RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE BATTLE OF L.A CD NEW SEALED

Rage Against the Machine doesn't release rushed albums for the sake of exposure. Each of the band's deftly crafted full-length albums has defined a progression in the group's sound and musical vision. Here, Rage has taken the dynamics of its unique style to a deeper level, as evidenced on "Mic Check," which features gentle, unsettling guitar work by Tom Morello, who is deservedly hailed as an innovator of the instrument. The mid-tempo funk of "Maria" finds vocalist Zach De La Rocha telling the poetic story of an immigrant factory worker whose dream of freedom leads her unknowingly into modern-day slavery. Taking up the cause of death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jabal, De La Rocha questions the validity of his trial in "Guerilla Radio" and fleshes out his argument in "Voice of the Voiceless." "Sleep Now in the Fire" finds De La Rocha making historical references to government greed and the darker side of human nature. Though other rap/metal acts may have seemingly copped some of its musical traits, Rage Against the Machine has a conviction and passion that cannot be matched by any other band in the genre.