Tom Morello’s new rock anthem ‘Soldier in the Army of Love’ features guitar wizardry from son Roman

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As a long-time fan of Tom Morello and Rage Against the Machine, I have to say that witnessing this iconic guitarist evolve throughout his career has been nothing short of exhilarating. From the fiery riffs of “Sleep Now in the Fire” to the poignant collaboration between father and son on “Soldier in the Army of Love,” Morello continues to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of musicians.

Tom Morello, known for his work with Rage Against the Machine, has just released a new single titled “Soldier in the Army of Love.” Notably, his 13-year-old son, Roman, contributes to this track. This song is distinguished as part of what Morello calls his first complete solo rock album, a milestone in his solo musical journey. Generally, releasing a full-length solo album is often seen as a critical test for musicians, a “make or break” moment in their careers. The single is now accessible for streaming.

Titled “Soldier in the Army of Love,” this song serves as a potent anthem for transformation. It’s marked by strong guitar melodies and an electrifying solo delivered by Roman, who significantly contributed to its composition. The lyrics radiate triumph: “Tectonic plates are ready to move/ Border guards won’t stop this rhythm/ Transform your affliction into a tool, my son/ Why need a tool when you were born one?”

The lyrics echo Morello’s message of using personal hardships to drive social change, and carry a stronger political tone compared to Audioslave songs like “Like a Stone,” though Audioslave and even Soundgarden occasionally touched upon political themes. In his statement, Morello underscored the song’s dual function, referring to it as both a “soothing remedy for the heart” and an “instrument for battling injustice.”

Additionally, he emphasized the song’s importance across generations, pointing out that its most powerful guitar licks were created by his young prodigy, Roman, whom he affectionately called a “master of the strings.” This musical partnership instills in Morello confidence in a new wave of “warriors in the legion of love” who are prepared to carry on the struggle for justice through music.

Tom Morello, solo artist

Morello has a history of undertaking solo endeavors, with three albums bearing his name already out: The Atlas Underground (released in 2018), followed by The Atlas Underground Fire and The Atlas Underground Flood, both coming out in 2021.

These albums typically featured numerous guest artists across different music genres, aiming for a harmonious, collaborative sound. But “Solder in the Army of Love,” in contrast, centers around Morello’s rock background and his intimate bond with his son, marking a shift from that usual approach.

Beyond my studio projects, like collaborating with Def Leppard, I’ve been keeping busy by rocking out live on stage. Lately, I had the electrifying experience of jamming with Jane’s Addiction in Germany, where we put on some seriously powerful performances of “Mountain Song” and “Chip Away.”

Tom Morello on tour, and spats with online randos

At present, Morello is traveling across Europe for solo performances and festival shows. Later this fall, he plans to visit the U.S., gracing major music festivals such as Louder Than Life and Aftershock. Apart from his flamboyant guitar skills and powerful, fiery solos, Morello has a reputation for standing up against online misinformation. Rest assured, his passion in combating falsehoods will persist even during his tour.

For one classic example, regarding an accusation that Rage Against the Machine required fans to be vaccinated at shows: “No offense but you’re a f***ing idiot. RATM has played 19 shows in the last 13 years and ZERO of those shows have required vax. Pass this along to your idiots friends por fa vor. Also, while you’re mewling about Big Pharma, how about Big Oil and Big Tobacco and Big Landlords and Big Military and Big Elon? It’s called Big Capitalism vs human beings and the our planet. So I accept your apology and let’s aim at the right target bubba.”

He made it clear that he personally isn’t against vaccinations, but rather wanted to clear up misconceptions about the band’s absence during the peak of the pandemic and their role in determining venue policies. His current tour underscores his enduring impact and commitment to live performances, while also showcasing his exploration of new artistic paths in his solo endeavors.

As some veteran rock musicians postpone tours due to health matters, let’s cross our fingers that Tom Morello continues to perform for many more years to come. It’s equally delightful to learn that he and his son are taking turns playing the guitar together.

Here is some classic Rage:

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2024-08-23 15:01