I headbang for the first time! Rage Against The Machine Vocal ANALYSIS of "Know Your Enemy"!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

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[@johncampbell756]

Though Tool's debut EP came out in March 1982 and Rage debut album was Nivember 1992, Rage hit it big first. It's truly interesting that when Maynard has hus guest vocals, Rage completely changes their sound and sound like Tool, but more like Tool would later sound like than how they did on Opiate. Tom Morello knew Adam Jones from school and introduced him to Maynard and that's how Adam ended up in Tool.

[@SaltandPepperX]

@@johncampbell756 RATM has turned back on the people and become part of the Machine. Such a shame

[@SaltandPepperX]

NO Thanks they are cons

[@TomRam-2358]

Elizabeth you are the best... thank you for teaching me so much about my favorite bands... keep flying high

[@patrickmcfall5601]

You should check out T-Pain's "On Top of the Covers" (Live from the Sun Rose) performance. I knew that he had a good voice but no idea how good it truly was until I heard him cover these songs, especially Tennessee Whiskey.

[@CadePlaysGames]

Context; this footage is from the 2010 free concert the band threw in London UK after a grass-roots campaign got "Killing in the name of" to the Xmas #1 chart the previous year. After years of Simon Cowell's "X-factor" reality talent show dominating the Xmas #1 chart slot due to the show ending right before Xmas, a group of people decided to start a campaign to get an angry song with swearing in it to #1 instead. A multi-media campaign began and quickly went viral, with the Facebook group of the campaign topping out at 1.2 million members. Self-appointed activists spent their own money on printing leaflets and stickers, or renting billboards to promote the campaign. That year, the UK charts had announced that they would be counting digital downloads and not just physical media so that made the job easier. What also helped was that "Killing in the name of" was a song from 1992, had never been re-released and only cost 40 pence to download. With the 2009 financial crisis also biting hard, homelessness was hitting the headlines so the campaign group began suggesting that if you downloaded the song for 40 pence, perhaps you could donate 60 pence to Shelter, one of the largest homeless charities in the UK. When RATM eventually heard of the campaign they gave it full support, promising a free show if they won. The track won, the free concert was thrown and over £100,000 was raised for charity. But that was not the end of the story. Many campaigners organised their own miniature music festivals, public meet-ups and other charity events, keeping the fundraising going for many years afterwards. Some even got so involved that they entered local politics to make a difference that way. Lasting friendships and romantic relationships formed. It was much more than just a novelty "get a sweary song to #1" effort.

[@The_Crab_Whisperer]

Yeah. I was very proud of us that year! It never seems to pop up on Christmas play lists though. Shame!

[@thatsbod1041]

Such a shame we ended up where we are 😢

[@stevenstone307]

@@thatsbod1041 Tell me about it. The biggest joke in the West

[@Craigpyrog]

Yep! I was there and remember this track in particular! Epic free show and what a vibe!

[@noddynewbold]

What an epic gig that was! Best free gig I’ve ever been to, the feeling, the energy, the vibe & of course the music! Glad to have been one of the foot soldiers who stuck it to the man that Christmas!

[@Strik.9]

Tom Morello is the most unique guitarist of all time. Saw these guys live at one of their 4 reunion concerts: The Battle of Alpine Valley in Wisconsin. Traffic was backed up for miles and we almost didn't make it in time. The place was packed and the air was ELECTRIC! You could actually feel the energy! I've been to dozens of concerts and that was a one time experience.

[@LeftyConspirator]

Whenever you hear some strange but super cool noise in a RATM tune, it's probably just Tom Morello doing guitar sorcery.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I love wizards!

[@nikitalila]

👍👍👍

[@etholan79]

@@TheCharismaticVoice If you haven't, listen to the studio version also, while they can do tricks and layers etc. that album have a bunch of great solos, he comes somewhat close to it here live but still add some differences.

[@donnazasgoat2274]

I read an interview in which he states he was poor starting out and didn't have the money for expensive guitar effects. Instead he taught himself to do self-made guitar effects without all the fancy stomp boxes.

[@LeftyConspirator]

@@donnazasgoat2274That checks out.

[@josephhelmch1914]

The ending "all of which are American dreams" I feel hits so much harder in the album version if you haven't listened to it, it's a must.

[@bloodysmurf]

And it hits so much harder knowing that the last ~20 years have reinforced the sentiment.

[@barking_mad6649]

"You know why it's called the American dream? Because you've got to be asleep to believe in it." - George Carlin 👍

[@trevormalone7974]

​@@bloodysmurf ~30 years* lol

[@ryleytrottier5420]

My fave line is “what? The land of the free? Whoever told you that is your enemy.”- brave and powerful words!

[@sschoon86]

Don’t get me wrong, I love Tom’s guitar playing, but he gets a lot of love and I think sometimes that Brad and Tim don’t quite get the love they deserve. Brad’s drumming is so punchy and in the pocket. Tim’s bass grooves are so tasty and his tone is unique. The band is just so great, modern masters for sure!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Totally. And I love what Tom does, but I did try to give Brad and Tim some love in this analysis too. They're absolutely fantastic!

[@sschoon86]

@@TheCharismaticVoice Yes, for sure you did give them some love! I wrote the comment as I was starting the video, just as a general lament about their being under represented. As you were talking about them in the video I really appreciated hearing you bring them up, and basically echo my sentiment (though your descriptions were more eloquent and, well, descriptive). Thanks again for a great analysis Elizabeth, I love what you do!

[@seamus5253]

Yes! As a drummer, Brad Wilk is a HUGE influence. He and Tim lay down such raw grooves, it’s impossible to listen to Rage and not move your head.

[@jeremybrown7075]

I agree completely the whole band was super talented even as audioslave

[@donnazasgoat2274]

Without Brad and Tim laying down the rhythm Tom's awesome guitar work and Zak's vocals simply could not fly!

[@jasonGamesMaster]

This band literally woke me up. In high school in the 90s I was a typical teenager in small town West Virginia, slightly primed for them by my parents listening to a lot of 60s music, and the lyrics totally blew my mind. Changed my whole view of the world. Got into a bunch of old punk (Bad Religion especially) and started reading political science texts, and got super heavy into social justice movements. When I hear people today say Rage Against the Machine went woke, I laugh so hard. What they are really saying is they never actually listened to them. Lol.

[@mistressofstones]

As someone who has liked RATM since i was 14 or something 30 years ago the idea of calling RATM "woke" is just bizarre. Theyre militant, theyre not even on a political scale todays social media culture warriors can understand.

[@WolfHreda]

Exactly. Rage never changed their message. These idiots just stopped listening.

[@bodies3132]

or, we have a different opinion. I guess your parents didn't teach you that part.. RATM are hypocrites to the enth degree. I get that you love them, but that's based on emotion.. everything zak says he is against, he is about. they got booo'd the last time I saw them. just another "political band" that really only did it for record sales.

[@M3G4FR34K]

Literally. The vision that won't escape my thoughts is that of MAGA Trumpers on 2020 election night wearing TBL flags as capes "moshing" and singing to Killing In the Name while police keep them safe and separate in their buffoonery. How absolutely tone-deaf if them.

[@joaonorberto483]

"What 'Machine' did those people think they were raging against? The dishwasher?"

[@sviatoslavkocherov6008]

Just a reminder: to avoid an accidental injury you should always warm up your neck before headbanging

[@Valaran1]

yes, warm up your neck by headbanging

[@whitey6433]

Won't help the brain damage, but it's a good thought.

[@marysampietro2359]

This is so true! Also limit mosh pits and crowd surfing after 30

[@TheReuby667]

The warm up for a pit, is the walk to the gig 😅🤘

[@Mhantrax]

You start by head banging via your shoulders, then slowly work up to the neck.

[@olenkentandthedark]

Me and members of my group saw them open for Public Enemy in 1992 in Eugene, Oregon, on the Apocalypse 91 tour. None of us knew who they were. We walked in and Zack was literally flying, bouncing four feet off the ground in leaps and bounds. It was this athletic thing to behold. Ironic that it was exactly that same move that kept me from seeing them live again 30 years later.

[@Sireristof1332]

"He has conviction even when just talking" thats actually the simplest most accurate way someones ever said that

[@rustikoo79]

The conviction comes from being on the right side of the fight ✊🏼

[@Sireristof1332]

@@rustikoo79 I love the guy cuz they were once asked by an organizer to keep it family friendly. And ofc he sang fuck you I won't do what u told me. Since then I just have mad respect for the guy🤣

[@John-tr5hn]

Zach's belly-button lint has more convictions than Ted Bundy and Donald Trump combined.

[@jjaakk7214]

@@rustikoo79 Righteous. Fury.

[@Drewrandomdude223]

I can't get this out of my head now😂 RATM guitarist: "I... am an enchanter." Liz: "By what name are you known?" RATM Guitarist: "There are some who call me... Tim"

[@suemiller2522]

You win the comment section. Bravo, my good dude.

[@mmoviefan7]

😜gold

[@RimshotKiller]

😄 well done

[@MehmetN]

LMFAO

[@lorries978]

Tim Commerford is the RATM bassist. Zach De la Rocha met Tim Commerford in elementary school, and in junior high school, they both played guitar in a band called Juvenile Expression.

[@jasonfederer993]

In 1998 I wrote my senior thesis based solely on this song. Vodka was flowing and Rage was jamming, got it done in one night and got an A on it.

[@eeyore3523]

Ayyy thats whats up

[@scarelittlewhitechildren2081]

Respect-that’s what’s up

[@NorbDoe]

Sound awesome

[@FallDownist]

Thats a thesis I want to read

[@LegalFiction-st7db]

i second the above, i want to read it too. :)

[@KakavashaForever]

This band opened a lot of eyes in the 90s, good to see they're still opening eyes today. Though its a shame the issues they tried to shine a light on are still so relevant today. Know Your Enemy is a great song, the live version you watched here is good but the studio version is the definitive experience, because its perfectly mixed and features a cameo from Maynard of Tool as you mentioned.

[@GraemeRoberts]

Rage Against The Machine's self-titled album is a masterpiece. It's packed full of energy, power, innovation, groove, and headbanging riffs. Glorious.

[@dduuddeechil]

Still in my top 5 albums of all time. Grew up on self titled and Know Your Enemy is one of my top 10 songs

[@mylefteye4180]

22:54 The exact moment Elizabeth became "One of us". I'm so proud.😁

[@klaxoncow]

One of us! One of us! One of us!

[@SandiskCruzer]

At 10:30 Tim and Tom were already basically playing the same riff, but at that point Tom was using a special pick-technique, where you let your thumb lightly touch (sort of mute) the string right after the pick also strums that string, that causes very high upper harmonics to ring through, instead of the base-note he's playing. At 12:25 it's called a hammer/pull technique. You don't use your right had on the strings, but just by hammering your left-hand fingers hard on the strings,/fretboard or aggressively pulling them off (nearly just bending the string), it also causes the strings to vibrate. You can do the same ofcourse with your right hand on the fretboard, or even combine both hands, which is what happens a lot with fast solo's.

[@jasonGamesMaster]

Good explanations for those without guitar experience! You broke it down in simple terms without it bring simplistic. Not many people can do that. I hope you are a music teacher. Cheers!

[@cloudshad0ws]

Sounds like he's using a half-cocked wah during the verses too.

[@frankbreuer8849]

They (Rage Against the Machine) pull off a sound that pierces my heart. It's beyond skill level, it's about being true artists with a vision and a message.

[@joergojschaefer3521]

Metal Dudes 'n' Metal Dudettes, mission accomplished: opera singer headbanging 🙌

[@Genesis-fy3cp]

this is punk, bro

[@Mitsunari4Gunz]

@@Genesis-fy3cp No it's not, Rage is it's own genre at this point. It's a mix of rock, metal, rap, funk and so on.

[@laupstad]

@@Genesis-fy3cp Punk is too narrow. So is metal. And hip hop for that matter. There really isn't a single category to place RATM in.

[@kevlaw8068]

I would agree, RATM is its own unique genre, there isnt really any other band like them, perhaps they fall under Nu Metal, but even that is too narrow. However, Opera and classical music have similar mindset to that of Metalheads, hence why Metallica did S+M

[@Genesis-fy3cp]

@@Mitsunari4Gunz no its rebellion. and rebellion is punk. ask anyone in LA

[@ricktcraig]

This is my FAVOURITE rage song. It has three of the best riffs ever created, all in one place! And to hear Morello hitting all those artificial harmonics when playing it live is insane! I also got the goosebumps. Thanks for listening to this together.

[@Justice0320]

I was there! It was absolutely wild. It was a mosh pit 30k people back. I went home battered and bruised and loved every minute of it

[@MikeLeonard]

Righteous.

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

Me too! :)

[@mbrimble]

Same, jumped in the 1st song and feet didn't touch the floor for 3 minutes - awesome gig

[@bhelliom3]

I could hurt myself in my living room with how hard I’m thrashing my body around with no one to push me back 😂

[@thlom]

I never got to experience Rage live due to ... reasons, but I did get to see Prophets in a small venue back in 2018 and went home with a black eye. Loved it.

[@mylefteye4180]

I came back to watch this again. I'm just so proud of her. I've watched her reactions and interviews for a while now. I've never seen anyone who just loves music, all of it, with such enthusiasm (good grief I spelled that right). She's adorable too.

[@davetoms1]

"What? _'The land of the free?'_ Whoever told you that is your enemy... Yes, I know my enemies: They're the teachers who taught me to fight _me._ Compromise, conformity, assimilation, submission, ignorance, hypocrisy, brutality, the elite: All of which are American dreams..." "Action must be taken. We don't need the key we'll _break in."_ 🤘🤘

[@jensclarberg6419]

Was at this concert. Amazing experience. The crowd went wild after the concert and were climbing on top of the London busses and all sorts.

[@Bullet4MyEnemy]

What, the land of the free? Whoever told you that is your enemy! The sheer lyrical power of this band is top tier.

[@StevenTwoTwo]

That's the line that always gets me most

[@gumballthechewy]

That is such a powerful lyric!

[@DHFHades]

whoever convinced him that this ISN'T the land of the free is the enemy.

[@wynpharoh1777]

@@DHFHades Start by thanking the citizens of Irvine CA. You might want to interrogate the local law enforcement there for additional clues. While I would rather live in America than anywhere else, there are a great many myths and illusions that bear consideration, reflection and rigorous challenge. Freedom isn't free. Taken for granted, its just moar rhetoric to keep the masses silent, while business as usual just grinds on. You are right. You have found the enemy. Those that would exploit the 'American Dream' at the cost of the freedom of others must be outed. Exposed. Driven forth and never forgotten.

[@ghostdog688]

Ah, fancy meeting you here :)

[@aricurtis1365]

Rage is still so singular; they’ve influenced many, but few, if any have been able to replicate their sound. Great video!

[@thossi09]

Zach says "As we move into 92" and I'm reminded it's been 30 years since I saw these lads in concert. I think my back hurts just a little bit more, now.

[@sagittated]

🍻 I saw them in '92, and I am freaking tired, man. 😅

[@joshmo141x]

First show I ever saw unchaperoned was Wu-Tang & Rage. I was 16. I was not the same person walking in as I was walking out

[@joekent6576]

That "Rage Energy" you mentioned that makes emotional is the reason RATM's self titled album is probably the album I've listened to more than any other album. I genuinely believe that raw emotion has literally saved my life on more than one occasion.

[@CaptainTedStryker]

Probably my favorite RATM song. This whole album hits so hard start to finish. Great reaction!

[@John-tr5hn]

All 3 albums are excellent. I really like "Bulls on Parade" and "New Millennium Homes."

[@mountainhobbit1971]

I cannot even begin to image the rush they must feel up on stage when the whole crowd is all right with them, must be one of the coolest experiences ever.

[@josephgillmer10]

Mosh pits were awesome

[@HeWhoShallNotBeShamed]

There is a documentary on this concert. In England, they have a contest for the Christmas/ holiday song of the year. Some guy who was tired of Simon Cowell type talent winning each year started a drive for RATM Know Your Enemy. (Edit cause I'm an idiot. It was Killing in the Name) Rage heard about it and said they would play a free concert if their song won. That's why Zack said it was all yall that made this happen, you were the weapon.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

This is absolutely fascinating!!! Go people of the UK! First, a free RATM concert, then Boaty McBoatface!

[@LeeLeatherbarrow]

Actually, it was "Killing In The Name", not "Know Your Enemy". But close...

[@HeWhoShallNotBeShamed]

Wow I actually double checked the song before I wrote the post and then brain farted. FACE PALM!!! THANKS I'LL EDIT.

[@cirriustech]

@@TheCharismaticVoiceif we ever get our shiz together in a sustained way, good luck world!

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

The guy who started the campaign was Jon Morter, I’ve met him, he came to DJ at my metal night back around 2010 😊 I was at this free concert too!

[@ddrreeaamm_brother]

You have quickly become my favorite youtube channel, by far! As a lifelong multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, I LOVE seeing you pick apart songs I love (and songs I've never heard!) with such nuance and such an educated perspective. You've even helped me find new ways to explain and explore things with my vocal students :) I would *love* to see you listen to "Say Hello 2 Heaven" by Temple of the Dog - Chris Cornell was so young, but his voice was SO damn powerful and his range just tears me apart. If nothing else, give it a listen with your eyes closed and no distraction, you'll be glad you did. Thank you so much for what you do! Also, your conversion into a metalhead has been glorious to watch, haha! Keep it up and rock on 🤘

[@nikitalila]

Have to comment again. It was, I think 1994 when I started listening to them. Me, 16, not finding meaningful belonging to this society. THEIR music gave me a place to feel save and less strange. 30 years later I still feel that comfort and obviously the need to bang my head and "sing" along. So powerful

[@krs4976]

You might also like a UK band from the same era. Senser. Have a look at State of mind No comply Age of Panic Eject

[@pietzsche]

@@krs4976 Age of Panic is classic

[@johngeiger3770]

And becoming more and more relevant as days go by.

[@almostsk8terjamie]

Timmy C has some super great hard hitting tone. Bad Brad is back there bumping and popping locked in. Zack has some very true and correct lyrics. Plus his vocals are awesome. Tom is great at effects,electronics and he knows his instrument. No one in RATM could ever be replaced.

[@JonnyPhive]

Rage are musical alchemy, when those four men play together on a stage, f'ing magic happens.

[@aldersmoke1]

And it has to be those 4. I expected Audioslave to be a slam dunk but it just didn't ever fully click.

[@jthompson2983]

I was in a RATM cover band for 13 years. One of only 3 in the nation at the time. They are my favorite by far.

[@ericrobarge1441]

Testify from this concert is my favorite. Possibly my favorite live performance of all time. So much energy.

[@markp8418]

That concert was a free event to celebrate "Killing in The Name Of" beating the X-Factor to the UK 2009 Christmas number one! I was there and still have the T-Shirt which reads Rage 1 Cowell 0

[@davidleach6161]

I think you could add an amazing layer to both your enjoyment and analysis of this music by doing a few deep-dives into the techniques used by the instrumentalists in the bands you’re reacting to. Tom Morello is a perfect example from a guitarist’s perspective; in just the first 2 mins of this song you rightly observed a bunch of cool guitar techniques (use of a killswitch, pinch harmonics, hammer-ons and pull-offs etc) that if you knew the technicality and musicality of what the band is doing might help you appreciate the music even more. Either way, love your work!

[@gah6455]

I love this song. I like the studio version because Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan is on vocals during the bridge section, and Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins playing additional percussion.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I read that, and now I have to listen to the studio version on my own time!

[@tupac1971ever]

​@@TheCharismaticVoiceI'd watch your reaction to the studio version as well if you posted it. Also please react to more Chris Cornell.

[@michaelhughey5947]

@@TheCharismaticVoiceMaynard’s vocals on the studio track add an amazing complement to the song. It’s worth checking out.

[@surj1023]

I didn't know Perkins was on it too. What percussion did he actually play?

[@larrycaseboltjr9498]

Now that's a thought...Elizabeth hasn't met Jane's Addiction yet.

[@lickumdry6016]

12:18 the one handed playing on the neck of the guitar that Tom does there is called hammer-ons where you press the string down hard enough to get the note it's used both individually and while strumming as well to get a variety of note tone as well as implement tighter/faster notes when paired with strumming. There is an opposite technique called hammer-offs where you release the string with a sort of micro hit/let off to get the string to still resonate which can also be used while strumming, Tom is doing both there. Basically a decent amount of the time you see people playing either really fast or across multiple strings without doing full strums they are likely using at least one of if not both to get 3 tones out of basically one (technically two) motions. Tons of especially heavier music string players (especially guitarists) will do this to get not only varied sounding but quick scales/arpeggios. Guitar is so fun to play and just feels right when you start messing with these interacting techniques. Also at 24:30 a big part of how he is getting that sound is yes pedal work but for that retro sound he is using a lot of the hamer-on/off while bending with his whammy bar, so to put it inaccurately basically playing the guitar with the whammy instead of strumming.

[@Mechanic618]

Check out "Freedom". Album version for full vocal impact and range.

[@Blue_Starss_z]

I was at this gig, they promised a free gig if they got to number 1. Spent all day in a queue online for tickets. Totally worth it

[@Dowinohue]

The shivers… that’s resonance, that’s the pure passionate conviction, of a message that touches our humanity, our desire for collaboration over endless competition.

[@heffatheanimal2200]

ooof yeah. Nearly 30 years on and I still get it when hearing certain RATM songs/lyrics. One that still gets me every single time is Freedom of the debut album. The lyrics hit like tiny minuscule stabs of adrenaline, feeding up and up, and then the breakdown hits: screaming rage that travels through your whole body 💜😈🔥🤘

[@337_Brandon]

Look at you liking metal in 2024! I tell ya when this came out I was 18 and nothing can top that music back then. Youre videos on older music brings out the nostalgia

[@almostsk8terjamie]

Agreed!! This came out when I was a couple of days away from graduating high school. I was already raging pretty hard. I lost track of time and the next thing I know is it’s 2 weeks later. I have finally graduated, I am out of prison I mean high school. That was a blow out for sure.

[@matthewganong1730]

Tim Commerford inspired me to play bass, which I’ve been playing for 24 years now. He’s still my favorite bass player.

[@MrIAgreeToDisagree]

Same here. His bass lines are never super technical or too much, he goes in, plays his grooves and gets everything moving. Just the perfect example of not doing too much and still having an impact.

[@rickadias]

@@MrIAgreeToDisagree 100% Perfect baselines to learn when you are starting (not too hard) and feel awesome while playing because they are so cool.

[@reddevil224]

You should also check out the album version. The live version of this is slighty slowed down!

[@lockharthorsburgh8601]

That whole album is great. I think my favourite track on it is "Wake Up", which is great fun to play on bass. As an aside, the "mechanical" noise, in the intro and towrads the end of the lead break, is Morello using the pickup selector in ways which the manufacturer didn't intend. To make this work, he needs a guitar on which each pickup has its own volume control: max out one of them and keep the other turned low to get that effect.

[@markmcd731]

Absolutely impossible to not get angry/hyped/fist bumping when listening to this complete MONSTER of a song. My favorite among so many favorites by RATM.

[@dtpfeiffer]

I was hoping you would have picked one of the videos with Maynard doing his part live, but this version is good quality with both the video and audio. The energy this band had in concert was incredible.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

This version is absolutely amazing, and I like using Mercury Studios versions (Gigs) as they've remastered all of their live performances!

[@jayh.8676]

I would love to see you do Joey by Concrete Blonde. I don’t think there are any good live versions, but her singing I stunning

[@ronskopitz2360]

Gotta hear this one as the studio version. That “anvil to the stomach” is more like and atom bomb….

[@Humanipathic]

@@TheCharismaticVoice But you missed Maynard!! lol

[@jasontanguay8819]

A year later they were at Pinkpop. During that event, an earthquake with a magnitude of 1 on the Richter scale was measured from the fans jumping up and down. Thank you for profiling one of the most relevant bands from my youth (and just as relevant today).

[@Pennyroyal_tea667]

Is that true?! That’s so sick

[@cudnovati_]

Know your Enemy is easily top 3 RATM for me, always has been. Thank your for the shoutout to Brad Wilk, one of the most underrated drummers in rock history IMHO, he was and still is savage behind the kit.

[@douxhc]

RatM has been one of my fav bands of all time, when Audioslave came to Cuba it was the closest thing we had to listening to RatM, and they did a couple of songs from both previous bands, I love Chris voice but the strong commanding voice of Zack in their songs is unparalleled, my friends will hold me every time RatM would start in any venue because they knew I will go directly to the mosh-pit, glad you feel the same energy to start headbanging

[@michaeldoukas4444]

Rage just has such power. It's almost scary. Glad you did this one. Keep on going with them. They are all masters at the instruments, including the vocals.

[@Jcruzer70]

I finally got to see Rage 30 years after their debut in 2022. Even with Zach sitting on a box due to his torn achilles, it was one of the most electrifying shows I've ever seen. Just sheer brutality! MSG 🤘🤘🤘

[@GazQwertyTv]

The "Mechanical" noise he makes with his guitar is him turning his guitars output on and off while it's playing in a way to kinda replicate how scratching works on turntables

[@romeoiipunzalan1079]

He actually did scrath in bulls on parade...

[@JamesSmith-uc8tk]

It seems like maybe he has a kill switch on that guitar. Either way, he knows how to work with the sound of his guitar.

[@bendykirk]

@@JamesSmith-uc8tk He actually does it the old-school way. He has two pickups with separate volume controls. One is cranked and the other is at 0. The switch he is hitting is a pickup selector and hes going back and forth between them.

[@deoczidGONI]

pretty sure he also makes it sound like a machine gun

[@darkphantasm4319]

Killswitch Engaged

[@droidgeist]

4:15 The mechanical thing is produced by a killswitch. His right hand isn't hitting the strings during that section, it's flicking a switch back and forth. Essentially what it does is kills the audio signal immediately back and allows him to.bring it back immediately. This creates a super-staccato sound which is rarely heard on analogue instruments like guitar. 10:25 The sharp, angular sound here is produced by artificial harmonics. On stringed instruments, if you light touch/hover your finger over certain ratios of string portions, it creates these ringing, bell-like tones. This occurs naturally at the 12th fret, 7th fret, 5th fret and some even smaller ratios. Artificial harmonics use a similar idea, but they require the picking hand to simultaneously pick with the plectrum and the flesh of the thumb - this produces these sharp, squealing sounds. 12:38 This is produced by hammer-ons and pull-offs. On (looser) stringed instruments like guitars, it's possible to make the note ring out just by applying a finger to the string forcefully, and then pulling it away. In classical guitar, this is called legato, because of its smooth and connected sound. 21:19 This is produced by a pitch shifter/whammy pedal - it doubles the notes at an octave and other pitches, which creates this intentionally dissonant sound, which contrasts with the languid, consistent bass underneath.

[@markeosimmo]

Thanks Elizabeth! 🤣🤣 did you feel the passion in the audience? The thing about Rage gigs is that practically everyone has memorized all the words, so when they play live the whole audience is pumping and bouncing and rocking! There is so much pent up frustration in these songs, and people identify with that so much. But that last section after the solo where everything kicks off with that grooving riff at the end is so sick! When I think this came out in 1992 it's still so fresh today. I think Rage sums up all that was good about music in the 90s. Never fails to get me pumped up and ready to go ape! We will still be listening to this band hundreds of years from now. Legendary.

[@jacobac07]

I love this metal journey that you're on. Not only am I a metal head, I love opera too. Music brings everyone together!

[@redridernl]

I literally just rewatched both previous RATM reactions yesterday and thought how great it would be to get Know Your Enemy next and here it is. Also looking forward to more Ghost reactions.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I will do more Ghost I think in the future. I did analyze their latest performance of "Phantom of the Opera" but put it over on the Patreon. It might be later this year when I get back to them!

[@BulkersRuleZ]

@@TheCharismaticVoiceSquare hammer is probably their biggest hit. Very catchy riff

[@jaynahoffacker2557]

@@BulkersRuleZThere are a lot of songs that are more vocally interesting than Square Hammer (which is a great song, but there's not a lot there to dig into in the vocals). Out of the officially recorded live performances, something like the Call Me Little Sunshine performance on Jimmy Kimmel, for instance, would be great. The backing vocals alone are doing a lot there.

[@juliejt]

@@TheCharismaticVoiceYear Zero is their best song (in my not so humble opinion) 🔥

[@redridernl]

@@jaynahoffacker2557 She did Mary on a Cross which is kind of an outlier and then Cirice which is kind of slow and heavy so, for me, I think something upbeat and poppy like Square Hammer or Dance Macabre would be great to do next.

[@ToTheLeftOfBernie]

This one really got you at the end. Obv you're a good decent person. What we do in America is so wrong on so many levels. Thank you for hours of great entertainment, keep up the good work.

[@MikeGauley]

I never thought I would use this word in the same sentence as RATM but watching you geek out over them was frickin adorable. Loved it!

[@Chris-ix1re]

I would love to hear you break down “take the power back.” Please go on that journey and take me with you. -CG

[@Cadinho93]

"Land of the Free? Whoever told you that, is your enemy." Great lyric! Also, Tom Morello basically turned the guitar into a science lab.

[@shellbournian]

Zack de la Rocha's first band was a hardcore band called INSIDE OUT. They put out an album called No Spiritual Surrender, and it's a really interesting peek into the origin of Zack's style.

[@stuartwatts3388]

I discovered them soon after the album came out. Can’t remember what introduced me to them, but OMG the album blew me away. The energy and anger. Tom’s amazing guitars. Brilliant!

[@johnbreedlove9533]

All time favorite band, glad you highlighted Rage!!!!!

[@JF-fx2qv]

Sound is ageless and for the ages. Knowing how to interpret it, is the key, to the gift. You provide the intellect to the masses. Thank you.

[@stevenmarsden6512]

Your getting chills from pure essence.. it's raw emotion .. it transfers and moves through you .. and brings forward things you didn't even know you had

[@StevenTwoTwo]

What an insanely good performance. I wish I'd gotten to see them live at some point.

[@Cringleberg]

If you ever feel like diving into Hip Hop Zach De LaRoca has some amazing features with the rap duo known as "Run the Jewels" who is comprised of the rapper "Killer Mike" aka Michael Render, and Rapper/Producer "El-P". Both are very talented and decorated artists in their own right but the songs that feature Zach are consistanly some of the best songs on their albums.

[@so_shy6180]

Glad you finally made it to this one. I feel this song gets their message across better than their others.

[@ProfessorPanyck]

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands at an iconic show. So sad I missed the live premiere but ecstatic I get to relive listening to this with new ears with your analysis. Such a powerful group with a stellar catalog. Freedom is another great of theirs in any decade.

[@willdogon1874]

I was at this concert! And this is my all time favourite RATM song! I lost my sh*t as you may imagine 😅 Also, yes you are correct with regards to the Maynard part, Tool were recording in the same studio as Rage and they asked if he'd like to be on the song...iconic!

[@nikitalila]

I would love to see an analysis of Let The Truth Speak by Earthside. I think the composition is masterful and the vocal performance by Daniel Tompkins (clean and harsh vocals) and Gennady Tkachenko-Papizh (operatic spiritual vocalizing) is breathtaking. And the cinematic music . (metal instruments, strings...) simply great.

[@KylaAndTheRottenBanana]

Good choice

[@mjuzicx]

💥

[@iklull6135]

So cool that people can and will discover this band now a days and in the future, legendary band that's timeless.

[@fullmatthew]

I recommend listening to more of their album tracks. Not that they are not great live (they are), but there is more nuance in those album tracks -- especially with Zack's vocals.

[@steved1135]

Yep. I have to agree. Particularly for a first listen. Far too often people react to live versions of songs for some reason, and the exposure experience is lost. I fully understand why musicians want to listen to live versions, as a musician myself, but, without the correct context, the impression isn't accurate.

[@JoeLion55]

Yep. They sound shockingly good live. But their album tracks hit so hard because they are so precise and deliberate, and Zack‘s message really comes through when you hear his full lyrics, and not the Adlibs and stuff he does for the audience and live versions

[@markhetelle1302]

Especially this song, for Maynard's scream alone.

[@destinationsanonymous2617]

I agree, the studio version of all thier songs are so perfectly crafted to deliver their message with absolute precision that gets lost in the chaos on the live performances

[@vhaarr]

Also the BPM is lower here, but maybe not during the first 4-10 bars. Tom starts off in what seems to be the correct tempo and then when the drum beat and bass joins in they just for some weird reason lower the BPM in a way that seems to be to NOT be on purpose. I mean it could be on purpose, because playing live is much more difficult so many bands have actually done that throughout history. It's probably less common now with IEM click tracks and because every band knows they're being filmed and recorded, but before the 2010s it definitely was normal. Source: I was a sound/lights operator at several large music festivals.

[@PaulBuckner-c8h]

Rage always brings it, one of the best live acts ever.

[@johnyoung8430]

Looking forward to this. Just a shout out that today we have lost one of the most unique voices of the 70s. RIP Steve Harley. I’m sure many would recommend come up and see me, make me smile or cockney rebels version of here comes the sun but always preferred Sebastian or Tumbling down. Such a unique voice.

[@kelst75]

I've been following them since they started back in 92, I was 17. That line "land of the free.....whoever told that is your enemy" is so powerful. I'm not even American and I felt it.

[@gri7]

I've been to hundreds of metal shows been in hundreds of pits and walls of death but seeing Rage Against the Machine as a teenager in the mid-90s was probably the craziest crowd feeling ever I felt like I was at the wildest protest rally

[@restojon1]

They were pure unadulterated power in the 90's, the atmosphere at their shows was something else, something very special.

[@josephgillmer10]

These pits were incredible from '91-'94. Got smashed in the face at Butthole Surfers pit - and lovwd every momenr giving it right back

[@kevinshea7048]

I love watching your reaction Elizabeth - "my hair is leaving my head" and "a cat with angry bees in its stomach" are just awesome!!!! You have by far the best vocal anylisis on KZbin. Me and my friend discovered RATM back in the early 90's when one could go into a record store and become immersed in album covers wondering what the music inside sounded like. I stumbled across the album cover of Ghandi lighting himself on fire and said to myself "this has to be some bad a#$ music". Bought the CD walked out to my 73 RS Camaro and instantly put in my 2000 watt system stereo. From the first song "Bombtrack" me and my friend were blown away. Never had we heard ANYTHING like this. We had the stereo cranked through every freakin song and to this day RATM first album is constantly in my playlist. I dont have a favorite song off this album, THE ENTIRE ALBUM is my favorite song!!! Epic album, epic band - I have thoroughly enjoyed EVERY album this band has put out but that fitst one will always hold a special place.

[@unclepecos91]

I used to sing this song in a cover band when I was 15, so much fun

[@snakesnoteyes]

This song gives me goosebumps every time

[@Chr1sWaterous]

I saw them in Chicago with Black Star opening, and the main floor was just swirling mosh pits in constant Brownian motion. I was glad I was in the balcony! Such a great show.

[@stevegardner1369]

I was at that show. My 1st time seeing them. Great show indeed.

[@snakeeer69]

Great reaction! All RATM songs are so groovy and full of energy and we can tell that you love that style. I'm sure if your younger self could see you today, she wouldn't recognize you. The metal rabbit hole has definitely brought out the wild Elizabeth. Anyhow we all get you. Rock on. On a separate note, you need to feel (hear) Wake Up next in my humble opinion. It's my favourite song from their debut album. So powerful! Also Zack's best lyrics and play of words from their debut.

[@laurieemme1534]

My favorite RATM song is Renegades of Funk. The sound of it just energizes me to the nth power!

[@Wirenfeldt1990]

Weird Al’s Polka version is also great

[@juliejt]

I wholeheartedly agree!

[@MattVogt2]

As much as I've loved RATM since the 90s and enjoy all their albums, Renegades is the one I play most often these days :)

[@hobhamwich]

It's a cover, though. I like it, but they have to split credit.

[@guitfidle]

If you think Tim and Tom are confusing, try Mastodon- Brent, Bill, Brann.... and Troy 😁 Man, I love Rage, I don't know why I don't listen to them more often. Tim is a great bass player, watching this made me go grab a bass and play along.

[@seanhanna3997]

That truth bomb at the end hits hard

[@Belly_Beane]

I’ve always wondered why they removed “ignorance” from the list at the end 🤔

[@kikivon3501]

I get chills when I hear it!!!! “ALL OF WHICH ARE AMERICAN DREAMS” and he repeats it like 8 times. Zack is the master of the repeat, he drives his message home, you will hear him.

[@kifter4971]

Yaaahhh!! This whole concert life at Finsbury Park was sooo sick. Been watching this almost daily for a long time. Thanks for doing this one!

[@marcwright8395]

Amazing band, so underrated

[@diggie9598]

underrated? what freaking reality did you make up for yourself?

[@marcwright8395]

@@diggie9598 i just mean by today's standards more people should be aware of them

[@diggie9598]

@@marcwright8395 What method did you use in order to find out about how many are aware of them?

[@fenderfox5080]

When I was in high school I was in a ratm cover band and I was obsessed with learning all the tricks Tom used. The Allen wrench for people of the sun, the toggle switch for know your enemy and all the other songs he uses it for. Only I didn't have the internet or you tube to learn from 😂 I had a cd and a vhs concert tape , i forget the name of the vhs but it had all the performances of the first 2 albums. I had to pause and rewind and play over and over and over to learn all these songs . It was a fun time to be learning guitar

[@laurabuer4714]

As a woman, I always felt that RAtM were also making content for me. I'm a part of the minority. I am treated differently because of the way I was born. A woman. I love Rage, and the outlet that they gave me as I was growing up in junior, high school, college, and beyond. Definitely check out the studio version with Maynard from Tool. 😉

[@Tess78uk]

Ditto here.

[@gabrieltrujillo6133]

Would love to see your analysis of how the trio of Morello, Commerford, and Wilk are impacted, influenced by, or influence Chris Cornell as Audioslave. Would also love to see a Smashing Pumpkins analysis. Another unique voice and two great guitarists in Billy Corgan and James Iha.

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

I was at this concert :) and I’ve met the guy that started the campaign to get them to no1 that year! He’s called Jon Morter, very nice dude

[@crimpedpanda]

Remember seeing them in 2022 at the Festival d'Été du Québec. Has to be one of my most memorable shows ever. Their energy is unmatched. Not to mention it was my first ever festival. And at the time, Zach was injured so he couldn't stay up to walk around and jam with us. He was sat the entire time. But sat or not he was incredible.

[@marc9709]

I was at this gig with a load of friends.The tickets were free and limited...was unbelievable

[@jasonkay8749]

Thank you Elizabeth for your channel which is now regular watching for me. The variety is wonderful. RATM are great and this video and your words are wonderful both in appreciating the music but also in your analysis. Whilst you are enjoying RATM so much, can I suggest you watch Bruce Springsteen with Tom Morello live playing The Ghost of Tom Joad. It has wonderful lyrics, great interplay between Bruce and Tom, the best guitar playing solo by Tom EVER and the live concert videos of which there are many is truly the best way to enjoy them both. Lyrically it’s beautiful and whilst I would hate to hog the RATM limelight, this is worth your time and expertise. Thanks again for what you do and your video with David Draiman was my absolute favourite. In this world, mutual respect is so so important and it was really educational. Jason

[@TalkingWithBob]

The guitar sound in this song reminds me of the same distortion as the song, balls to the wall by the band accept. You should check that one out sometime its a forgotten gem

[@ItsAllGood_]

I recommended this song after your first RATM video cuz of the Cameo in it from your boy Maynard. (But he isn't in this live version) So clearly I know what I'm talking about....that being said...please do Volbeat. You will love them.

[@harbourdog3501]

Would be awesome to see Elizabeth to go down a bit of a RATM rabbit hole again. Maybe a song more lyrically dense, like Maria.

[@rw8147]

First off, love how your vocabulary has expanded to include so many terms and phrases to better discuss metal. Secondly, I remember buying this album in the record store when it came out and listening to it on repeat in my car, thoroughly blown away by how freakishly awesome this album was. I am so happy you are getting to experience this with us. It reminds me of the first moment I heard it as well