Rage Against the Machine's sophomore effort, Evil Empire, is a sonic powerhouse that exploded onto the scene in 1996. Released on 16 April via Epic Records, this 11-track masterpiece debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, with an impressive 249,000 copies sold in its first week. The album's title, Evil Empire, refers to a term coined by former US President Ronald Reagan to describe the Soviet Union, setting the tone for a record that is as politically charged as it is musically intense.
Featuring favourites such as the Grammy Award-winning 'Tire Me', as well as 'Bulls on Parade' and 'People of the Sun', which were both nominated for Grammys, Evil Empire is a testament to Rage Against the Machine's unique blend of rap metal, rap rock, alternative metal, and nu metal. With a duration of 46 minutes, the album takes listeners on a journey through a diverse range of sounds and themes, from the aggressive 'Vietnow' to the more subdued 'Wind Below'.
The album's success was not limited to its commercial performance, as it also garnered critical acclaim and cemented Rage Against the Machine's status as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1990s. With Evil Empire, the band proved that they were more than just a one-album wonder, and that their music could inspire and provoke in equal measure. To this day, Evil Empire remains a seminal work in the Rage Against the Machine discography, and a must-listen for fans of heavy music.
Vinylscout