Rage Against the Machine XX [20th Anniversary Edition] [LP]

by Rage Against the Machine

Overview

Probably the first album to successfully merge the seemingly disparate sounds of rap and heavy metal, Rage Against the Machine's self-titled debut was groundbreaking enough when released in 1992, but many would argue that it has yet to be surpassed in terms of influence and sheer brilliance -- though countless bands have certainly tried. This is probably because the uniquely combustible creative relationship between guitar wizard Tom Morello and literate rebel vocalist Zack de la Rocha could only burn this bright, this once. While the former's roots in '80s heavy metal shredding gave rise to an inimitable array of six-string acrobatics and rhythmic special effects (few of which anyone else has managed to replicate), the latter delivered meaningful rhymes with an emotionally charged conviction that suburban white boys of the ensuing nu-metal generation could never hope to touch. As a result, syncopated slabs of hard rock insurrection like "Bombtrack," "Take the Power Back," and "Know Your Enemy" were as instantly unforgettable as they were astonishing. Yet even they paled in comparison to veritable clinics in the art of slowly mounting tension such as "Settle for Nothing," "Bullet in the Head," and the particularly venomous "Wake Up" (where Morello revises Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" riff for his own needs) -- all of which finally exploded with awesome power and fury. And even listeners who were unable (or unwilling) to fully process the band's unique clash of muscle and intellect were catered to, as RATM were able to convey their messages through stubborn repetition via the fundamental challenge of "Freedom" and their signature track, "Killing in the Name," which would become a rallying cry of disenfranchisement, thanks to its relentlessly rebellious mantra of "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!" Ultimately, if there's any disappointment to be had with this near-perfect album, it's that it still towers above subsequent efforts as the unequivocal climax of Rage Against the Machine's vision. As such, it remains absolutely essential. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

Product Details

Release Date:	11/27/2012
Label:	Legacy
UPC:	0887254704515
Rank:	2101

Tracks

1. Bombtrack
2. Killing in the Name
3. Take the Power Back
4. Settle for Nothing
5. Bullet in the Head
6. Know Your Enemy
7. Wake Up
8. Fistful of Steel
9. Township Rebellion
10. Freedom

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Rage Against the Machine   Primary Artist
Cypress Hill   Primary Artist
Maynard James Keenan   Guest Artist,Vocals,Featured Artist
Sen Dog   Vocals
Stephen Perkins   Percussion,Trash Cans,Featured Artist
Tim Commerford   Bass,Bass (Electric)
Brad Wilk   Drums
Tom Morello   Guitar,Guitar (Electric)
B-Real   Vocals
DJ Muggs   Vocals
Zack de la Rocha   Vocals,Lead Vocals

Technical Credits

R.A.T.M.   Producer
Stan Katayama   Engineer
Senen Reyes   Composer
Andy Wallace   Mixing
Bob Ludwig   Mastering
Jimmy McCracklin   Composer
GGGarth   Engineer,Producer
Louis Freese   Composer
Lowell Fulson   Composer
Peter Christopherson   Direction
Timmy C.   Composer
Tim Commerford   Arranger,Composer
Brad Wilk   Arranger,Composer,Group Member
Tom Morello   Arranger,Composer,Group Member
Steve Sisco   Mixing Assistant
Garth Richardson   Producer
Jeff Sheehan   Assistant,Assistant Engineer
Rage Against the Machine   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Art Direction
Zack de la Rocha   Arranger,Composer,Lyricist,Group Member
Vlado Meller   Remastering
Mark Santangelo   Cutting Engineer
Auburn Burrell   Engineer
Lawrence Muggerud   Composer
Nicky Lindeman   Art Direction
Craig Doubet   Assistant,Assistant Engineer
Michael Goldstone   A&R
Joel Lonky   Engineer
Auburn Burell   Engineer
Peter Gideon   Direction,Film Producer