The rock music scene was very different four years ago. In 1992, angry, self-conscious music, played by bands like Nirvana and Jane's Addiction, was burning up the airwaves.
At that point, it seemed perfect for Zach De La Rocha and company to release the self-titled album "Rage Against The Machine," a bitter album showcasing Rocha's caustic lyrics that became the favorite for the disenchanted youth and drunken frat boys.
But times have changed, and bands like Nirvana and Jane's Addiction have passed from the scene. These days the groups making the most noise are Oasis, the Dave Matthews Band, Bush and others.
But Rage Against the Machine appears to have bucked this trend, and not to have changed much with its new release, "Evil Empire."
Rocha is the man who gives the band its identity as a group unhappy about reality. They are not afraid of doing the bizarre to get their points across.
During a Lollapalooza show which they opened, the foursome, led by the Rocha, stood naked on stage for 10 minutes with tape over their mouths as a form of protest against censorship.
Rocha's lyrical style is reminiscent of Public Enemy's Chuck D, a rap that is confrontational and utilizes much imagery.
Lines such as, "Ya down wit DDT yeah you know me," and "so make a move and plead the Fifth, 'cause ya can't plead the First" display Rocha's defiance and anger.
If a listener is one who likes Rocha's style and bitter temperament, he or she will be happy with this new album.
But without the band, Rocha would not have a platform or context from which to speak.
The freaky-styley, metal/funk mix of Rage Against the Machine brings about comparisons to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Urban Dance Squad and 311.
Brad Wilk's drum lines are more pronounced on this album than the last, and he and the bassist put down some intense rhythms.
Guitarist Tom Morello is featured more on this album with the riffs and industrial-like sounds he draws out from his instrument.
The album opens up with the track "People of the Sun" and seems to begin where the last album stopp-
ed.
A highlight on "Evil Empire" is the third track, "Vietnow." The song begins with Morello's guitar, adds a good drum beat, and then adds Rocha's bitter confusion ("Turn of the radio, nah f-- it/ Turn if off, fear is your only god").
Some of the best lines on the album are from this track. Rocha sings, "Well I'm a truth addict, oh s-- i gotta head rush."
"Snakecharmer," the fifth track, begins with a hard drum beat and some guitar, but the rest of the song seems to lose some energy.
"Without a Face" contains smooth transitions between the chorus and the rest of the song. The last song on the album, "Year of tha Boomerang," begins with some interesting guitar sounds and Rocha pierces the air and screams "You!!!" while Morello concludes the song with more guitar sounds.
The songs on "Evil Empire" show signs of growth in terms of musical skill, but their basic philosophy from the last album is no different.
Overall, not much has changed for the foursome with the release of the new album.
But one thing that did change was the employment of Stone Temple Pilots producer Brendan O'Brien as the producer for Evil Empire.
As a result, the sound on this album is better than on their debut. If you loved the last album, you'll love this one too, but if you're expecting a major change in style, you'll be disappointed.
