Not since the days of the Clash and the MC5 has rock seen such political force as in the uncompromising debut from this L.A. quartet. Expanding the hip-hop/metal style of bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage tap the spirits of vintage Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with hardcore punk intensity and Public Enemy-style grooves. "Bombtrack" opens the LP with a shot of adrenaline and singer Zack de la Rocha's infuriated chorus of "Burn, burn, yes, you're gonna burn!" The intensity doesn't let up an inch on the militant "Killing in the Name" (with the inspiring chant, "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!"), the ultrafunky "Bullet in the Head," and the engrossing "Fistful of Steel." Tom Morello combines time-honored metal guitar riffs with sounds that suggest a hip-hop scratcher over a rhythm section that simply takes no prisoners. Intelligent and aggressive, this is unimpeachably one of the best hard-rock records ever made. --James Rotondi ... Read more

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Asin: B0000028RR
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Rap-Metal    6. Rock   

... Read more

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Asin: B0000029D9
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Rap-Metal    6. Rock   

Having successfully fused music and politics from their start, inspiring both moshing and young minds in the process, Rage Against the Machine emerges in peak form with merely their third album in seven years. Guitarist Tom Morello is one of the most distinctive and innovative players of his era, and his foil, vocalist/lyricist Zack De La Rocha, is as unrelenting and inspiring as ever on The Battle of Los Angeles. Rage, whose past antics include performing naked with duct tape over their mouths to protest censorship, released Battle on Election Day, but the politics of the group can be separated from the sounds. Indeed, the 45 minutes of mayhem heard here can be enjoyed solely as rousing aggro hip-hop rock. There's more variety found on Battle than on its predecessors, however. "Sleep Now in the Fire" is one of their most straight-ahead rock tunes. The trippy guitar on "Calm Like a Bomb" is out there even for the adventurous Morello. And "Born a Broken Man" serves up lovely musical interludes. Overall, the more finely honed Rage heard on Battle may not inspire a generation of young revolutionaries, but they still stir up more mutinous spirit than the rest of the current rock pack. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

Asin: B00002MZ2C
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

If Renegades proves to be the last Rage Against the Machine albumto feature singer Zack de la Rocha, who quit the band after nine years, it's a cool way to go out. Produced by Rick Rubin, Renegades is a salute to the artists who made Rage what they are--or were. While it's easy to hear Rage's rap roots in songs from Afrika Bambaataa, EPMD, and Volume 10, it's more interesting to see theirtake on rock in its classic and punk forms. Rage capture the raw spirit, if notthe quite the intensity, inherent in the MC5 classic "Kick Out the Jams." A superior second livetake appears at the CD's end, followed by a concert version of Cypress Hill's "How I Could Just Kill a Man," with help from B-Real and Sen Dog. Devo's "Beautiful World" is rendered quietly unrecognizable, while Minor Threat's "In My Eyes" is given a wonderfully melodic, ultra-aggro treatment. The Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man" takes on a techno vibe that's unsettling and Bob Dylan's "Maggie's Farm" is also effectively modernized. Ultimately, Renegades is a must-have for its song selection, musical execution, and the unhappy fact that it's likely the ultimate offering from one of rock's most musically and politically relevant lineups. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

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Asin: B000053EZW
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Rap-Metal    6. Rock   

This album's all about the blazing virtuosity of Robert Randolph. The pop-music arrival of the young pedal-steel guitarist from the Pentecostal church was shepherded last year by the North Mississippi Allstars and groove organist John Medeski in a brilliant album and group called The Word. With his own Family Band and just one spiritual, the lovely "Pressing My Way," on the set list, Randolph sends lightning bolts through the audience in this August 2001 recording at a now-shuttered Manhattan club. He blends the showmanship of his blues inspiration, Stevie Ray Vaughan, with his own unique instrumental mastery, transforming his steel guitar into something more like a lead vocalist. Randolph constantly makes his 13-string guitar play call-and-response with his own singing, and he breathes fire into Slim Harpo's chestnut "Shake Your Hips" by making it a field day for his stabbing splashes of notes and chords, inventing a different melody for his long solos that's more western swing than swamp blues. Although the shout-and-stomp-along original, "I Don't Know What You Come to Do," raises the crowd, it's the 11-minute finale, "Tears of Joy," that is Randolph's showstopper. The tune's a crafty summation of all his gifts: slow, sliding, rich-toned notes and low-buzzing chords; rhythms that pull from the stately qualities of gospel (enhanced by the way Randolph's steel blends with John Ginty's Hammond organ) and the pure exhilaration of rock improvisation; and beautiful tones that echo from honky-tonk to Hendrix. It's the musical equivalent of a white-water thrill ride. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

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• Live

Asin: B00006IXGI
Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Instrumental Gospel    3. Jam Bands    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Southern Gospel   

With Rage Against the Machine disbanded, System of a Down ascend to the political aggro-rock throne, and with Steal This Album, the Los Angeles-based quartet prove themselves worthy to wear the crown. A play on the late activist Abbie Hoffman’s Steal This Book, the album consists of 16 System songs from the mid-1990s through 2001. The band stresses the songs are not "B-sides or outtakes"; in fact, they clearly show System at their apex. These smart, varied songs feature Serj's frenetic, staccato, Jello Biafra-like phrasing atop the band's edgy, commanding, metal-meets-punk base. From the funny, frantic "Chic 'N' Stu," to "F**k the System," "A.D.D. (American Dream Disorder)," and "Boom!" System keep listeners guessing with discomfiting time changes that match up with Serj's incendiary lyrics. In keeping with their creative, fan-oriented approach, System are releasing four limited runs of the CD, each version featuring artwork from a different band member. This is not escapist rock. It's an intense and eye-opening aural history lesson you can mosh to. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

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Asin: B00007E8V4
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rock   

This debut by the L.A.-based quartet is a hybrid of explosive rap-metal, politically incendiary lyrics, and wide-ranging cultural influences. The members are of Armenian descent, but their diverse stylistic background transcends easy cultural labeling. Singer Serj Tankian's throaty roar competes with any mosh-pit rocker around, but his real trademark is his emotional wail and refreshingly melodic singing, especially on songs such as "Spiders" and the condemnatory "P.L.U.C.K."Guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan lock in tight on the capricious arrangements of"Know," "Ddevil," and "CUBErt." Their musical diversity runs wonderfully wild on "Sugar" and "Suggestions" with dizzying shifts of style and intensity. The tracks "Peephole" and "War?" reveal the band at perhaps its eclectic best, with vaguely Eastern European-sounding guitar riffs, passionate battle cries, and samples provided by legendary hip-hop producer Rick Rubin. --Mark McCleerey ... Read more

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Asin: B000007T1M
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rock   

System of a Down's sophomore effort is a musically and lyrically ambitious 14-song collection that's even more left-of-center and powerful than their 1998 self-titled debut. Here the Los Angeles-bred foursome tackle everything from government ("Prison Song") to cocaine-crazed groupies ("Psycho") in a more pointed and aggressive manner than Rage Against the Machine. Serj Tankian's hardcore vocals and occasional Middle Eastern flourishes ("Science") contribute to the unique, ultra-intense, and quirky qualities of System circa 2001. Unexpected time changes and death-metal-like intensity give way to mellower moments, all of which make for demanding but irresistible listening. Toxicity is a masterful, unusual, and forceful opus. This release includes a bonus CD-ROM that includes behind-the-scenes footage, band commentary, and concert clips. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

Asin: B000021YQV
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

The debut of thundering supergroup Audioslave--featuring members of Rage Against the Machine post-Zack de la Rocha with ex-Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell--is as much curio as fascinating blend of visions. Cornell might be outnumbered, but his unmistakable holler and nihilistic imagery ensure that Audioslave, the album, recalls early Soundgarden. That's especially true since de la Rocha took Rage's signature rap and politicking with him. Still, if this is Soundgarden, it's Soundgarden set to stun. Rage guitarist Tom Morello is more of a mauler than Kim Thayil ever was--witness "Shadow on the Sun," which moves from bruising thud to psychedelic freak-out and back again--while the Rage rhythm section of Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk anchor the bottom end with pure instrumental cement. Intentionally or not, "Gasoline" bears passing resemblance to "Rusty Cage," while the sweeping "I Am the Highway" and slow-burning "The Last Remaining Light" best showcase Cornell's surprisingly New Age-y lyrical bent. Cover art by Storm Thorgerson, who gave Pink Floyd records their distinctive stamp, underscores the set's inherent celebrity. Fans of Rage and Soundgarden can raise clenched fists in unison, for Audioslave is win-win. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Asin: B00006RU5B
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Hard Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Post-Grunge    6. Rock   

Papa Roach is a breed apart in the nearly overfull rap-rock arena. The Northern California-bred quartet lacks the bluster of Limp Bizkit and the political agenda of Rage Against the Machine, instead serving up an ultra-intense, highly personal brand of funk-punk-rock-rap on their stunning major-label debut. Closer in spirit to Faith No More than Korn, Papa Roach's signature sound is defined by Coby Dick's raspy, forceful vocals. Dick's pointed lyrics astutely address everything from divorce ("Broken Home") and attention deficit disorder ("Thrown Away") to alcoholism ("Binge"). Jerry Horton's memorable, melodic, and insinuating guitar lines and the band's aggro, moshable rhythms provide added weight. Papa Roach's intensity is never forced; the songs here are varied, discrete, tuneful, and cohesive. Indeed, the mellow, reggae- like "Tightrope" is as compelling as the commanding "Last Resort," making Infest one of the most arresting heavy-music debuts of 2000. -- Katherine Turman ... Read more

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Asin: B00004STPK
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Follow The Leader
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 August, 1998)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Love 'em or despise 'em, you've got to give Korn props for kick-starting a new metal movement that blends aggressive hip-hop rhythms with roaring hate-metal riffs. In the wake of the band's 1994 debut, many like-minded groups cropped up, including Deftones, Snot, and Limp Bizkit. But with the release of Korn's disappointing 1996 sophomore effort, Life Is Peachy, the imitators seemed likely to usurp the innovators. Maybe that's why Follow the Leader is so crafty and inspired. Instead of continuing on cruise control, Korn have diversified their formula, experimenting with mood and dynamics while intensifying their melody and noise thresholds. "Got the Life" blends a seductive disco beat and vocals reminiscent of "Epic"-era Faith No More with oppressive guitar chimes and squawks. "Children of the Korn" features a propulsive rap beat, throbbing bass lines, and angry guest vocals by Ice Cube. But just when Korn's groovin' psychedelic fury starts to make listeners see red, the band lashes out with "All in the Family," a hilarious rap-metal diss-fest duet with Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, that proves Korn are much more than the sum of their rage. --Jon Wiederhorn ... Read more

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Reviews (1101)

korn are a bowl of peaches
and a mixed sort of other fruits. tra tra tra transvestite. follow your idol the one in korn who's bisexual. he is the next michael jackson. he's going to molest all his boy fans. he'll make you guys hardcore after you suck him off. tra tra transvestite. and then as korn's roadies, you can be korn's sex slaves.

Another exellent korn creation
This is definatly kick ass album.
Where do i start.
all in the familly is a classic metal/rap song.
probably the best Fred was ever in.
children of the korn is a great colaboration between metal and hip hop.
2 of my favorites korn and Ice cube.
cameltosis is another great colaboration.
This album just tops off korns great albums.
it's a must to have.

This is the one.
Korn's "Follow the Leader" is the album that got me into heavier music upon its release, which I believe was late 1997. Almost 8 years late, there is obviously better music out there, but Korn's third effort stands out among their albums as the one that got them on the charts. The songwriting here is much better than on "Issues" or "Life is Peachy" (I haven't really heard the latest ones, so I can't judge). On this album, Korn explores all the possibilities, from exremely heavy (It's On, Got the Life), to slow, plodding monsters of songs (My Gift to You, Dead Bodies Everywhere), hip-hop (Children of the Korn, All in the Family), all while still retaining their classic Korn sound.

In my opinion, this was Korn's most creative output, and with the help of a few friends around the music scene, Korn spawned the nu-metal movement which has become so saturated in the modern age. This was the beginning, and I think it's still the best. ... Read more

Asin: B000009QOR
Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rap-Metal    5. Rock   

Believe
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 September, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

The Windy City alt-metal provocateurs Disturbed surprised everyone when their debut, The Sickness, sold over 2 million copies. Here, once again, the band's imperious chrome-domed vocalist David Draiman bleats out the band's messages of nonconformity, self-empowerment, and individuality with a passion and ferocity that hasn't been heard since the '60s--though there's little room for peace, love, and understanding in Disturbed's world. Instead, Draiman laces the band's message with equal parts rage, disgust, and menace, all delivered in a thundering voice that alternates from the lyrical to the grizzled. Ozzy Osbourne has called Disturbed the "future of metal," and he might be right; they have almost single-handedly plucked the genre out of the aggro dung heap and fueled it with intelligence. The band is just as aggressive here as on their debut, but they've lost some of their dark angst, and as a result have created a melodic, psychically lighter album, despite the fact that the CD kicks off with "Prayer," a conversation between Draiman and God, inspired by the singer's grandfather's death. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

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Reviews (411)

One of the best metal records ever
Their sophomore release, Believe proves that Disturbed has the potential to last in the rock scene.

Both stylistically and qualitatively, Believe stands head and shoulders over the also-amazing The Sickness, their debut release.They trimmed the occasional but very awkward rapping from their songs, replacing it with more advanced concepts of melody and time.Perhaps largely because of this, Believe contains one of the best and most consistent song sets in modern heavy metal.

More mature than first but still great.
With their second release, Disturbed has managed to make aslightly more mature, less out of control cd and still make it sound great. My favorites are Prayer, Remember, and Awaken.There is a sense, on this album that the band is capable of not having to be loud and obnoxious to create music, not that their first album wasn't good.

Different...
I got Believe when I heard "Liberate" on "Tony Hawk Underground 2".
I expected it to be heavy and angry like "The Sickness", but it turned out to be quiet and some songs almost sounded like pop!
If you let the entire CD play through you will find that after a while the songs begin to sound the same.
It does have it's strong points though. "Prayer" is one of those songs that echo through your head as you try to get to sleep.
The CD (Well the clean version anyway...) could propably be played at a church, as many of the songs deal with religion.
Just because you liked The Sickness doesn't mean you'll like "Believe". My advice would be to get to know two or three songs really well before you buy the CD. Thats my opinion anyway. ... Read more

Asin: B000069KN8
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock