Rage Against the MachineSony ****

"Fight the war, fuck the norm," sang straight-edged Zach de la Rocha (right) in the song Township Rebellion. So, of course, you have to laugh at the glaring irony of a band called Rage Against the Machine gearing up to promo the 20th anniversary of their debut album on a multi-corporate-
associated record label. And yet, like Manic Street Preachers, their socio-political/cultural brothers in arms in the UK, at least Rage Against the Machine had valid points to make.

In addition, the bruising blend of metal and rap was a bold achievement that many would try and fail to emulate. Which means the music sounds as raw and explosive now as it did in '92. Latter-day fans can enjoy add- ons such as B-sides, the original album demo and previously unseen concert material. ratm.com

Download: Township Rebellion, Bullet in the Head