Earlier this week, Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello announced he was planning on dropping a new solo EP, and he’s now delivered on that promise. The new EP is titled Comandante, and features five previously unreleased tracks. The first video he’s shared from the EP is called “Interstate 80,” and it’s a bluesy hard rock song with plenty of Morello’s signature squealing guitar effects. More importantly, however, the new track features Guns ‘n’ Roses guitarist Slash, who indulges Morello in a pretty epic guitar battle. Despite their uniquely different signature guitar styles, they both work pretty great in the context of the track. Check it out below and hear the EP in its entirety.
The EP also features Morello’s take on the Jimi Hendrix classic “Voodoo Child,” as well as “Secretariat (For EVH)”, which is Morello’s tribute to the late Eddie Van Halen. Above all, Comandante seems to be a celebration of all things electric guitar.
This month, Morello also released his new book Whatever It Takes, which compiled photos, stories and other mementos from throughout his career. Rage Against the Machine were supposed to embark on a six-month tour with hip-hop duo Run the Jewels this year, but the Covid-19 pandemic put the brakes on those plans. For those who still want to experience some great Rage Against the Machine live footage, however, the band has released their 2001 concert film The Battle of Mexico City, shot at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City in 1999, to streaming services, including Amazon Prime video, this month.
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Words by Jeff Terich
