Rage Against the Machine (RATM) formed in Los Angeles in 1991, bringing together Zack de la Rocha on vocals, Tom Morello on guitar, Tim Commerford on bass, and Brad Wilk on drums. From the outset, their music fused aggressive instrumentals with de la Rocha's fiery delivery, creating a sound that defied traditional genre boundaries.
Their debut album, released in 1992, introduced the world to their signature style with tracks like “Killing in the Name,” which highlighted issues of police brutality and systemic injustice. The band's music served as both an outlet for frustration and a rallying cry for resistance.
Throughout the decade, RATM released three more studio albums: “Evil Empire” (1996), “The Battle of Los Angeles” (1999), and “Renegades” (2000). Their songs addressed topics like corporate power, inequality, and government oppression, resonating with audiences around the globe.
The band's live performances became legendary for their intensity and their incorporation of political statements. A notable example was their protest performance outside the 2000 Democratic National Convention, amplifying the voices of activist groups gathered there.
While RATM disbanded in 2000 due to internal conflicts, their impact endured. Tom Morello later formed Audioslave with members of Soundgarden, and Zack de la Rocha pursued solo projects and continued his activism. The band reunited periodically for high-profile performances, such as their 2007 Coachella set, a 2010 concert in London and their most recent run of dates with hip hop duo, Run The Jewels.
Rage Against the Machine's legacy lies in their ability to blend music with a message. They showed that a band could ignite political consciousness while pushing musical boundaries, leaving an imprint on both the music industry and social movements.
Visit the Rage Against The Machine Collection here, part of our Mood Board.