Fistful of Steel

The story behind

Rage Against the Machine recorded Fistful of Steel in spring of 1992, just before releasing their first album. The song was released in November, as the eighth track of an album that blends rap metal and alternative rock. It was written by Zack de la Rocha, the vocalist, with a style that combines the fury of the beats with the intensity of rock. The voice moves between screams and whispers, as if speaking directly into the ear. The lyrics speak of resistance, of fighting against what oppresses you, using metaphors that feel on the skin. The production has a heavy sound, with bass that marks the rhythm and guitars that break in the air. It is a song that you don't just listen to, but that pushes you to move, to think, to feel.