known about Rage since the 90s of course but I never listened to any one their albums. This is some angry energetic stuff. Not a dull moment anywhere on this album. I feel like going outside and smashing a printer!
One of my favourite albums of all times. I’ve listened to this album cover to cover so many times. So many bangers that I don’t know which is my favourite. Bomb track is a killer start, killing in the name is an anthem, take the power back and wake up are great. Know your enemy gets me going every time.
Passion, energy, heavy guitar/drums and great lyrics. Every song is a banger. I'd give this a 6 if I could.
Oh man. the grooves and beats are real bangers. I can't imagine the success that this band could have had if it's message was more main stream. I just love the groove of the guitars.
Una bestialidad de disco
Bomb tracks
classic album 10/10 glad i listened all the way through
Absolute classic and 5 star album. Bombtrack, Killing in the name of, Bullet in the head, know your enemy, wake up, freedom, take the power back. One hit after another.
Incredible album. Its produced really well. Tom morello guitar work Is amazing, and so is the bass work. The drumming is great and the politically charged lyrics are incredible as well. 5/5
Not a huge fan of the rap/hard rock hybrid but no denying the power and potency of this one. And Morello's guitar alone is worth an extra star. Anti-facist and uncompromising, this is one powerful beast of an album.
Terrific antifascist music that's really more relevant than ever. Tom Morello is such an innovative guitarist, and De La Rocha brings so much energy on the mic. Music gets a little repetitive on the back half, but the message is what's great. Songs like Killing in the Name Of communicate a simple one, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me," which might seem juvenile to some. Really though it all adds up to a powerful reminder of our agency in dark times, as tech overlords, the war machine, and fascists collude and attempt to control us and add to their already insane wealth
Wowie, quite the album. Lots to think about.
Siempre guapísimo. Metal con slap bass hablando de acabar con el capital y el estado policial. Dan ganas de pegarle puñetazos a paredes, gritar o salir corriendo. La gente que me vio por la calle escuchando esto o se asustó o entendió que estaba en la mía gozándomela que flipas. Los air drums y stank faces no son suficientes, este disco pide puño. Clásico que espero que me siga causando estas reacciones toda la vida.
An explosive manifesto of audio. Tom Morello's boundary-pushing guitar riffs compliment Zack de la Rocha’s raw emotion on every track. Unapologetically political and a middle-finger to authority in every way, but certainly can be considered among the best debut albums in rock history.
Great album packed with great rock songs. Sounds fresh and could do with them back for today's politics
(Actual rating:4.5) Great politically charged lyrics that still ring true today with catchy hooks and ear worm rhythm section
Epic, energising, as relevant as ever. Feel like going and fighting fascists on the street after listening to this!
Perfect album to release catharsis from this past week
Tom Morello is a revelation. The angsty vocals are passionate and admirable, even if they are on the other end of the political spectrum from me.
Raw energy - brilliant
RHCP with a harder edge and political message. A lot of anger and rebellion expressed in these songs. Can't imagine trying to sing these every night at a show. Tom Morello's style is so unique.
Album 315 of 1001 Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine Rating : 4 / 5 Nice album. Great debut. Released the day Clinton was elected President. It's political themes meshed perfectly for what was going on at the time...at this time, one could say. Anthrax yesterday and this today. I'm feeling energized!
I had such an incredible takedown of this album written up, and it's killing me that I can't find it in my notes. Vitriol to vitriol. My writeup today will never measure up to that, a shame. Incredible, incredible music with a band that is so locked and loaded, perfectly rehearsed, just unbelievable energy and sense of groove, whose performance is so insanely good, stylized, high energy, that you can almost unwittingly ingest its politically asinine message, like second-hand smoke billowing from a factory, the unintended side-effects that nobody asked for. We are all passive casualties downwind of Zack de la Rocha's sloganeering, delivered with the conviction and righteousness that only anger can give you. This music is the companion to much anger– real anger of real, dispossessed people, whose mistreatment must be dutifully politicized– and just the garden variety that all teenagers possess. Anger attracts both camps, and the point of the anger usually gets smuggled in. And here it is, unsubtly spewing forth with so much accompanying baggage, and the trappings of the self-styled revolutionary, that it has to have crossed your mind if this is just a parody of a person– if real people are uncritically buying what they’re selling. That's the double-edge sword of music: you *do* take it more seriously because it's music. Because, with music, you’re hit with the emotion first. The point– the intention– just comes along for the ride. And everyone has been angry before. Scrape even an inch or two off the surface and you'll realize that, if this was just some guy at a rally yelling these things into a megaphone, even some the most hardened activists would be shuffling away to keep their distance. It’s stunningly cringey. I truly see no difference between the tactics in this music and those of those dubious, neo-Nazi skinhead bands. The starting point is anger, and you just get a buffet of political options from which the sellers are peddling to the buyer. I find this all deeply unserious. Maybe it is supposed to be unserious– at least, that’s the common motte-and-bailey retreat that people commonly use– “it’s just music! It’s just entertainment!” Okay, then. Find-and-replace these messages with those of the white power movement. Imagine a music whose lyrics, beneath layers of high energy guitar solos and unbelievable vocal performances, bears some uncanny resemblance to the politics of the January 6th rioters. Any takers? On that note… I would be surprised if the be-camoed, military LARP-ing rioters of January 6th *weren’t* playing “Take the Power Back” from their backpack bluetooth speakers. “They just didn’t understand the message!” Nope. The message isn’t that profound. The anger comes first, and the aesthetic of revolution, rebellion, anarchism is just the cynical way by which that anger is deployed by the politically smart. 4/5
Why is there so much rage? What did the poor machine do?
Paul Ryan's favorite band! Which explains...well, nothing, other than his inability to comprehend song lyrics. Personally I just want to keep politics out of my music. Groundbreaking on several levels. Spawned too many shitty impostors to count. First several tracks are all great, closer is great. Know your enemy. Yep. That's good shit. Gets a bit bogged down about 2/3 of the way in, and there is not a ton of nuance in the music. Morello is a genius.
Iconic one-liner lyrics fueled by chugging riffs from Tom Morello. Simple yet powerful. Not every song stands out but it’s still a fun album to revisit. I also completely forgot that Maynard (TOOL) does guest vocals on Know Your Enemy
Until today, my familiarity with this band basically had to do with the fact that I saw Tom Morello induct KISS into the Rock and/or Roll Hall Of Fame. And I immediate loved the guy. I then learned he was a member of bands with names I absolutely hated. I'd then see him show up in music docs talking about bands I loved (turns out, he also toured with Springsteen and the E Street Band for a spell). It wasn't enough to compel me to, you know, try listening to any of Morello's bands, let alone his seminal outfit. That was just a bridge too far for whatever reason. This may never be my favorite genre, but damn if I didn't love this album. It's "run through a brick wall" music. It might not be an album I play repeatedly or even revisit often, but it finally proved to me that I really need to stop selling Tom Morello short.
Appreciated it and liked it a lot more than I expected. Straight punk (from my limited perspective), calling out the status quo and its injustice toward the disempowered. Concentration of ower in society belies the promise of equal opportunity and justice for all. Respect for this.
Makes me want to spray paint something and yell at politicians. Good album for some let out some female rage.
A steady groove gets occasionally interrupted so some dude can scream bumper sticker slogans and drop f-bombs while a guitarist - apparently unaware there is a band practicing in the other room - scratches at Gang of Four chords before having a seizure laying atop his guitar. Rinse. Repeat. Not exactly revolutionary. But it gets you pumped. Sh*t Happens.
Ei kolahda enää kuten nuorena.
Very political. I once read that some people say RAM is more of a "manifesto" than an album. This opinion is mixed—sometimes it's meant as praise, other times as criticism. I noticed a lot of inspiration from Minor Threat, Black Flag, and other punk bands, but some major Led Zeppelin-style riffs also resonate in certain songs. For example, Wake Up reminds me of Kashmir, particularly in the rhythmic progression that Jimmy Page often used in his compositions. I think this rebellious punk attitude is in decline—it has fully spread among the youth, and some verses from RAM sound somewhat caricatured nowadays. But it’s not completely cringe. I wouldn’t place this album among the elite, but certainly deserves to be in this list.
great if you’re in the right mood (angry)!
I've never listened to any RATM that wasn't "Killing in the Name Of". This was an interesting listen, and very appropriate given the political climate we live in. Music wise, it isn't my cup of tea but I understand why it's on this list and agree that it should be here.
Great concept but the music is too RHCP-adjacent to be truly classic. Always good to hear the best Xmas #1, sets the mood for the season
Great concept but the music is too RHCP-adjacent to be truly classic. Always good to hear the best Xmas #1, sets the mood for the season
I like this but it isn’t amazing.
A protest song can be good, even great; a protest album, not so much. The album can drag, it is practically one frantically shouted note (not that it doesn't reach for the softer sounds, only that those reaches feel like needlessly clumsy gropings in the dark).
Never been a big Rage fan. This album did nothing to change that. But ironic they were against the establishment until covid then all about it.
There’s no denying the impact this made to those of a certain age when RATM broke. Anthems for teenagers to be mad at their parents and the establishment, which every generation needs. Their tired political rhetoric quickly went stale for most though (obviously), and listening to this again in 2025 it seems the music has also. It hasn’t stood the test of time very well. Front loaded and quickly tiresome, and there’s some cringeworthy moments. It is well produced and well executed though.
I know, I know, I know. It's important. It's a cultural artefact. It's iconic. It's RAGE. But it's also repetitive (God, is it repetitive), bland and, surprisingly, all surface.
Cannot take this seriously no matter how hard I try -- sounds juvenile.
Another interesting scenario to be listening to RAGTM, sitting at a desk working in excel. I really enjoyed the bassist though, seems to be the main ingredient to the band aside from the vocals. Not something I would listen to consistently.
I don't understand the band's appeal.
I like a heavy riff, and for a while I was into the stompy, backwards-baseball-cap antics of Faith No More etc. Unfortunately, I didn't hear this back then and for whatever reason, this type of thing doesn't do it for me any more. I appreciate the riffs and the funky moments, but there are other ways to express frustration than by shouting. It probably didn't help that I've already had to listen to Raekwon and Kanye this week. Nor that I'm a British, middle-aged woman being stretched in several different directions.
Dance like you have a big shit in your baggy pants. The earnestness and “I’d prefer not to tidy my bedroom” sentiments don’t grate on me as they did when this came out, though I hear the germ of a lot of awful music that followed. The band do their thing well, panache in the burp burp bass and Morello’s switching between hard rock riff and fancy squiggly sounds, the drums admirably minimalist at times. The album doesn’t have many tunes. After the opener and the sweary one, the next time I checked to see what song was playing was three songs later, Bullet in the Head, the other famous single. The rest is serviceable, bops and races along winsomely, but rely on B-side Sabbath riffs that lack doom or hook.
I remember thinking of Rage as the smart and good rap-rock band, I guess along with Faith No More. It seems like that subgenre could've just ended there and we woulda been fine. But Rage were still always at arm's length for me. Nothing here really gets me. Killing in the Name comes the closest. This just never connected with me.
Just listen to public enemy lol
Loud, roaring and boring. Exactly what I don’t like about this type of rock/metal with added grunty white dude rapping. Ugh.
Thank god this morons raged and changed the world huh? Idiots. Every 20 something since 1970 thinks they can change the world by screaming at it. You wanna change the world learn to speak, calmly and intelligently. No one listens when you scream. Trash as expected.
Raging yes, revolutionary perhaps, listenable no.
1. bomb - 1 2. name - 2 3. pouuer - 1.5 4. nothing - 1 5. bullet -1 6. enemy - 1 7. uuake -1.5 8. zteel- 1 9. rebellion - 1 10. freedom - 1 Sound like kid rock wtf
Angry incoherent music
No.
No
i thoroughly enjoyed the whole fuckin thing. I'll go back through it with the lyrics sometime
Amazing album. All I need to say.
Im no longer the 13 yo kid who swallowed the politics of RATM wholesale. I am the 40 yo who hears Tom Morello's playing, Tim Commerford's bass runs, Wilk's funky drumming, and Zach's phenom phrasing and thinks "Holy shit, the politics actually distract from how astonishing, heavy, innovative and wildly compelling the music still is." Aside from that, even as an older, cynical, politically displaced elder, the anti-state impact of the politick remains.
Still holds up. Very hard hitting. Influential, but mainly of bad bands, but you can't really hold that against them
This album is so good that it made me love a genre that makes up the majority of my 1s on this list.
I was in middle school when RATM's third album, Battle of LA, was released. Finally, rap rock that didn't suck! Going back to their self-titled first album 7 years earlier - the messages are the same but the music is even better. The riffs are hard but it's a lot funkier and bass driven than you might expect. Standouts: Killing in the Name, Know Your Enemy, Wake Up
The rage is palpable. What an absolute banger of an album. I already enjoyed RATM, but never listened to a full album. You go in knowing what to expect, but the musicianship is top notch, it’s raw, and it really makes you feel something. They’re a remarkably smart group, they bring up historical context, and they really do their best to make sure that you should be furious at the state of this country. I know I am. Few albums get more prescient over time, but this one absolutely nailed it.
*93/100 Ja tak!!!! En af de første der blev lagt i vinyl-reolen.
Det er direkte tilbage til efterskolens musiklokale hvor jeg rykkede Bombtrack rundt på bassen! Det holder lige så godt i dag som dengang.
#15 - Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve never actually listened to a Rage Against the Machine album. I’ve just heard the radio songs. This album is absolutely fantastic. It’s so sincere and authentic and full of…rage…against machines… Considering that this album is right in the wheelhouse of what I was listening to in the 90s, I’m surprised that I never looked into it. I have a very good friend who doesn’t like them so that probably influenced me to avoid them. But this debut album is so strong that I plan to listen to it again for sure. It’s the first new five star album that I’ve covered in this project so far.
Incredible energy
Ignoring that this is another album that my Republican Cop dad loved until he realized that it was making fun of him and now hates it, which is basically an automatic 5 stars, holy shit, this kicks ass. Killing In the Name is beloved and well known, but every song on this album is so angry, correctly, and it's amazing. Maybe my only complaint is the band likes to do that "repeat the same phrase while slowly building up more anger" thing a few too many times, but that's not a huge deal.
Super
Aggressive, technical, and energetic - this album makes its message clear and loud with scathing vocals, driving bass, and precise rhythms. Unlike many other albums on this list, the tracks on this album that didn't become humongous hits were still on message and carried the passion and quality songwriting of the other tracks. This stands as a hallmark of a great album wherein the hit tracks hook you for a listen, but the remaining tracks do not lose your attention or appreciation. Township Rebellion receives a gold star for its funky, syncopated, rhythm - an example of the technical nature of the musicianship on this album that is sometimes overshadowed by its loudness or political messaging.
listened to this at eastern state penitentiary and it was fire
God
Loved this album in high school and love it now. Perfection. 100000/10. No notes. I just wish they were here now making music when we really need them the most! 😭
Classic
Obra prima absoluta, revolucionário em diversos sentidos.
really good! so much energy in all of these, especially killing in the name of. hard to not get swept up with it
Perfect. Nice and heavy.
Such an excellent set of musicians. The thickest chunkiest rhythm section in popular rock maybe. Tom may be hooked on pentatonic led zeppelin riffs, but it really works. Beautiful sensitive rhythmic accompaniment from zack, with that sprinkle of genuine young-person rage.. I'm always going to love this record
I fuckin love it, what a great recommendation
10/5 and somehow more timely now than when it was released...
This is my 310th review and my first 5/5. That's all that needs to be said.
These guys are PISSED OFF and make me pissed off. There is little fairness in the world but a heaping pile of stinking hypocracy that we live in every day. But if you're going to be this angry, at least you can bang your head to this. Rock on guys.
One of the top 10 albums of all time for me. Shaped music and political messages in music until today.
I've been in a fucking foul mood the last few weeks, absolutely terrible. This was lovely and cathartic to listen to.
6 stars!
It’s practically perfect. Such good bass riffs. a good, funky, thought provoking album
What is there to say. Eons ahead of its time, this music still feels fresh, relevant and more powerful than ever. My favorite thing to do as a corporate drone was to put on this album after lunch and see how quickly my productivity turned into rage.
This album is a masterpiece. The kick drum is so hard and punchy and when underlined by the heavy riffs it produces such a heavy slow impactful sound. The funky bass sounds like it was supposed to be in a different band, but it works so well. The energy, message and attitude of the vocals and lyrics work really well and their repetition mirrors and matches the repeating patterns in the rythem. And then there's the wild guitar magician who breaks up all the repetitive patterns and heavy slow sounds by producing sounds from the guitar that I frankly didn't think were possible. This keeps the tracks interesting and varied while also making the contrast so much more obvious when the tracks then drop down in the heavy riffs Standouts Killing In the Name Bullet In the Head Wake Up Township Rebellion 5/5
What can I say? It’s all bomb tracks One of my first cds I bought
Ma première performance sur stage avec mon frère (les 2 à la guit après des années de violon) fût pour un cover de Bombtrack...
J’adore Rage. Quoique je connais surtout The Battle of Los Angeles, une de ces pepites que mon frère s’était procuré via la maison Columbia. Mais ici Bombtrack quelle chanson de départ. Zach de la Rocha a l’air en Tabarnack pour frais. Tom Morello shred sa guitare ben raide avec tous ses effets sonores pas possible. Mais cette réécoute plusieurs années plus tard me fais voir que la Force du band c’est la bass ben funky de Tim Commerford. Vraiment un beau mélange bien unique, qui deviendra le Nu Metal du début 2000.
One of the bests!
One of the best debut albums created, and still so fucking apt today. The machine has always been here, but it's stronger now, and we need to make sure we rage against it until it dies or we do. Any right wingers who listen to this album and just think it is 'work out music bro' need to be put against the wall first in the revolution.
Dang. This is fantastic. This has aged very well. I wasn’t into them back in the day, but I didn’t mind hearing them while out & about. My guess as to why I didn’t buy their stuff back then was my musical taste hadn’t grown yet to appreciate how much swing/funk/whatnot their grooves had. I liked plenty of heavier music back then but I was mainly drawn to simpler and repetitive rhythms (which I still love dearly). My one tiny quibble with this album, and it’s totally a me problem, is some of the bass guitar sounds on this album are a little too “pingy” for my taste. But, again, that’s a me problem and indicative of the growth I still need to make.
Fantastic! The only issue I have is that parts of the instrumentation sometimes veered into the nu-metal sound (not their fault.) But yeah definitely worthy of the list.
As good today as when I was a teenager. I fucking love this album and Tom Morello
classic.
fav songs: ALL OF THEM! massive, tight, furious, political, rebellious 95/100
Awesome album. I remember when it came out 4.5 stars
Absoluter banger, 10/10 no notes
10/10 relisten
Banger, after banger, after banger. RATM never fails to get me angry about the government 😂
raging
Revisiting this album, it's crazy how spot on and important the hardcore political stuff still feels. Tim Commerford's killer bass and Tom Morello's guitar are insane, making a huge sound that goes perfect with Zack's ferocious, passionate vocals. It is an absolute powerhouse of a debut that immediately hooks you and gets your blood pumping, serving as the ultimate high-energy soundtrack whether you are trying to get psyched up for a heavy workout or feeling righteously angry at systemic injustice. At the same time, listening to it with modern eyes brings a deep sense of cynicism and irony that is hard to ignore. There is an undeniable contradiction in a fiercely anti-capitalist, anti-establishment message being produced and heavily profited from by a massive corporate entity like Sony. While the raw, unfiltered anger and aggressive protest songs completely rock on a visceral level, the lack of an actual plan for change makes the revolution feel a bit like a commodified societal release valve. It is a masterpiece of focused rage that completely stands the test of time musically, even if it leaves you realizing that most of us, including the band members living comfortably overlooking the machine, are ultimately just hypocrites navigating the very system we are yelling at.
Loved it then. Love it the same now.
Nothing really needs to be said about this one, a definitive album of the 90s and an entire generation. The ultimate protest album.
Purpose-driven rap-rock led by one of the most innovative guitarists since Hendrix.
Totally agree with the political commentary and the music is pretty good, too.
Ceritified banger!!! This is a no-skip álbum. Perfect lyrics and song writing
O sistema é foda
THREE 5 STAR ALBUMS IN A FUCKING ROW!!!! I don't know what I did to deserve this, but the bot just breezed through most of what I was excited to play all in one fell swoop, just like that, with about 800 albums still to go. The only way this could possibly get better is by rolling some more Grunge or Prog stuff tomorrow. Oh man, where do I even begin with this album?? I don't know. First, I’m going to complain. Rage have multiple albums with 0 skips including but not limited to Evil Empire, The Battle of Los Angeles, and even Renegades to a lesser extent. The fact that this is the only album of theirs on here is quite depressing. However, this is also the one with their magnum opus, “Killing In The Name”. It’s also definitely my favorite song on the album, even despite the fact that at least the entire first 2/3 of the album in and of itself is iconic. The creator of this book often picks the wrong albums by the right artists, and while I don’t think I’d have been upset with any Rage album, I think if you had to pick one, yeah, it’s Self Titled. Excellent decision. The album art alone is one of the most iconic in music history, and it’s just a historical event which at this point is more commonly associated with this album than the actual event itself. Déjà vu, I’ve rolled 3 of the most recognizable album covers in a row. Surely I get Nevermind tomorrow, yeah?? Speaking of yesterday, I made a bold statement in my review. I said that I’d hate to follow up the album I had rolled, in this case the Black Album by Metallica. I’ve never been so wrong in my entire life, and I’m thrilled about it. Surely I won’t be lucky enough to have 4 5 star albums in a row, right?? Surely I’m about to go on the worst streak of 1’s and 2’s imaginable. I still haven’t rolled anything in the bottom 20 yet, now may be the time. Back to the actual review, I think Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello deserve more love in general. My God, that duo is so heavenly and unique. Tom just misses the Mount Rushmore of guitarists, but man is he so close. I’m never going to hear a song from him I won’t immediately like, and he’s been everywhere at this point. The weird things he does with his guitar are always a trip. Likewise, the way Zack is consistently able to go from cool and collected to just screaming his fucking brains out is unparalleled to anyone else in the industry. It’s something I can’t explain, and shouldn’t sound as good as it does. Just one dude shrieking into the mic like he does and making it sound like that takes massive talent. This is a certified banger from top to bottom, and I’m glad to have it up on my profile as another 5, in what’s shaping up to likely be my favorite combined week on the site I’ll ever have.
This bad boy is pure power and energy from start to finish. Every song hits hard, with the band tucking meaningful messages behind the music. Loud, angry, passionate, and unforgettable — it’s an album that still feels just as important and electrifying today as when I first listened to it in the 90s
Me when that bloody machine gets on my nerves
El mejor album de rage against the machine. 10/10
Amazing album. Life changing
Listened to this a lot as a youngster. I think it's gotten even better and more relevant
Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine (1992) Day 142 was an explosive transition. This album is a fucking banger, the energy, the immaculate production, and the devious lyrics all hit perfectly. It’s high-velocity rock that feels ahead of its time, even decades later. The highlights were monumental. "Bombtrack" and "Take the Power Back" were so good I was literally tearing during the listen ...literally :(. "Killing in the Name," "Bullet in the Head," "Know Your Enemy," and "Fistful of Steel" were all absolute standouts that showed off the band's slick chemistry and raw conviction. A definitive 5/5 for a "revolutionary" body of work.
One of the best metal albums there is. Killing in the name of is amazing.
Es un putísimo banger de disco
This slaps hard. Lyrics still relevant today, maybe even more so. 5/5
Well of course it scores five, with no hesitation. I love this band. I love this album. I love the attitude, the musicianship, the vocal style, the running order, and maybe above all, I love how invincible it makes me feel.
This CD got regular play in high school and it still holds up
From the front cover to the last drum beats, this shit rocks. Play it loud, play it proud. Definite one of a kind, generational anthemic blasts. In one, two, three: head bangs! In the ABBA verse, they go to 11. But rounded down to 5 "head banging blasty" stars.
(100/100)
El mejor bajo que escuche en mi vida
Energetic protest album way ahead of its time.
The groove is the weapon here. It locks into a heavy, funk-infused metal foundation and never loosens its grip. The riffs are simple but massively effective, and the rhythm section carries a hypnotic weight that borders on mechanical but still feels human. Vocally and thematically it is direct and confrontational without losing musical tightness. It earns a full score because it commits completely to its identity and executes it with precision and impact.
Makes me wanna play guitar hero real bad.
10/10
Bangers. No notes
Every time I come back to this album I'm impressed by how memorable and hard-hitting each song is. I can't think of an album that better expresses discontent with the establishment.
Frustrating that this album continues to be as relatable as it was when it released 30+ years ago. RATM have done a great job with this album in using their education for good
great enjoyed it
In the right setting, like when you’re working out or contemplating all the things that are wrong with the world, this album is absolutely perfect.
uffff un shot de energía... tremendo
Iconic, some great riffs, great vocals, strong throughout. So many standout tracks.
listened to it twice back to back
Peak peak peak. Tom Morello really that guy. insane production. Energy high all the way through. Super creative. Super political. Super run through a fucking wall. Let's get it
MOTHERFUCKER! HUH!!
Angry music. Good angry music. Feels far more relevant now than 1992.
Rage Against The Machine In 1992, the air was thick with the death of hair metal and the birth of corporate-sanctioned "alternative." Then came four guys from Los Angeles who didn't want to be your idols; they wanted to burn your idols down. The Rage Against the Machine self-titled debut is a rare anomaly in the record industry: a major-label product that genuinely sounds like it’s trying to dismantle the building it was recorded in. It’s a document of focused, rhythmic hatred toward the American machine, delivered with a precision that makes modern "heavy" music look like a tantrum. (52:55, 10 tracks, 1st album 1992), Rap metal / Funk metal. Background The band formed in 1991 after guitarist Tom Morello’s previous outfit, Lock Up, disintegrated. He found Zack de la Rocha in an underground club, rapping over a heavy groove—a collision of punk energy and hip-hop delivery. They recruited Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk, quickly recording a 12-track self-released demo tape. The strength of this demo, which sold 5,000 copies, led to a bidding war. They signed with Epic Records but demanded total creative control, a paradox they justified by using the label’s massive distribution network as a megaphone for their radical politics. The cover art, featuring the self-immolation of Thích Quảng Đức, wasn't just shock value; it was a mission statement on the cost of resistance. Recording Recorded between April and May 1992 at Sound City Studios, the production is legendary for its dry, "live" feel. Produced by Gggarth Richardson and the band, the record famously carries a disclaimer: "no samples, keyboards or synthesizers used in the making of this record." This was a point of pride—Morello’s "DJ-scratching" sounds were entirely organic, created through toggle-switch manipulation and feedback. The sessions captured a band playing in the same room, emphasizing the tight, mechanical interplay between Wilk’s drums and Commerford’s bass, providing the foundation for de la Rocha’s searing, unembellished vocals. Rage Against the Machine are famous for their revolutionary activism and left-wing political views which form the foundations of the band. Using music as a vehicle for social activism, their lyrical themes have often critiqued the domestic and foreign policies of current and former US governments. Speaking on the significance of music as the primary medium for revolution, frontman Zack de la Rocha emphasized that music has the power to cross borders, to break military sieges and to establish real dialogue. ________________________________________ Track 1: Bombtrack The Lyrics: (Excerpt) Everything at stake, land of the free / Whoever's the hungriest has the most to eat / It's a bombtrack! / Burn, burn, yes you're gonna burn! The opening salvo. It establishes the central metaphor: the music itself is a "bombtrack" designed to ignite social upheaval. The lyrics focus on the hypocrisy of the "land of the free," arguing that capitalism is a predatory system where only the "hungriest" survive. It’s a warning shot to the establishment that the fuse has been lit. "Bombtrack" serves as both a musical "banger" (bomb track) and a political manifesto (bomb). The title is a play on 1990s slang where "bomb" meant something was high-quality or cool, while simultaneously referencing "dropping bombs" in the form of explosive, revolutionary ideas. The lyrics take aim at "landlords and power whores" who exploit ordinary people. Vocalist Zack de la Rocha expresses a "militant mind" and calls for the downfall of oppressive systems, specifically targeting "Manifest Destiny" and corporate-backed government structures. The recurring "Burn, burn, yes, you’re gonna burn" chorus emphasizes a desire to dismantle the existing power hierarchies. The music video for Bombtrack on YouTube provides specific context by showcasing the struggle of the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) in Peru. Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) was a brutal Maoist insurgent group that triggered a decades-long internal conflict in Peru, resulting in nearly 70,000 deaths. Founder Abimael Guzmán, a former philosophy professor known by his followers as "Presidente Gonzalo," founded the group in the late 1960s. The group followed a radical interpretation of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, aiming to overthrow Peru's democratic institutions and replace them with a communist peasant regime. "Gonzalo Thought": Guzmán’s own additions to Maoism emphasized "protracted people's war" and the idea that all-out violence was the primary creative force for revolution. A Violent Insurgency (1980–1992) Sendero Luminoso was notorious for its extreme brutality, including indiscriminate bombings, assassinations of local officials, and massacres of peasant communities perceived as unsupportive. The group launched its rebellion on the eve of the 1980 elections by burning ballot boxes. By the late 1980s, the group controlled large swaths of the countryside and began a bombing campaign in the capital, Lima. A Truth and Reconciliation Commission found that the Shining Path was responsible for over half of the fatalities in the conflict—roughly 31,000 to 37,000 people. A turning point occurred in September 1992 when Peruvian police captured Guzmán at a safe house in Lima. Following his arrest, the group largely collapsed as a major military threat. Abimael Guzmán died in prison on September 11, 2021, while serving a life sentence. Small splinter factions remain active today, primarily in the VRAEM (Valley of the Rivers Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro) region. These groups have largely transitioned from political militancy to "narco-terrorism," funding themselves by taxing drug trafficking operations. It highlights their revolutionary war against a government the band characterized as an "oppressive U.S.-backed" regime. The track is known for its staccato 16th-note bassline that mimics a ticking time bomb, building tension before "exploding" into heavy riffs. It blends elements of hip-hop "dope hooks" with aggressive punk and metal Track 2: Killing in the Name The Lyrics: (Excerpt) Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses... / Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me! A blunt-force trauma analysis of systemic racism within law enforcement. De la Rocha links the police force directly to the KKK ("burn crosses"), suggesting that the state’s "order" is built on a history of white supremacy. The final mantra is the ultimate rejection of authoritarianism—a refusal to be broken by a system that demands blind obedience. "Killing in the Name" is Rage Against the Machine's signature protest anthem, released in November 1992 as a direct indictment of institutional racism and police brutality in the United States. Inspired by the Rodney King Trials. The song was written in the immediate aftermath of the 1991 Rodney King beating and the subsequent 1992 Los Angeles riots. These events served as a breaking point that highlighted systemic abuses of power within the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). "Some of those that work forces are the same that burn crosses": This central refrain draws a explicit parallel between law enforcement and the Ku Klux Klan. It suggests that white supremacist ideologies were embedded within the very "forces" meant to provide security. "Those who died are justified, for wearing the badge, they’re the chosen whites": This line critiques the "military-industrial complex" and the way state-sanctioned violence is often excused or justified when committed by those in authority. "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me": Often misinterpreted as generic teenage angst, this is actually a defiant refusal to comply with what the band views as a corrupt and racist status quo. The lyric is repeated 16 times, building to an intense climax. In 2009, a grassroots campaign propelled the 17-year-old song to the top of the UK Christmas charts to protest the dominance of manufactured pop music from The X Factor. The "Drop D" Riff: Guitarist Tom Morello famously stumbled upon the song's iconic heavy riff while teaching a student how to use "Drop D" tuning, promptly ending the lesson to record it. Track 3: Take the Power Back The Lyrics: (Excerpt) The teacher stands at the front of the class / But the lesson plan he can't recall to pass... / We need a movement with a quickness / You are the witness of change-work, a revolutionary. No more lies, no more lies, no more lies, no more lies. . . The Meaning: De la Rocha argues that the current political, social and cultural systems within the United States are immoral in today’s society. With this in mind, “Take the Power Back” serves as a message to empower individuals to reclaim power from the government so it can be returned to the people. However, this must be achieved through self-education – lies are bred at the hands of capitalist media and schooling is heavily Eurocentric so we must educate ourselves on our own cultures and those of minorities. A critique of the Eurocentric American education system. It argues that schools are tools of indoctrination, "whitewashing" history to maintain the status quo. The track calls for an intellectual revolution, urging listeners to reclaim their agency by questioning the "official" narrative they were fed in the classroom. "Take the Power Back" is a call for intellectual and cultural revolution, specifically targeting the American education system and the way it shapes the minds of citizens. Frontman Zack de la Rocha argues that the school system provides a "Eurocentric" curriculum that suppresses the history and culture of minorities. Lyrics like "The teacher stands in front of the class / But the lesson plan he can't recall" suggest that educators are often just cogs in a machine delivering state-approved "bullshit". The song posits that because the "system" teaches lies, individuals must reclaim their power through self-education. By learning their own history and thinking critically, people can break the "circle of hatred". Like much of Rage Against the Machine's debut album, the track challenges the government and capitalist media for manipulating the public to maintain a submissive workforce. "Europe ain't my rope to swing on / Can't learn a thing from it, yet we hang from it": This line rejects the dominance of European historical perspectives in American schools and suggests that following these singular narratives is a form of cultural suicide. "The present curriculum, I put my fist in 'em": A direct call to challenge and dismantle standard academic structures. "The student's eyes don't perceive the lies bouncing off every fucking wall": Highlights the danger of complacency and the importance of "waking up" to systemic manipulation. The song serves as a blueprint for the band's larger philosophy: that the first step to changing society is reclaiming control over your own mind. In the "Thanks for Inspiration" section of their self-titled debut album's liner notes, Rage Against the Machine explicitly cites several revolutionaries and activists as the foundation for their political philosophy. Key Political Figures Huey P. Newton: The co-founder of the Black Panther Party. His work in black nationalism and community-led social programs is a major influence on the band's focus on grassroots power and resistance to police brutality. Bobby Sands: A member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who died in 1981 while on a hunger strike in a Northern Irish prison. Sands is included as a symbol of ultimate personal sacrifice for a political cause. Thích Quảng Đức: While his name is not just a "thank you," his image defines the album. He was the Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk who famously self-immolated in Saigon in 1963 to protest the persecution of Buddhists. Ian and Alec MacKaye: Icons of the D.C. hardcore punk scene. Ian MacKaye (of Minor Threat and Fugazi) is credited with pioneering the Straight Edge movement and the fiercely independent DIY (Do-It-Yourself) ethic that Rage adopted. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.: Though referenced more heavily in the lyrics of tracks like "Wake Up," their ideologies regarding civil rights and systemic oppression are central to the album's message. Broad Philosophical Inspiration Guitarist Tom Morello has also cited Frederick Douglass as a core inspiration for the spirit of "Killing in the Name". He often quotes Douglass's sentiment that the moment one becomes free is not when physical chains are removed, but when they finally say "no" to an illegitimate authority. Track 4: Settle for Nothing (Excerpt) A mother's love for her son / Brought a gift of a 9mm gun / He didn't settle for nothing / He just settled for a 6 by 10. The Meaning: The darkest point on the record. It explores the cycle of violence and urban decay. It’s a grim story of a young man trapped by his environment, where the only perceived way to "not settle" for poverty is through crime, eventually leading to a 6x10 prison cell. It’s a cynical look at how the machine feeds on the marginalized. "Settle for Nothing" is the darkest and most somber track on the debut album. While other songs call for outward revolution, this one explores the internal psychological toll of poverty, neglect, and systemic failure. The lyrics trace the life of a young man raised in an environment of "cold floors" and "broken homes." It argues that when society offers someone nothing, they eventually turn to violence out of desperation and a lack of options. The title "Settle for Nothing" is a bleak play on words. It suggests that the protagonist has been forced to accept a life with no future, leading to a "nothing to lose" mentality. The song paints a vivid picture of life in neglected inner cities, where "shattered glass" and "empty pockets" define a person's reality. The song moves between quiet, spoken-word verses and explosive, screaming choruses. This mimics the feeling of repressed rage—the quiet desperation of daily life suddenly boiling over into an outburst of violence or protest. Tim Commerford’s slow, melodic bassline creates a sense of mourning, setting a tone of tragedy rather than the high-energy defiance found in "Bombtrack." "If we don't settle for nothing, we'll settle for each other": This is the song's rare moment of solidarity. It suggests that the only way to break the cycle is for those at the bottom to stop fighting one another and unite. "In a world of nothing, I'm a king": This reflects the mindset of a "gangster" or someone who turns to crime to gain the respect and power that society denied them through legitimate means. Essentially, the song serves as a sociological case study, explaining why the rage in "Killing in the Name" or "Bombtrack" exists in the first place. "I got a nine": Refers to a 9mm handgun. It represents the transition from being a victim of his environment to becoming a threat within it. The weapon provides the first sense of power and protection he has ever felt. "A sign": This refers to hand signs or gestures used to identify gang affiliation. It’s the visual language of the streets, signaling to others who he is and who he stands with. "A set": In gang culture, a "set" is a specific local crew or neighborhood faction (e.g., a specific block or branch of a larger gang). This represents belonging. After a childhood of "broken homes" mentioned earlier in the song, the "set" becomes his surrogate family. "And now I got a name!": This is the tragic climax of the line. In a world where he was previously invisible, poor, and "nothing," he finally has notoriety and respect. However, the "name" he has earned is tied to violence and the "set," meaning his identity is now inextricably linked to a cycle that usually ends in prison or death. The Bigger Picture: Zack de la Rocha is using this sequence to show that gang violence isn't just "senseless"—it's a logical (if tragic) response to systemic abandonment. When the school system, the government, and the economy give a kid "nothing," they will "settle" for the power and identity found in a 9mm and a street gang. Track 5: Bullet in the Head The Lyrics: (Excerpt) They say jump and you say how high? / You're mentally ground, paralyzed / Just a bullet in the head. The Meaning: This targets media manipulation and mass-market complacency. The "bullet in the head" is a metaphor for the television—a device that kills critical thought and turns the public into "walking dead" who obey without question. It’s a scathing look at how the "American Dream" is used as a sedative. "Bullet in the Head" is a direct critique of media manipulation and corporate propaganda, specifically how television and news networks pacify the public into a state of mindless compliance. Media as a Weapon The central metaphor is that those who blindly consume and believe mainstream media "might as well have bullets in their heads". The band argues that television is used as a tool for mass mind control, distracting citizens from major global issues and government corruption. "A yellow ribbon instead of a swastika": This line refers to the yellow ribbons used to show support for troops during the 1991 Gulf War. Zack de la Rocha suggests these symbols were a form of sanitized nationalism, masking the violent reality of war with "propaganda". "They load the clip in omnicolor... fire it at prime time": This compares television broadcasting (omnicolor) to a weaponized firearm. News at "prime time" is portrayed as an attack on the viewer's ability to think critically. "No escape from the mass mind rape": A blunt description of how the band views the constant stream of corporate advertising and state-sanctioned narratives. "Just victims of the in-house drive-by": This describes the passive experience of sitting in one's own home while the television "blasts" information that kills independent thought. The song famously draws a comparison between typical suburban residences and Alcatraz prison, suggesting that people have become prisoners in their own homes, trapped by a "blanket of media" that prevents them from taking action against injustice Track 6: Know Your Enemy The Lyrics: (Excerpt) Word is born, fight the war, fuck the norm / Now I also disagree, I'm the antitype / I'm the apple that's bright red, a green one won't do. The Meaning: Featuring Maynard James Keenan (Tool), this track is a call to identify the true source of oppression. It rejects the "American Dream" as a weapon used to pacify the populace. The "enemy" isn't a foreign power, but the domestic structures of control—the "compromise, conformity, assimilation" mentioned in the bridge. “Know Your Enemy" is the band’s ultimate recruitment poster. While other songs focus on the media or the police, this track identifies the specific "enemies" that Rage believes keep the American public in a state of "apathy." The "Eight-Step" Compromise The song’s core message is that the American Dream is a "calculated" trap. Zack de la Rocha lists eight steps (though he doesn't explicitly number them in order) that lead to a life of submission: 1. Apathy, 2. Sloth, 3. Fear, 4. Narrow-mindedness: These are internal "enemies" that prevent people from questioning authority. 5. Compromise, 6. Conformity, 7. Assimilation, 8. Submission: These are the external actions that lead to a "lifeless" existence. Yes I know my enemies 1. Compromise, 2. conformity, 3. assimilation, 4. submission 5. Ignorance, 6. hypocrisy, 7. brutality, 8. the elite “All of which are American dreams, All of which are American dreams, All of which are American dreams, All of which are American dreams. . . 8 times for the eight ” The "compromise" he mentions is the act of trading your revolutionary spirit for the comforts of a stable, middle-class life. "The land of the free? Whoever told you that is your enemy!": This is one of the band’s most famous lines. It argues that the concept of "American Freedom" is a myth used to mask systemic oppression. If you believe you are already free, you won't fight for actual liberation. "Word is born, fight the war, fuck the norm!": A call to reject societal expectations and engage in "intellectual" warfare against the status quo. "Born with insight and a fist, a clean slate": This echoes the themes in "Take the Power Back"—that we are all born with the capacity for critical thought, but the system "fills the slate" with propaganda. The "A-List" of Enemies In the bridge, the lyrics point to specific institutions of control: "Anti-choice": A critique of those seeking to control bodily autonomy. "The land of the free": Again, attacking the irony of the American slogan. "The home of the brave": Suggesting that true bravery is found in dissent, not in military conquest. This track features a heavy emphasis on Maynard James Keenan (of Tool) providing guest vocals during the bridge. His haunting, melodic delivery of "I've got no patience now" creates a sharp contrast to Zack’s aggressive rapping, representing the internal tension between frustration and explosive action. Track 7: Wake Up (Excerpt) What was the price on his head? / I think I heard a shot / I think I heard a shot / Wake up! The Meaning: A deep dive into the assassination of COINTELPRO targets, specifically referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the FBI's role in suppressing revolutionary movements. It’s a history lesson on how the state eliminates those who pose a genuine threat to its power, ending with the famous scream for the listener to finally open their eyes. "Wake Up" is the cinematic finale of the debut album (famously used in the closing credits of The Matrix). It is a historical exposé focused on the FBI’s targeting of Black political leaders during the 1960s and 70s. The song centers on COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program), a series of covert and often illegal projects conducted by the FBI. The lyrics argue that the U.S. government actively worked to "neutralize" anyone who could unite the Black community and challenge the white power structure. "Departments of police, the agencies in blue / All are corrupt and surgical too": This suggests that state violence isn't random; it is "surgical," meaning it specifically targets individuals who represent a threat to the status quo. "You know they murdered X and tried to blame it on Islam": A reference to the assassination of Malcolm X. Zack de la Rocha suggests the government played a role in his death and used religious tensions as a cover. "He had a dream and Nixon pulled a 45": This refers to Martin Luther King Jr. The "45" refers to a .45 caliber handgun, suggesting the state was responsible for his assassination to end his "dream" of racial and economic equality. "J. Edgar Hoover, he was a master of deceit": A direct shout-out to the long-time FBI Director who headed COINTELPRO and obsessed over destroying the Black Panther Party. The "Messiah" Warning In the bridge, Zack whispers a nearly verbatim quote from an actual 1968 FBI memo: "Prevent the rise of a 'messiah' who could unify and electrify the militant Black nationalist movement." This is the "smoking gun" the song uses to prove that the government feared a charismatic leader more than anything else. The repeated scream of "Wake Up!" is a literal plea for the listener to stop being a "sheep" and realize that the history they were taught in school (the "lesson plan" from Take the Power Back) has been sanitized to protect those in power. "E-Double" refers to Erick Sermon, one half of the legendary hip-hop duo EPMD (Erick and Parrish Making Dollars) a direct tribute to EPMD's 1992 song "I'm Mad," which appeared on their album Business Never Personal. Zack de la Rocha was heavily influenced by the "Golden Age" of hip-hop. By referencing Erick Sermon, he was aligning Rage Against the Machine with the gritty, sample-heavy, and often socially conscious rap of the early '90s. In the song "I'm Mad," Erick Sermon raps about his frustration with the music industry and "fake" rappers. Zack repurposes that "madness" but pivots it toward political and systemic anger rather than just industry beef. Erick Sermon was frequently called "E-Double" (or "The Green-Eyed Bandit") in his lyrics and by fans. In the song, Zack uses this line right before diving into the government's targeting of activists. It serves as a bridge, showing that his anger isn't just personal—it's part of a larger tradition of Black and Brown artists using their voices to "blast" back at a corrupt system. Flip Wilson was a massive comedy star in the late 1960s and 70s, best known for his variety show and his character "Geraldine Jones." By saying he'll "Flip like Wilson," Zack is using a play on words. In hip-hop, to "flip" means to change up your flow, switch your style, or turn a situation around. He is claiming that his vocal delivery is as versatile and quick-witted as Flip Wilson’s comedic timing. "Vocals never lacking that finesse"This part of the line is a direct nod to smoothness and technical ability. While Rage is known for aggressive screaming, this line highlights the "rap" side of the band. Zack is asserting that even when he’s shouting about revolution, his "pen game" and rhythmic delivery are sophisticated and polished. Finesse" was a frequent buzzword in early 90s rap (think Lord Finesse). It signals that Zack isn't just a "rock singer" shouting—he's a highly skilled MC with a deep respect for the craft of rhyming. This line is a classic example of how Zack de la Rocha weaves pop culture references into his political lyrics. By placing a lighthearted reference to a comedian next to heavy political themes, he creates a rhythmic "breather" that proves his lyrical dexterity. Track 8: Fistful of Steel The Lyrics: (Excerpt) I'm a fistful of steel / Step into the arena and break the seal / The silence makes me sick. The Meaning: A testament to the power of the voice. De la Rocha views his microphone as a weapon ("fistful of steel"). It’s a personal declaration of intent—he cannot remain silent while injustice exists, choosing instead to enter the "arena" of public discourse and shatter the quiet of complacency. The term "fistful of steel" is most famously used in the Rage Against the Machine song of the same name. Its meaning is generally interpreted through three main lenses: 1. The Microphone as a Weapon In the context of the song, the lyric "And mad boy grips the microphone with a fistful of steel" suggests that the microphone—made of metal/steel—is a powerful weapon. It symbolizes using one's voice and lyrics to fight against injustice rather than physical arms. 2. A Metaphor for a Gun "Steel" is common slang for a firearm. In revolutionary imagery, a "fistful of steel" can represent taking up arms or the threat of militant resistance against an oppressive status quo. 3. Strength and Resilience Beyond specific objects, the phrase invokes the industrial and physical properties of steel: Resolve: Having a "heart" or "nerves" of steel implies unwavering courage under pressure. Working-Class Power: Steel is heavily associated with industry and the labor force, often used in revolutionary art to represent the strength of the proletariat. In the song Fistful of Steel, these meanings often overlap to create a message of active rebellion, encouraging listeners to break their silence and use their "steel" (whether through words or actions) to ignite change. The lyrics of Rage Against the Machine are heavily informed by a specific visual and political language of rebellion. The phrase "fistful of steel" and its surrounding lyrics draw on several historical movements and symbols: 1. The Clenched or Raised Fist The most prominent symbol in the song's imagery is the clenched fist, a universal sign of solidarity and resistance. Anti-Fascist Roots: The gesture gained international prominence during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) as a salute used by Republican militias and international brigades fighting against fascism. The Black Sheep Agency -Black Power Movement: In the 1960s, the Black Panther Party adopted the fist as a symbol of Black liberation. Its most iconic historical moment occurred at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, when athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos gave the salute to protest racial injustice in the United States. Labor and Workers: Steel as a material is historically linked to industrial workers and the Proletariat. In socialist and communist iconography, the combination of steel and the fist represents the collective power of the working class. 2. The MOVE Organization In the song, Zack de la Rocha explicitly mentions: "With visions of the MOVE...". MOVE was a communal Black liberation group based in Philadelphia. Historical Rebellion: In 1985, the Philadelphia Police Department bombed the MOVE residence, killing 11 people and destroying 61 homes. By invoking MOVE, the lyrics align the music with militant domestic resistance against perceived government state terrorism. 3. The Microphone as a "Molotov Cocktail" The band's aesthetic often treats the stage as a revolutionary front, frequently using the EZLN (Zapatista) flag as a backdrop in later years. Lyrical Weaponry: The "fistful of steel" (the microphone) is likened to a Molotov cocktail—a DIY weapon of street rebellion. The lyrics aim to "ignite" the listener's "sense of militance". Silence as Violence: The opening lines, "Silence... can be violent," echo a historical theme in protest movements: that neutrality in the face of oppression is a form of complicity. 4. Self-Defense Symbols Some interpretations suggest the "fistful of steel" alludes to a specific tactic of individual resistance: Personal Safety: Holding keys or metal objects between knuckles is a common improvised self-defense technique. Solidarity with Women: In live performances, de la Rocha often dedicated the song to "positive sistas," linking the concept of "steel" to the strength required for women to fight back against patriarchal violence Track 9: Township Rebellion The Lyrics: (Excerpt) Why stand on a silent platform? / Fight the war, fuck the norm! / Your complacency is their weapon. The Meaning: Drawing parallels between South African apartheid and American systemic issues. It emphasizes that silence is an act of cooperation with the oppressor. The "silent platform" is a metaphor for those who have the means to speak out but choose not to, thereby handing the machine its most effective tool: public indifference. A direct reference to the Black townships in apartheid-era South Africa and the militant uprisings that occurred there. In these segregated areas, residents organized mass resistance against the oppressive white-minority government. The track uses these historical events as a blueprint for global resistance against systemic injustice: The "Township" in the title refers to the restricted areas where Black South Africans were forced to live under apartheid. The song honors their defiance, such as the Vaal uprising or the Soweto uprising, where students and workers rebelled against discriminatory laws. The "Silent Platform": A core lyric—"Why stand on a silent platform? / Fight the war, fuck the norm!"—criticizes those who remain passive in the face of oppression. It suggests that silence is a form of complicity and urges listeners to use their voices as a "platform" for change. The lyrics address "global white supremacy" and "Eurocentrism," arguing that educational and religious systems are often used to "shackle" minds and maintain control over oppressed populations. Ignorance as a Tool: The line "When ignorance reigns, life is lost" highlights how systemic indoctrination prevents people from recognizing or fighting back against their own subjugation. Track 10: Freedom The Lyrics: (Excerpt) Anger is a gift / Freedom? Yeah right! / Freedom! Yeah right! The Meaning: The closing anthem, centered on the imprisonment of Leonard Peltier. It mocks the American concept of "freedom" as a hollow branding exercise. The refrain "Anger is a gift" is the album's thesis: that righteous indignation is the only thing capable of fueling the energy required to actually change a broken world. If you’d like to explore how this revolutionary sound evolved, I can compare the raw energy of this debut against their more polished follow-up, Evil Empire. “Freedom” was the fourth and final single to be released from Rage Against the Machine’s eponymous album. The song raises awareness about the Native American Activist, Leonard Peltier, who was involved in the American Indian Movement (AIM). As a consequence of a shoot-out on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1975, Peltier was condemned to two consecutive life sentences for the deaths of two FBI agents. Since his trial, questions have been raised concerning the prosecution’s misconduct regarding fabricated evidence and falsified testimonies. Speaking to Rolling Stone in 1995, Zack de la Rocha discussed Peltier’s case and attitude towards indigenous people: I believe in this band’s ability to bridge the gap between entertainment and activism… Leonard Peltier is a political prisoner… but he’s much more than that. He symbolizes the continuance of the U.S. genocidal policy that’s been perpetrated against the native peoples of this country. This message is continued in the song’s music video directed by Peter Christopherson, which features footage from the Peltier case and a re-enactment of the Pine Ridge incident from Michael Apted’s 1992 documentary, Incident at Oglala. These scenes are accompanied by imagery of American Indian Movement members and quotes from Sitting Bull – the Native American chief responsible for uniting Sioux tribes in their struggle for survival on the Great Plains. The video closes with scenes of imprisoned Peltier and the phrase, “justice has not been done”. The song's primary meaning is rooted in the fight for Peltier's release from prison, but it also critiques broader systemic oppression. The music video for "Freedom" focuses almost entirely on Peltier's 1977 conviction for the deaths of two FBI agents during a shootout at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The band views Peltier as a political prisoner and a symbol of what they describe as the U.S. government's "genocidal policy" against indigenous peoples. The song concludes with the repeated, frantic scream of "Freedom!", which serves as a literal demand for his release. After decades of advocacy by the band and others, Peltier's life sentence was commuted to home confinement by President Joe Biden in January 2025. The lyrics and video incorporate several other historical layers of rebellion: Sitting Bull: The music video features quotes from the legendary Hunkpapa Lakota leader, connecting Peltier's struggle to the long history of indigenous resistance. "Anger is a Gift": This iconic line suggests that righteous anger is a necessary tool for awakening and rebellion against "The Machine"—the interlocking systems of corporate and government power. Metaphors of Control: Lyrics like "Brotha, did ya forget ya name? / Did ya lose it on the wall playin' Tic-Tac-Toe?" are often interpreted as a critique of how the carceral system and societal norms strip individuals of their identity and humanity. The video's use of an upside-down American flag is a recognized signal of dire distress or extreme protest, further emphasizing the band's view that "justice has not been done".
súper rock pesado
Overall: 10/10 I first heard RAtM in the 9th grade and this album quickly became a huge part of my musical rotation. To this day, I haven't heard another band blend rap, rock and metal in such a seamless way. To do all that while also having a message behind their lyrics is just astounding to me. Tom Morello is one of the most creative and interesting guitarists to exist and I don't think he gets enough credit. All of these songs are so ingrained to my brain that listening to this album feels like resetting my brain. I'm transported back to my band in high school, trying to rap and play bass at the same time and having to censor the swearing so my buddy's dad didn't hear us. Fav Song: Know Your Enemy
I'm Gen X, of course I love this album
I was very presently surprised with how much I really enjoyed this album. Ive never been into metal, but loved every song
I got so excited when I saw this was the album of the day. One of those classic projects you just haven't gotten around to listening to, though there's a few tracks I know well and occasionally go back to. Killing In The Name is probably the most repeated example, there's something delicious in the guitars. The album as a synthesized idea follows through with a similar energy, though I admit I was expecting it to be more grungey than what the end result really is. I started understanding how deep the hip-hop element runs, I feel Public Enemy fucking with this. I also feel a Beastie Boys influence that I wouldn't expect to appreciate, but I do. What is it with those choppy rhyme schemes that actually work well with the aggressive strings? Then we've got this amazing photography representing the effort. A monk is burning himself in political protest. This isn't AI, this is photojournalism, this is a moment of extreme desperation and affinity with ones own personal philosophy. I think it represents the record very well, it's a beautiful image but it's sad and angry. It's a suicide with a purpose. Wake the fuck up. Proceed with caution listening to this in public. The stupid people in the street seem more obvious with this playing. It's not okay to shove mindless tourists in a busy city, but that's exactly the vibe this record is going for. Must be great to mosh with. 4.65/5
One of the best albums of all time
Me gustó mucho
Woah. I knew little about this band coming in and this was not really what I was expecting. What this was was close to the dream experience for me when doing this, finding something I wasn’t familiar with, nor particularly expecting to like, and falling in love with it. I enjoy everything about this. The energy is incredible, it’s electric and then some. The fusion of styles here sound frankensteinian in the coolest way, sounds that weren’t all put together this well before this but combine to create something epic and monstrous. The vocals are great, reminding me of the Beastie Boys and, more recently, Joey Valence. I’m not quite as into the more metal tracks but even those I enjoyed much more thaj expected. I’ve struggled to enjoy groups like Deafheaven in the past because I can’t endure the sound of the screams but I much prefer how it’s done here personally. All of this would be enough to love it and that’s without a word being spent on the power of the lyrics to go on top of it all. I’m not all that well-versed in the genre yet overall, but this may quickly become my favorite rock record of all time, as long as nothing else on this list has something to say about it. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Take the Power Back, Bombtrack, Know Your Enemy
Expectation: -> I never got into Rage. Can't really explain it, as I like similar music. After listening: -> I’ve never liked Rage but like many bands in similar genre. Not once can I recall searching for one of their songs on Spotify or ever. But I recognize a lot of this album and it’s incredible. Late to the game but better late than never. 5/5 Track ranking: Killing Bombtrack Power Settle Bullet Enemy Steel Wake Freedom Township
I've heard most of it, but still a great album. No notes.
Has to be a 5 star. Era defining tunes, iconic vocals, established a new music genre(?), uber political lyrics. Lets not forget how controversial the album cover is as well. Still as relevant today.
Challenging, thought provoking, political. Quite an album. Disturbing cover of political unrest underpinning it all. Has to be 5*
Abit on the nose a points…? No, it just slaps you in the face and demands your focus. Everyone is on top from here, Zach’s pained screams, Tom’s riff. No skips, total rager, perfect 10
Oh yeah!
my favorite album so far. at first I was worried about all the noise and discord but I learned to love it because it really captures and accentuates the lyrics which are so good and so poignant in this political climate even though the album is 2 decades old. 3?
Listened to this millions of times, love it
These songs sound huge and anthemic. The infectious bass grooves adds a funk flavour to their metal sound and Tom Morello gets some unique sounds out of his guitar whenever he isn't delivering crushing riffs. The most impressive thing about this album is how Zach de la Rocha can deliver his politically charged lyrics without ever sounding preachy - the man is simply pissed off! The influence of this record can't be denied and I'd argue that they were just as influential as Nirvana were. You can hear the seeds of nu-metal being planted here to hearing elements of modern bands like La Dispute on the spoken word delivery on 'Settle For Nothing' and I can hear a chugging Turnstile-esque riff on the pre-chorus of 'Know Your Enemy'. This debut outing by the band sounds as fresh as it did when it hit shelves in 1992 and unfortunately the lyrics are still as relevant.
I think I’d probably err close to a 4.5 if I could but probably one of the most influential albums of the 90s with numerous all-timer singles. It’s closer to a 5 than a 4 though, and unlike others on this list I’d rate 4 stars and think “is this really one of the 1,001 compared to other omissions?” RATM is undoubtedly something that should be on anyone’s version of the list.
Great album. Raw and powerful.
A classic rap-metal album, one that has been incredibly influential on me. So grateful I discovered this in college and that I had an excuse to listen to it again. The anger is so righteous and powerful, and honestly inspiring as well.
Still remember the first time I heard this on Ruaraidh Martins Sony Walkman outside the science building one morning before class when I was in S1. Still sounds amazing now.
Great. Exceeded expectations. For some reason, I didn't pay enough attention in the nineties. Killing in the name, Take the power back (love the bass), Settle for nothing (that guitar after minute 3), Bullet in the head... All tracks are great. Great and powerful lyrics, distinct sound (unique guitar sound), great singing... You can really feel the rage. Even the album cover is amazing. 5 stars.
This one rocked my world when it came out! It sucks that they get lumped in with some shitty bands from that time because they meant business. The message & the delivery of the message was, is, and will always be crystal clear & direct! No fucking joke!
I have listened to a couple of the songs previously and liked them, but I listed to this album a several times on different days and it just works wonders with my brain and mood. Didn't plan on this - but this album is a banger.
Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!
Loved this album for years
Absolute banger.
Excelentes temas, clásicos del rock y del niu metal, siendo referentes en lo que es la composicion de piezas de guitarras con efectos (Tom Morello, ídolo).
Obv
Broke my skull wide open when I was in high school. I love his voice, his emotion, the flow and the message behind every song. I often criticize albums for all sounding the same, but I think there's also something to keeping the energy up through the whole thing. FUCK YOU I WONT DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!
30 years on and still sounds great. Each song is a banger. Great bass, Morello’s guitar, De La Rocha’s effortless movement between rap and screaming. That you served this in “No Kings Day” was the chef’s kiss.
Solid tracks on this album, along with Killing in the Name of, a.classic anarchist call to arms. There were a few groups around this time mixing rap and hard rock, or metal, but these guys really stood out.
This album has everything. Riffs that compare well to the best metal albums. Funky, groovy bass. Rap vocals that actually fit with the music and don't sound terrible. Not only that, the lyrics are important too. I would complain a bit about the lyrics being repetitive, but the number of people out there that listen to Rage and don't understand what the are saying is unreal. Maybe they need to repeat them more.
One of the best rock albums of all time, no question. Rage Against The Machine's sound is one of the best and most unique ever. Super great listening. Wake Up was my fav song and first listen with Bombtrack and Bullet In The Head as my other highlights
One time in high school my dad was driving me and my friends on some long car ride to who knows where. I had just been given a dubbed tape of this album and we put it on. I could tell my dad didn't like it but he was managing. We got to Killing in the Name and I started worrying but didn't know what to do so I just sat there. I think he made it to the 15th 'Fuck you I won't do what you tell me', before he yelled something and angrily turned it off. I never listened to this album at home again. This is in my top five albums, perhaps top one.
An instant classic at the time of its release, those first two tracks hit so hard -- and the lyrics of second perhaps even harder today, in the USA of 2026, occupied as we are by masked, armed agents of the state... You justify those that died By wearin' the badge, they're the chosen whites Some of those that work forces Are the same that burn crosses
M9wwd
This record is so iconic I know where I was when I first heard it. Killing in the Name came on the radio and my jaw hit the floor. I was absolutely gobsmacked. This country could use RATM and more bands like them.
This album blew my mind when I first heard it. It was inspirational and changed my views of a lot of things. Heavy, political and a little hip hop element
Одразу дисклеймер: гурт, а точніше два його головних учасники - це пряма дискредитація сучасного західного лівого руху і демонстрація повної відірваності від реальності та делулізації. Критика на їхню адресу, що вони антикапіталісти на мейджор-лейблі і революціонери на зарплаті, теж цілком справедлива. Я дуже любив цей альбом. Та й люблю досі, хоча останніми роками не слухаю. Зараз вирішив з такої нагоди переслухати. Гурт я знав досить давно: десь на музиці, що передавалась через компакти чи жорсткі диски, гуляли кліпи RATM. Але альбомами я їх зацінив десь у середині нульових, коли подивився аніме Beck. Там дропали Морелло, який скретчить на гітарі. Маючи тоді вже якусь кількість мегабайт, я скачав дискографію і завис. Цей альбом найкращий у їхній дискографії. Тут є просто іконічні треки, Морелло видає дуже качові партії з усіма примочками та ефектами, у Зака флоу, який ідеально пасує цій музиці. Окремо хочу відзначити ритм-секцію, особливо басиста, з неймовірно грувовими партіями. Колись на фесті довелося побачити Prophets of Rage (RATM без Зака + B-Real + Chuck D), і я пам'ятаю, що майже весь сет не міг відірватися від того, як басист грає. Вчора переслухав і все ще отримав величезне задоволення від альбому. Колись мав квитки на їхній реюніон-тур з RTJ, але спочатку втрутився ковід, а потім якось навіть ідея сходити на їхній концерт перестала бути привабливою.
Always one of my favorites
An album for the inquiets and protesters of the world.
Remember when these guys stood for something other than whoever pays them to speak their mind? Ya me too. This album was from those days. I’ll listen but I really despise these guys now. I guess you really can’t fault Zack or zakk or zak for what the band has become now. He’s the angry one but I feel like Tom is the one who has dragged the band into the ground. For those not in the know, Tom is the one who plays his guitar like a loser. As in the way he holds it. Think Dave Matthews and just as stupid looking. Ok anyways. If you want angry and energy, look here. This album nailed it all. Aside from adding slow songs. That would be a completely perfect album. Lovers and fighters. That would be a great combo. You can’t get any more energetic and smashy than Killing in the Name Of. It’s funny that song represent so much but then they reneged on their own words but supporting the Covid bullshit. Whatever. If you’re feeling angry and want to beat people up. This is your soundtrack. Got it? Good. I’m moving on to some Emo I think. Choice cut: Killing in the Name Of
Fuckin' A, that's some good shit. Just as relevant as ever, too. If only conservative twats don't use it for their own shit.
Amazing.
I haven’t listened to this in years and it’s freaking awesome today like it was then.
10/10. Fav Track - All of them The first full album on this list that I've already listened to. Don't need to tell you that RATM is top tier.
Groupe et album connu, qui fait partie de mes préférés. Ce premier album ne sera jamais égalé à mon avis. Tout y est : basse au top (son, groove), guitare très créative et originale, batterie qui assure, composition, intensité des morceaux ... Les albums suivants sont moins réussis. Il mérite donc la note maximale ! =>5/5
This was a staple in my rotation back in the 90s as I matured from Pearl Jam and Soundgarden more toward Alice In Chains and ultimately Tool. RATM, while interesting was sort of on the periphery - I simply wasn’t angry (or angry enough) to respond to the message beyond normal 20-something angst. Fast forward to mid 2024, the campaign, and eventual reality of second Trump term and suddenly this music and its message found new room in my heart. Throw in Kristi Noem and the ICE roundups spring of 2025 and by that time this album became a staple and this band was top of my Spotify Year in Review for 2025. This album and its themes sound fresher and more relevant today than ever before. Using you’re angry in your youth…in my case the anger has come with age. If I could award this a 6 I would. Tom Morello’s guitar work (which honestly was the main interest for me in the 90s) is wonderful; but ZdlR’s lyrics and passion are everything now. 5/5 all day long. Give me more.
5/10
F**k you I won't do what you tell me. Too many protest singers, Not enough protest songs.
I hate how relevant these songs still are, but I love how well these songs were recorded. This is probably the best example of its category, that being rap-oriented metal. I believe both rap and metal should say something socially meaningful; other genres can be more inward or romantic or general, but the historical context of rap and metal almost demand social observation and conscience in the lyrics. It's somewhat uniform from front to back so I thought about docking a point, but considering how long this record has remained vital, I have no doubt it will maintain its vitality for many more years to come, however sad the implication that makes.
I try to approach each album in a rather conservative manner. I often try to think critically about why an album shouldn't be rated 5 stars, as I'm worried that I am too liberal in my rankings. What happens, though, when an album presents as a five star record so clearly? This is perhaps the best album I've reviewed to this point. I can't recall many albums that so clearly convey the emotional input of the band that made the record. This album starts at 100 and never lets off the gas. I want to specifically highlight Tim Commerford's performance here. His bass tone is unreal and drives the music so damn well. This album just rules, man. Favorite track: Freedom
Isabelle’s gonna be psyched as fuck for this lmao. Anyway I’ve decided to make this a diary type thing as well as a review. So what did I do today? I had lunch at Potbelly, the second best restaurant I have easy access to. I had a pretty good day all things considered. The quality of this diary will one day increase once I know what to say. For now let's talk about this album I listened to today. All you really need to know is it's a 10. That's for sure. I don't know the best song, or anything like that, just that it's a 10/10. There isn't a single moment in this album that isn't a fiery scream of absolute devastated rage (ha) at everything awful in the world. Every song feels like a separate doctrine against every billionaire, landlord, and oppressor ever. If you haven't listened to it please do, it's one of the best albums I have ever heard. 10/10
I wish this felt less urgent still.
5/5
Fuck you I won't review what you tell me!
This was such a sickass album.
Absolute peak music experience Can't get better than this for this type of music Fy i wont do what u tell me !!!!
Prescient. Some of these lyrics could be applied to the current situation. "Some of those that work forces / Are the same that burn crosses" - from Killing in the Name But the music is also fire. An awesome example of lyrical poetry and great beats.
"Killing in the Name of" is beloved for a reason - the way it builds slowly and then explodes? Fantastic song. The rest of these songs mostly all sound and feel like that, but that's ok with me. Album is recommended for those days when you've made the mistake of reading the news, or when those helicopters that are always circling over your city start to get on your fucking nerves. 5 stars
Erst Faith No More und dann RATM haben für mich frischen Wind in die Rockmusik geblasen. Ganz starkes Debut.
Banger. It's aged pretty well. Still angry. Still bouncy. Tom Morello's guitar still running a madness. Still great.
RRRRRRRRREEEAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 stars
so many songs from this album are still in my regular rotation
All timer, track after track of amazing bangers. Recorded really well also.
Was waiting for an album that's all me. Here it is. Hell of an album. Miss this band. 5/5
Very very good
Fuuuuuck me, such a good album. All the rage, all of the gritty hell yea I need from an album like this. I can FEEEEL every song.
100/10… one of my favorites bands of all time. Just the right amount of energy/funk/rock/hiphop/freedom. Also one of the most electric live bands out there. A true 5 gem.
I think imma give this a 5 because of the was the music is put together, not because the lyrics were as good as I thought they might be (also bc I just finished listening to Taylor Swift). They can freaking rock. But they do a great job of having moments of calm in the songs that help accentuate the intense parts which I think helps the album tremendously. The lyrics are super solid, love the passion. Kinda surprised this album has as high of a rating as it does on this site.
Goddamn these vatos were poets fr. White boys return to your ROOTS!!!!!!
A solid early punk rock album with a great message. I enjoyed it overall and would listen to it again! Found myself jamming to it and think it definitely stands the test of time!
Good album
Jag har lyssnat på låtar från det här albumet tidigare men aldrig hela albumet. Nu när jag lyssnat på hela, tycker jag att många av låtarna liknar varandra men det stör mig inte. Musiken påminner mig om Beastie Boys och många av deras låtar låter också väldigt lika varandra, så det kanske är därför jag inte stör mig på det. Rage Against The Machine har politiska budskap i sin musik, men jag tycker det inte är så extremt uppenbart som i vissa andra låtar. Musiken har också ett bra sound. Favoritlåtar: Killing In the Name, Know Your Enemy, Take the Power Back. Minst favorit: Township Rebellion
Really a fantastic album. As a 90s rock kid, this album perfectly encapsulates (for me) the air of distrust and angst that had been simmering in parts of society that had before gone unspoken. This album gave words to that anger and distrust. They certainly were not the first - gangster rap had expressed similar tones nearly a decade prior - but this album gave those words to a new group of people. The music on this album is a perfect blend of vocals and band. Zach and Tom play off each other incredibly well - a hard blasting, fearless voice coupled with expertly crafted and equally fearless guitar riffs. It makes my angry 90s kid heart glad to hear it again.
Dude. Such a good album. Amazing lyrics. Obviously very timely to what’s going on in the USA right now. Instrumentation is incredible. The bass grooves are tight, the solos fucking rip, and the drums just keep the head bobbing. No notes.
heck yeah
Still relevant.
Old fav
There are those bands that are synonymous with fighting the power: Public Enemy; CCR; and of course, Rage Against the Machine. This album introduced us to the power of a new generation of advocates. With Zach de la Rocha’s rap-spoken word vocals, Tim Commerford’s funky and rich bass, and Tom Morello’s revolutionary guitar work, and of course Brad Wilk’s steady drumming that made it possible for the others to explode, RATM hit on issues and styles that no-one else would nor could touch. There are so many good tracks: Know Your Enemy; Bullet in the Head (a personal favorite); Killing in the Name of; Bomtrack; Wake Up. I think my new favorite is the deep cut Take the Power Back. This album is kind of a “best of…” in itself. This album is probably more relevant now than it was in the 1990s. The place I have always struggled with is unlike Public Enemy, CCR or Dylan who each explored life and emotion, RATM is a constant of revolution. If I want to burn an effigy of the president on the White House lawn, they are THE soundtrack. If I want to have diner with the family, go on a date (unless it’s Jan.6th), or exhale at the end of a day, I need something else…though Freedom still works in the first ten minutes after work.
Random thoughts: * Anger is a gift. * This album is a masterpiece that I argue as our political climate keeps getting more rotten becomes even more necessary every year. * While RATM had some other albums and some banger songs, this is a complete album that destroyed upon arrival. * Freedom was the "hit" song but I think it was the only song relatively clean enough to be played on radio and MTV. * Of course "Killing in the Name" is everyone's favorite. I remember playing this for my son when he was 12. Maybe a bit too young but he's a rock drummer. :) * My personal favorite is "Know Your Enemy". The perfect mesh of rock, rap, and anger. And the raw voice of Zack de la Rocha urgently repeating "all of which are American dreams". * I haven't mentioned Tom Morello's scratching inspired guitar work. And I know I'm sleeping on the bass and drums, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk respectively. * Fuck you!!! I won't do what you tell me!
This album is like being on a cruise ship that is heading for an iceberg. You are trying to warn the captain but he assures you everything is fine. As you get closer to the iceberg, the deckhands tell the passengers that the captain needs their help to right the ship and avoid the iceberg. But you are like fuck you man, you're meant to be looking after this and you've fucked it all up. The deckhands lay claim to the lifeboats, telling you that the captain and crew take priority. This is the catalyst to anarchy, and you just start throwing deckhands overboard. Fuck them, the sharks can have them. That captain better not show his face or he's getting torn asunder.
The only way to improve this album would be to have Evil Empire as the 2nd disk. Classic.
One of the greatest albums ever made! Truly one of a kind, and nothing like it has been made since. Its literally the perfect fuck the government album.
Awesome Album!
Could be a hit released today
Rage Against the Machine is chaotic, messy, and full of anger...in the best possible way. The mix of rap vocals and scratch-like guitar work gives the album a sharp, aggressive identity. The riffs feel heavy and rhythmic at the same time. “Settle for Nothing” stands out for its despair-filled atmosphere. It sounds almost “ugly,” but intentionally so, raw and uncomfortable in a powerful way. Many of the songs are long, yet they never feel dragged out. The constant shifts in rhythm and intensity keep things unpredictable. There’s real craft behind the chaos. Even without being politically involved, the lyrics still hit hard. The message carries weight and conviction. This wasn’t just an album, it felt like an experience from start to finish. Especially that ending.
Stoking the flames of rebellion and injustice still 34+ years later. A pivotal album addressing the hypocrisy of modern society and government, it's upsetting that the themes of the album are still so relevant 3 decades later
From the starting song, to Killing in the Name of to the rest of the album: the rage is set, heavy unique riffs and also a unique tone that inspired a generation to question authorities - as relevant today as it ever was! Now you do what they told you!
Absolute classic. Still relevant today.
Tää on ihan hilpee levy, välillä vahingossa soi nykyäänkin autossa
Jopas sentään, kaks vitosen levyä peräkkäin, kyllä nyt maittaa. Tää oli ysärillä kovaa kamaa, ja on edelleen. Ei yhtään huonoa biisiä levyllä. Vielä kun tietäis mitä konetta kohtaan on kova viha, pakko olla kyllä printteri.
Listan tekijät sanoo että kuuntele ja sää sanot että kuinka paljon.
Ratm is an excellent album you don't stop a single second!
Ya lo recontra conozco, pedazo de discazo sin contar fistful of steel
Man this is great. Rage seems singular for me. I know there are similar bands and many tried to replicate, but they just stand out. And I did not give tom his due. The riffs on this are most magical. 4.5 but this hit for the moment so rounding up. FUCK YOU I WONT DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!!!
Perpetually relevant. Righteously angry. Shit will make you want to run through a wall to fight the man. Know your enemy. WAKE UP! FREEEEEDOOOOM!!! 4.25/5
Banger album through and through. Not a single miss. And full of lyrical genius. 5/5
Rage Against The Machine.
After a dour run of albums last week, to quote the kids - "we're so back". No notes needed. One of those albums where you just hit play, raise your fist in defiance and start bopping your head.
Fuck yeah. No one else sounds like this and it's a great balance of riffage, message, experimentation and power.
Such angry young men... But god damn do they know how to make a great track
Den här eller Panteras Cowboys from hell är bästa hårdrock/metallskivan från 90-talet enligt mig.
Who knew? Okay, a few million people, but not me, so embarrassing to have missed out on Rage Against the Machine. Or on the Edgar Winter Band's Frankenstein homage on Know Your Enemy, or finding the source waters of The Matrix end credits. Glad all this ignorance is over, joining the revolution.
Easy 5/5. This is a fucking great album. I've been a fan of it since high school. I love the intensity and powerful messages behind these songs. They are also musically fantastic. There are some really funky guitar riffs and the drums are absolutely laying it down, which sets up the passionate vocals very well. There are so many bangers on this album.. maybe all bangers? And the themes of the album are just as relevant as ever. The album cover is super impactful too. It's a very famous picture of a Vietnamese Buddhist monk performing self-immolation to protest the persecution of Buddhists by the Southern Vietnamese government in power at the time.
R.A.T.M Falls into a category of music I like to call rich chocolate. Its sooooo good for a few bites, but after a whole bar, you kind of get a bit overwhelmed. That being said, this album SLAPS with a capital S L A P S. So much angst, power, and raw emotion. Really makes you want to just go out there and toss a molitov cocktail into an Amazon warehouse (Fuck you Bezos). The lyrics are provoking, rhythmic and stylish. The guitar and drums has this momentum that carries you from front to back. Its just all so good. Just in small bite sized listens (once or twice through is plentiful) 9/10
Politically relevant and raw with great riffs. I'm biased, but 5/5.
That Fuck the Power metal that sings in my soul.
Legendary. Still hits hard and depressingly still relevant commentary.
Fuck ICE
This one is easy 😅
блин оч люблю етот альбик со мной сквозь года
Classic. Incredible album. So relevant in today's wild times.
Five stars for the music, five stars for what it stands for.
A bit of a classic,
AMAZING ALBUMMMMM, i have it on cd, great album to be listening to right now in the wake of protest music
Love this album, morellos guitar is very distinct
Fuck me you caught me at the right time
Great Songs: Bombtrack, Killing In the Name, Bullet In the Head, Know Your Enemy, Wake Up, Fistful of Steel, Township Rebellion, Freedom Good Songs: Take the Power Back, Settle for Nothing Mid Songs: Bad Songs:
Amazing
It's been a while, forgot how good this one is. Lyrics still seem relevant today
One of my favorites of all time, I learned guitar by listening to this record. Great record to test some new headphones!
The text book definition of Revolutionary (anti establishment) rock n roll music.
Find me a more distinct guitar sound or an album more relevant in 2026.
Loved it, exactly my taste
Political charged rock at its finest
“If we don’t take action now we settle for nothing later. We’ll settle for nothing now, and we’ll settle for nothing later” FUCK ICE
Fabulous album
It's just such a sick album isn't it? The mixing and production are flawless. I don't really like settle for nothing, and I think it loses momentum a little bit after know your enemy, but it still just slaps
This album blew my mind at first listening. It’s is in my top 60 best albums of all time and will never leave this list. Powerful, relevant political and social commentary, Tom Morello changing the guitar game for ever, great rhythm section and an incredible Zach De La Rocha spitting some of the most powerful vocals and raps hitting you between the eyes. 10/10
HELL YEAHHHHH
Ground breaking
This album holds up insanely well even to this day! Incredible production, great riffs, crushing lyrical content and just perfect overall. Without this album we wouldn't have nu metal and pretty much a lot of the politically inclined music you hear nowadays. This was groundbreaking when it came out and it's still so so relevant in this completely fucked up world. Anything under 5 stars for this is just wrong.
Incredible, a perfect album. Protest album produced beautifully, every track is brilliant and touches on a lot of themes
Teenage angst years at their finest for me but this album is so much more than that, hugely influencual
Banger efter banger
Punched me nan
Adore this album, incredibly influential on my taste
The funky instrumentals really carry this one since there is no vocal melody happening. A really entertaining album.
Turn it up all the way and start headbanging.
all day everyday
easy 5/5 for me, one of my favourite rock albums ever
There's not much more to say about this album than has already been said. Excellent album, incredible riffs, amazing bass guitar, powerful lyrics. Captured with skillful audio engineering, this album remains timeless.
One of the easiest 5's I'll give on here. Rage isn't for everyone (either politically or sonically), but fuck are they awesome if you like heavy music with great guitar work and righteous anger.
more angry music