Tom Morello, guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, has teamed up with Final Fantasy 14 for a new track titled Everything Burns. The song, featuring Caleb Shomo of Beartooth and produced by Tyler Smith, blends high-energy rock with themes of empowerment and resistance. It integrates into the game's latest raid content, reflecting both in-game narratives and real-world political issues.
Collaboration Background
Tom Morello, known for his work with Rage Against the Machine, entered the world of Final Fantasy 14 through connections in the gaming and music scenes. The collaboration began when Jason Charles Miller, a tabletop RPG player with Morello and vocalist for Godhead, mentioned that Masayoshi Soken, FF14's lead composer, is a fan of Morello's riffs. About a year ago, the FF14 team urgently needed a song within 36 hours, leading to a rapid creation process with producer Tyler Smith.
Caleb Shomo joined on the same day he was available, recording vocals in a few hours. Morello described the track as 'lightning in a bottle,' emphasizing its quick assembly without compromising quality. Soken, a long-time Rage Against the Machine admirer, has been deeply involved in integrating the song into the game's compositions.
Themes and Significance
Everything Burns is more than a game soundtrack; it's a standalone rock anthem addressing 2025's political climate. Morello views it as 'a reflection of the world and a warning,' promoting active resistance against oppression—echoing FF14's themes of anti-colonialism and class struggle since its 2014 relaunch.
"I'm not trying to make songs for video games," Morello stated. "I want to be a part of making great songs that have meaningful content." Shomo added that the track empowered him personally, confronting challenges in standing up during tough times. The song's aggressive riffs and vocals aim to engage listeners first, then deliver its message, much like Rage Against the Machine's approach.
This partnership highlights FF14's shift toward rock-influenced music, fitting its evolving narrative. For the collaborators, it's a labor of love that bridges gaming communities with broader audiences, potentially radicalizing a new generation through the game's dedicated players.
