Tom Morello Joins Forces with Serj Tankian and Son Roman for Potent Single ‘Adjourn It’

At a time when art speaks louder than ever, Tom Morello’s new single ‘Adjourn It’ channels resistance through powerful collaboration with Serj Tankian and Roman Morello.

When legends collide, the result is nothing short of electrifying. Tom Morello, the iconic guitarist of Rage Against The Machine, has teamed up with System of a Down’s unforgettable frontman Serj Tankian and his own prodigious 15-year-old son, Roman Morello, to unleash a fierce new anthem titled ‘Adjourn It’. This track isn’t just music—it's a roar of defiance amid these turbulent times.

Serj Tankian, Roman Morello, and Tom Morello collaborating on ‘Adjourn It’.

A Family Affair Meets Political Fire

At the heart of this collaboration is Morello’s vision of music as a battleground for justice. “At this historical juncture every act of art is an act of resistance,” Morello powerfully states, framing the song as a "clarion call for justice in unjust times." The fusion of his signature guitar bulldozing riffs, Roman’s youthful yet masterful playing, and Tankian’s prophetic vocal delivery creates a multi-generational force to be reckoned with.

The song is brought to life under the expert production of Zakk Cervini, known for his work with artists like Bring Me The Horizon and Aerosmith. This mix of raw energy and polished power perfectly underscores the urgency of the song’s message.

Morello elaborates, “Inspired by the persecution of immigrants across the land and the heroic resistance to the rising tide of fascism, it’s just about damn time to rock for freedom, justice and equality.” And rock it does.

Listen to ‘Adjourn It’ Now

Check out the official track here:

An Anthem Fueled by Defiance

The song kicks off with a distorted, heavily processed guitar riff that immediately commands your attention. It’s not subtle—‘Adjourn It’ explodes into a full-throttle call to arms. Serj Tankian’s vocals slice through the noise with fierce lines like:

“Burn it / Turn it / Have them fucking learn it / Make them pay for their crimes.”

His voice carries the weight of protest, urging listeners to resist injustice and reject the lies that fuel division.

The chorus continues to push the theme of unyielding resistance:

“Adjourn it / Never buy their racist lies / Unearth it / Help our brother sisters stay / They’ve earned it.”

With such impassioned words and relentless instrumentation, the track feels like a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt marginalized or silenced.

Powerful Visuals Echoing History

Accompanying the single is a striking official video featuring the trio in the studio, interspersed with poignant black-and-white clips from the classic 1954 film Salt of the Earth. This film’s story of Mexican-American miners fighting against exploitation and racism perfectly mirrors the rebellious spirit of ‘Adjourn It.’

The film’s unique background adds depth to the track’s message: it was made by three Hollywood executives who were blacklisted for their political beliefs—a real act of artistic defiance. As the video reminds us, “Salt Of The Earth was a powerful act of defiance in its time and more than half a century later, its themes continue to echo through today’s political climate.”

Thus, ‘Adjourn It’ doesn’t just make music; it carries forward a legacy of solidarity against fear and division.

Tom Morello, the man behind the riffs that roar for justice.

Morello’s Reflection on Protest Music

At Download Festival 2024, I had the chance to hear Morello reflect on what makes a protest song truly great. He emphasized that first and foremost, it has to be a “great song.” No one wants to listen to a dry lecture with a beat; the music must have artistry, authenticity, power, and chemistry.

These ingredients are exactly what you find in ‘Adjourn It’—a song that’s as artistically compelling as it is politically potent.

Morello’s Ongoing Activism and Touring

Tom Morello’s passion for political music isn’t new. Currently, he’s touring alongside Bruce Springsteen on the Land of Hope and Dreams US tour. Springsteen and Morello’s partnership is electric, highlighted by a live video of Springsteen’s cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” featuring Morello, filmed at a Minneapolis concert earlier this year.

Earlier in 2024, Springsteen debuted his anti-Trump protest song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” during one of Morello’s benefit concerts. This event was a show of “solidarity and resistance” after two tragic deaths caused by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Morello himself has been a vocal critic of harsh immigration policies, sharing a “Fuck ICE” playlist last summer and actively participating in anti-ICE protests. His music and public actions consistently align to challenge injustice.

Power To The People Festival: A Gathering of Voices

This spirit of resistance extends to Morello’s upcoming Power To The People Festival scheduled for October 3 in Columbia, Maryland. The festival boasts a lineup that includes major artists like Joan Baez, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen, The Linda Lindas, and of course, Morello himself.

This event is poised to be a powerful convergence of voices united by a common cause, celebrating music’s role in social justice.

Looking Ahead: Summer Festivals and Shows

Before the festival, Morello is set to light up stages across Europe and beyond. He’ll be performing at Download Festival and intimate venues like London’s Electric Brixton, as well as major European events including Rock For People, Hellfest, and Pinkpop.

For fans old and new, it’s a chance to experience firsthand the energy of a musician whose art continues to fuel resistance.

What’s your favorite politically charged song by Tom Morello or Serj Tankian? Their new collaboration certainly raises the bar for protest music today.

FAQ

• What inspired Tom Morello to create ‘Adjourn It’? Inspired by the persecution of immigrants and the fight against rising fascism, Morello crafted this song as a call for freedom, justice, and equality.
• Who produced the song ‘Adjourn It’? The track was produced by Zakk Cervini, known for working with diverse artists like Bring Me The Horizon and Aerosmith.
• What is the significance of the ‘Salt of the Earth’ clips in the video? The clips reflect the song’s theme of resistance, highlighting a historic film about Mexican-American miners battling exploitation and bigotry.
• Is Tom Morello touring currently? Yes, Morello is touring with Bruce Springsteen on the Land of Hope and Dreams US tour and has several upcoming European festival appearances.
• What can fans expect from the Power To The People Festival? A diverse lineup of influential artists performing music that champions social justice and activism, including Joan Baez, Dave Matthews, and Morello himself.

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