The legacy of Rage Against the Machine echoes powerfully in the instrumentation of Prophets of Rage’s self-titled album. With guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk driving the sound, fans will recognize that signature blend of heavy rock and politically charged lyrics. However, the addition of rap legends Chuck D and B-Real adds new dimensions. Prophets of Rage carves its own sonic identity, further exploring themes of resistance and power.
Length: 42:12
Rap metal
September 15, 2017
Fantasy Records (subsidiary of Concord Music Group)
2016 – 2017
Henson Recording Studios, formerly A&M Studios (Los Angeles, California)
Brendan O’Brien
Political Dissent and Activism: The album is infused with a strong sense of political dissent and activism, echoing the ethos of the band members’ previous work with Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy, and Cypress Hill. It tackles issues such as government corruption, social inequality, police brutality, and the need.
Resistance and Revolution: “Prophets of Rage” serves as a call to arms for resistance against oppressive systems and structures. The lyrics often advocate for revolution and rebellion as means to challenge authority and enact positive societal transformation.
Social Justice and Equality: The album champions social justice and equality, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and highlighting systemic injustices. Songs like “Unfuck The World” and “Hands Up” confront issues such as racial discrimination, economic disparity, and the criminal justice system’s inequities.
Empowerment and Solidarity: It promotes empowerment and solidarity among listeners, urging individuals to stand up for their beliefs and unite in the fight for a better world. Tracks like “Strength in Numbers” emphasize the importance of collective action and solidarity in effecting meaningful change.
Critical Reflection and Awareness: The album encourages critical reflection and awareness of social and political issues, prompting listeners to question the status quo and challenge dominant narratives. Through its lyrics and music, “Prophets of Rage” seeks to awaken consciousness and inspire active engagement with the world around us.
Intensity and Aggression: The music is characterized by high-energy instrumentation, featuring heavy guitar riffs, driving bass lines, and dynamic drumming. The aggressive vocal delivery, with powerful rap verses and impassioned singing, adds to the album’s intense atmosphere. This intensity serves to grab the listener’s attention and convey a sense of urgency in addressing the pressing issues tackled in the lyrics.
Defiance and Rebellion: There’s an underlying tone of defiance and rebellion throughout the album, reflecting the band’s confrontational approach to social and political commentary. The music exudes a rebellious spirit, challenging authority and advocating for resistance against oppressive systems. This mood of defiance encourages listeners to question the status quo and join the fight for change.
Frustration and Anguish: Alongside its themes of empowerment and resistance, the album also channels feelings of frustration and anguish at the state of the world. Lyrics addressing issues such as inequality, violence, and corruption evoke a sense of frustration with societal injustices. This mood of anguish serves to connect with listeners who share similar feelings of discontent and disillusionment.
Hope and Resilience: Despite the album’s intense mood and critical outlook, there’s an underlying sense of hope and resilience. Through its music and lyrics, “Prophets of Rage” conveys a belief in the possibility of positive change and a better future. This mood of hope encourages listeners to remain resilient in the face of adversity and to continue fighting for justice and equality.
Formation of Prophets of Rage: The band Prophets of Rage was formed in 2016, bringing together members of Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy, and Cypress Hill. The collaboration aimed to address contemporary socio-political issues through music.
Inspiration from a Classic: The band’s very name, Prophets of Rage, is taken directly from the title of a legendary Public Enemy track from their 1988 album, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.
Mission Statement: Tom Morello described the supergroup’s reason for forming as “an elite task force of revolutionary musicians determined to confront this mountain of election year bullshit, and confront it head-on with Marshall stacks blazing.”
Album Inspiration: The album draws inspiration from the musical styles and political activism of its member bands, blending elements of rock, hip-hop, and punk with socially conscious lyrics.
A Producer with Rock Pedigree: Brendan O’Brien, a producer known for his work with major rock acts like Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, produced Prophets of Rage’s album.
Cover Art with a Message: The iconic street artist Shepard Fairey (creator of the Obama “Hope” poster) designed the album cover of Prophets of Rage.
September 15, 2017
Prophets of Rage’s 2017 self-titled debut unites members of Rage Against the Machine with Chuck D and B-Real of Public Enemy and Cypress Hill, respectively. The album fuses rap and rock elements, delivering a politically charged message of resistance.