Tom Morello Rocks With 15-Year-Old Son and Serj Tankian in New Protest Anthem

Tom Morello teams up with System of a Down's Serj Tankian and his son Roman for “Adjourn It,” a fierce call against injustice and fascism.

When Guitar Legends and Rising Stars Collide

If there’s one thing you can bet on with Tom Morello, it’s that he never shies away from making a bold statement. The guitarist, famously known for his work with Rage Against the Machine, has dropped a new track titled “Adjourn It” that’s as politically charged as it is electrifying. And if that’s not enough to pique your interest, he’s enlisted none other than Serj Tankian of System of a Down fame to lend his unique vocal power and emotional intensity to the mix.

But wait—there’s more. Adding a fresh layer of family legacy to the song is Morello’s 15-year-old son, Roman, whose guitar skills are quickly gaining attention. It’s almost like witnessing a passing of the torch, but with an added punch of rebellious spirit.

Serj Tankian, Roman Morello, and Tom Morello sharing a moment of musical defiance.

“Adjourn It”: More Than Just a Song

Released on May 29, “Adjourn It” is the second single from Morello’s upcoming solo album under Mom + Pop Records. The timing couldn’t be more deliberate, coinciding with the announcement of his Power to the People festival set for October 3 near Washington, D.C., a politically driven event aimed at mobilizing activism through music.

Produced by Zakk Cervini, known for his work with Bring Me the Horizon and Aerosmith, the track serves up crunchy, powerful riffs that wrap around Tankian’s signature operatic screams and urgent delivery. The song is an unapologetic protest against oppression, especially targeting the ongoing persecution of immigrants and the rise of fascism.

“At this historical juncture every act of art is an act of resistance,” Morello says. He describes Adjourn It as “a clarion call for justice in unjust times. 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.”

Tankian echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the song’s protest nature.

“‘Adjourn It’ is a protest anthem against the continued barbarism leveled by ICE in the U.S., separating families, racial profiling and in some cases killing. As a democracy, we should be offended that our own government has done this to our brothers and sisters trying to provide a decent lifestyle for their families. There is smart immigration and naturalization policy, then there is this. Most of these cases would be adjourned by judges if given due legal process.”

A Family Affair: Roman Morello’s Rising Star

One of the most exciting parts of the song is the inclusion of Roman Morello, Tom’s teenage son. Watching Roman’s guitar playing evolve from backyard jam sessions to studio recordings alongside legendary musicians is a thrill for any music fan. It’s rare to witness such a seamless blend of generations, especially when the music carries such an urgent, political message.

Roman’s presence adds a personal touch to the song’s rebellious spirit, reminding us that the fight for justice is something passed down, not just in rhetoric but in rhythm and rebellion.

Morello’s Activism Fuels the Music

Tom Morello isn’t just about music—he’s about action. Over the past month, he’s been deeply involved in activism, performing alongside Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. In January, Morello and Springsteen made a powerful statement by traveling to Minnesota to protest ICE raids and to honor the memory of victims like Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

More recently, Morello was on the front lines in Manhattan, joining protests outside the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza. Alongside the organization Hands Off NYC, he demonstrated against harsh ICE policies and detentions.

This activist energy surges through “Adjourn It,” making it more than a song—it’s a rallying cry.

A Visual Tribute to Labor Rights and Resistance

The song’s accompanying music video pulls from history’s vault with footage from Salt of the Earth, a once-blacklisted 1954 film about Mexican-American miners fighting against labor exploitation and systemic racism. The movie was remarkable not only for its story but for its real-life miners appearing on screen and the fact that it was created by blacklisted Hollywood filmmakers during a time of intense political censorship.

By incorporating clips from this film, Morello ties the contemporary struggles of immigrants and workers to a longer legacy of resistance, reminding us how art and activism have always marched hand in hand.

What’s Next? The New Album on the Horizon

Though the upcoming album remains untitled, it will follow Morello’s twin 2021 releases, The Axis Underground: Fire and The Axis Underground: Flood. Given the trajectory of his recent work, fans can expect a powerful mixture of hard-hitting rock and politically conscious lyrics that continue to challenge the status quo.

Wrapping Up the Revolution in Rock

“Adjourn It” is far from just another track in Tom Morello’s catalog. It’s a potent blend of musical ferocity, political protest, and familial collaboration. With Serj Tankian’s piercing voice and Roman Morello’s burgeoning guitar talent joining forces with Tom’s unmistakable riffs, this song is a defiant shout in times that desperately need it.

Isn’t it refreshing to see rock legends still pushing boundaries, both musically and ideologically, while bringing the next generation into the spotlight? It makes you want to grab a guitar, turn up the volume, and scream for justice yourself.

FAQ

• How does “Adjourn It” reflect Tom Morello’s political views?
  The song is a direct protest against immigration injustices and the rise of fascism, aligning with Morello’s long-standing commitment to social activism through music.
• Who is Roman Morello and what role does he play in the song?
  Roman is Tom Morello’s 15-year-old son, contributing guitar parts to the track and demonstrating his emerging talent in the family’s musical legacy.
• What is the significance of the video footage from Salt of the Earth?
  The film is a historic labor rights story, blacklisted in its time, symbolizing the ongoing fight against systemic oppression, which complements the song’s themes.
• What recent activism has Tom Morello been involved in?
  Morello performed with Bruce Springsteen to protest ICE raids and has participated in demonstrations against immigration policies in New York City.
• Who produced “Adjourn It” and what’s notable about the production?
  Zakk Cervini, known for working with several notable rock acts, produced the song, blending aggressive riffs with Serj Tankian’s powerful vocal style.

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