Evil Empire (album)

Evil Empire is the second studio album by American rock band Rage Against the Machine, released on April 16, 1996, by Epic Records. The album's title is derived from a phrase popularized by U.S. President Ronald Reagan to describe the Soviet Union during the Cold War, reflecting the band's anti-establishment and anti-capitalist stance.

The album showcases Rage Against the Machine's signature blend of hard rock, rap, and funk influences, characterized by politically charged lyrics delivered by vocalist Zack de la Rocha and innovative guitar riffs by Tom Morello. Evil Empire explores themes of social injustice, government corruption, and corporate greed, continuing the band's exploration of similar topics addressed in their self-titled debut album.

Several singles were released from the album, including "Bulls on Parade," "People of the Sun," and "Tire Me." "Tire Me" won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1997. Evil Empire debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 3x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The album's artwork features a modified version of the "Crimebuster" painting by Mel Ramos, depicting a young boy holding a comic book. The imagery further reinforces the album's themes of rebellion and challenging authority.

Despite its commercial success, Evil Empire initially received mixed reviews from critics, some of whom criticized the album for being repetitive or lacking the impact of their debut. However, in retrospect, it is now considered a significant album of the 1990s, solidifying Rage Against the Machine's position as a leading voice in politically conscious rock music. The album's themes and message remain relevant and continue to resonate with audiences.