By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – LOS ANGELES, Tom Morello, the virtuoso guitarist whose career has been defined by a fusion of heavy riffs and unwavering political activism, is set to return to the forefront of the musical landscape this autumn. His 22nd studio album, titled Everyone Gets Everything They Want, is scheduled for release on September 25 via Mom + Pop Music. This upcoming project marks a significant milestone for the Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave alumnus, representing his first traditional solo endeavor since the 2021 release of The Atlas Underground Flood. While Morello has spent much of the last few years exploring experimental collaborations and electronic-infused soundscapes, this new record appears to be a return to the visceral, message-driven songwriting that has made him a household name in both rock and revolutionary circles.
To signal the arrival of the new album, Morello has released a haunting and provocative lead single titled "Date Night." Far from the romantic connotations the title might suggest, the track is a somber yet defiant ballad rooted in the grim realities of the Dutch resistance during World War II. The song draws direct inspiration from the historical accounts of Hannie Schaft and the Oversteegen sisters, Truus and Freddie. These three young Dutch women became legendary figures for their clandestine operations against the Nazi occupation, which included spying, sabotage, and the luring of high-ranking German officers into the woods under the guise of a "date," only to execute them for their war crimes. Morello’s choice to highlight these specific figures underscores his career-long commitment to documenting the struggles of those who stand against oppression.
In a press statement accompanying the single’s release, Morello was characteristically blunt about the intent behind his music. He stated that his work is designed specifically for those who share his ideological convictions, framing his discography as a tool for anti-racist and anti-fascist movements. "‘Date Night’ is really a ‘which side are you on?’ song," Morello explained, referencing the classic labor anthem while challenging his audience to examine their own moral compasses. He concluded his statement with a sharp retort for potential critics: "If any of that offends you, do the math." This uncompromising stance sets the tone for an album that promises to be as intellectually challenging as it is sonically aggressive.
The rollout for Everyone Gets Everything They Want actually began earlier this year with the May release of "Adjourn It." That track served as a family affair, featuring Morello’s son, Roman Morello, whose burgeoning guitar skills have already begun to draw comparisons to his father’s legendary talent. The song also featured the unmistakable vocals of Serj Tankian, the System of a Down frontman and a long-time collaborator of Morello through their shared non-profit organization, Axis of Justice. The inclusion of Roman and Serj suggests that the new album will bridge the gap between Morello’s personal legacy and his broader community of political and musical allies.
The full tracklist for the album reveals a diverse array of guest appearances, illustrating Morello’s ability to cross genre boundaries while maintaining a cohesive thematic core. Among the notable collaborators are the Belfast-based hip-hop trio Kneecap, known for their controversial and politically charged lyrics in both English and Irish, and the Ohio-based hardcore outfit Beartooth. The presence of these artists suggests that the album will fluctuate between punk energy, metal intensity, and rhythmic experimentation. Tracks such as "Soldier in the Army of Love," "I Am Not Yours To Command," and "The Last Rung on the Ladder" hint at a narrative arc that explores themes of resistance, personal autonomy, and the social cost of late-stage capitalism.
The release of the album will be accompanied by a series of high-profile live performances, most notably the inaugural Power to the People Festival. Set to take place in Washington, D.C. this October, the festival is Morello’s own curated event, designed to celebrate the intersection of music and social justice in the heart of the American political system. The lineup for the festival is a staggering collection of musical titans and activists, including Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, and the legendary folk singer Joan Baez. The bill also features heavyweights from the hip-hop world, such as Public Enemy and Killer Mike, as well as the soulful powerhouse Brittany Howard. By bringing together such a varied group of artists, Morello is positioning the festival as a modern-day successor to the protest concerts of the 1960s and 70s, aiming to galvanize a new generation of activists.
Following the festival and a handful of domestic dates in Nashville and Milwaukee, Morello will take his message north of the border. A newly announced Canadian tour is slated for March 2027, showcasing a commitment to performing in smaller, community-focused venues rather than just major metropolitan arenas. The tour will kick off at The Esplanade in Medicine Hat, Alberta, before moving through Camrose, Lloydminster, and Fort Saskatchewan, eventually concluding at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. These dates reflect Morello’s "Nightwatchman" ethos—the idea of the traveling troubadour bringing revolutionary songs to the people wherever they may be.
The signing to Mom + Pop Music for this release is also a notable move. The independent label, known for its artist-friendly approach and eclectic roster, provides Morello with a platform that aligns with his DIY sensibilities. After decades on major labels with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, Morello seems to have found a home that allows him the creative freedom to release 22-track discographies and politically volatile singles without the constraints of corporate oversight. This independence is crucial for an artist who views his music not just as a commercial product, but as a "fretboard manifesto."
As the music industry continues to grapple with its role in a polarized global climate, Morello remains one of the few veteran artists who refuses to dilute his message for the sake of mass appeal. Everyone Gets Everything They Want appears to be a culmination of his various musical identities—the heavy metal innovator, the folk-inspired storyteller, and the relentless activist. Whether he is shredding alongside his son or honoring the memory of Dutch resistance fighters, Morello continues to operate under the belief that music has the power to change the world, or at the very least, to provide a soundtrack for those trying to do so.
With the September 25 release date fast approaching, fans and critics alike are waiting to see how the various elements of this project—the historical narratives, the high-octane collaborations, and the massive festival presence—will coalesce. If "Date Night" and "Adjourn It" are any indication, the album will be a loud, uncompromising, and deeply intentional addition to a career that has never shied away from the fire.
Everyone Gets Everything They Want Tracklist:
- Beth From Electronics
- Everyone Gets Everything They Want
- Adjourn It (feat. Serj Tankian & Roman Morello)
- I Am Not Yours To Command
- Soldier in the Army of Love
- Unconquered (feat. Kneecap)
- Date Night
- The Last Rung on the Ladder
- Everything Burns (feat. Beartooth)
- Pretend You Remember Me
Upcoming Tour and Festival Dates:
09-18 Nashville, TN – Cannery Hall
09-19 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life 2026
09-20 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave/Eagles Club
10-03 Washington, DC – Power to the People 2026
03-02 Medicine Hat, Canada – The Esplanade
03-03 Camrose, Canada – Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre
03-05 Lloydminster, Canada – Vic Juba Community Theatre
03-06 Fort Saskatchewan, Canada – Dow Centennial Centre Shell Theatre
03-08 Prince Albert, Canada – E.A. Rawlinson Center For The Arts
