Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine (1992) [Audio Fidelity 2016] SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine (1992) [Audio Fidelity 2016]
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 52:58 minutes | Scans included | 904 MB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Full Scans included | 1,05 GB
Mastered by Steve Hoffman & Steven Marsh | Audio Fidelity # AFZ-244

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.

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Rage Against The Machine – Evil Empire (1996) [Audio Fidelity 2016] SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Rage Against The Machine – Evil Empire (1996) [Audio Fidelity 2016]
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 36:39 minutes | Scans included | 1,89 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Full Scans included | 1,02 GB
Mastered by Steve Hoffman | Audio Fidelity # AFZ-254

Rage Against the Machine spent four years making their second album, Evil Empire. As the title suggests, their rage and contempt for the “fascist” capitalist system in America hadn’t declined in the nearly half-decade they were away. Their musical approach didn’t change, either. Lead vocalist Zack de la Rocha is caught halfway between the militant raps of Chuck D and the fanatical ravings of a street preacher, shouting out his simplistic, libertarian slogans over the sonically dense assault of the band. Since the band didn’t perform together much after 1993, there isn’t a collective advance in their musicianship. Nevertheless, guitarist Tom Morello demonstrates an impressive palette of sound, creating new textures in heavy metal, which is quite difficult. Even with Morello’s studied virtuosity, the band sounds leaden, lacking the dexterity to fully execute their metal/hip-hop fusion – they don’t get into a groove; they simply pound. But that happens to fit the hysterical ravings of de la Rocha. Though his dedication to decidedly left-wing politics is admirable, his arhythmic phrasing and grating shouting cancel out any message he is trying to make. And that means Evil Empire succeeds only on the level of a sonic assault.

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Rage Against The Machine – The Battle Of Mexico City (Live) (2000) [Official Digital Download 24bit/48kHz]

Rage Against The Machine – The Battle Of Mexico City (Live) (2000)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 01:00:13 minutes | 782 MB | Genre: Rock
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Epic

Outside Mexico City’s Sports Pavilion, hundreds of young Rage fans rattle metal fences and throw rocks at the increasingly nervous police. Inside, a seething crowd of 5,000 lucky ticket holders cram into the cavernous pavilion chanting anti-government slogans and poking their middle fingers into the thick, sweaty air while waiting for Rage Against the Machine to storm the stage.

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Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine (1992/2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/44,1kHz]

Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine (1992/2016)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 52:53 minutes | 646 MB | Genre: Rock, Metal
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Epic

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.

(more…)

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Rage Against The Machine – Live & Rare (2022) [Official Digital Download 24bit/44,1kHz]

Rage Against The Machine – Live & Rare (2022)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 01:00:01 minutes | 725 MB | Genre: Alternative Metal, Rap Metal
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Epic – Legacy

As a cherry on top of their just launched reunion tour, multi-platinum rap metal outfit Rage Against The Machine have newly given a digital release to their 1998 effort, “Live & Rare“. That compilation was originally released in June of 1998 exclusively in Japan. It features live performances captured during the band’s touring from ranging from 1993 all the way to 2000. It also features their b-side tracks “Darkness” and “Clear The Lane“, along with live covers of N.W.A.‘s “Fuck Tha Police” and Public Enemy‘s “Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos“, complete with a guest appearance from Chuck D.

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