Tom Morello has never been one to play it safe. Whether shredding onstage with Rage Against the Machine or standing on the front lines of social justice protests, his artistry has always been inseparable from his activism. Now, the 61-year-old guitarist is taking both to a new frontier, fronting his first-ever solo rock album, Relentless, a project that merges his political voice, musical ferocity, and family legacy.

Speaking to Billboard Español from his Los Angeles home, Morello described the upcoming record, due in 2026 via Mom+Pop Music, as a “relentless” celebration of heavy guitar work and intergenerational creativity. “From a musical level, I’m very excited about my first-ever solo rock album,” he said. “I wanted to make a record that’s relentless in its big riffs and inventive solos but also one that welcomes my son Roman into the fold.”

Roman Morello, just 13, joins his father as both collaborator and muse. A gifted guitarist in his own right, Roman has already performed with his father around the world. For Tom, this collaboration is both a passing of the torch and a reaffirmation of what he calls the “Morello DNA of rock ’n’ roll power.”

While the world knows Morello as a guitarist capable of making his instrument sound like a turntable, a siren, or an explosion, Relentless also marks the first time he’ll take center stage as a vocalist. His latest single, “Pretend You Remember Me,” gives fans an early glimpse of that shift, featuring his haunting voice layered over the gritty, politically charged guitar tones that have long defined his career.

The song, which he both wrote and directed the music video for, was inspired by the struggles of immigrants in the United States affected by deportation policies. “It’s written from an emotional point of view,” Morello explained. “These are issues that have persisted across multiple administrations. My heart goes out to all the families who’ve been torn apart.”

The music video features activist and long-imprisoned Native American leader Leonard Peltier, a figure whose fight for justice resonates deeply with Morello’s lifelong commitment to human rights.

Even decades after Rage Against the Machine first electrified audiences with their blend of metal and protest music, Morello’s fire hasn’t dimmed. Earlier this year, he joined several demonstrations in Los Angeles opposing anti-immigrant raids ordered by the Trump administration. At those rallies, the Mexican flag became a symbol of resistance and a flashpoint for controversy.

When U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem accused Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum of “encouraging violent protests,” Morello pushed back. “I’m not an expert on Mexican politics,” he said carefully, “but from what I do know, you have a president who cares about human rights, who’s trying to unite and uplift people, as opposed to divide them. That’s something we could use more of here.”

Beyond the politics, Relentless is also a return to the music that made Morello a household name. The guitarist says the album draws inspiration from every era of his career — from the riff-heavy ferocity of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave to the acoustic storytelling of his alter ego, The Nightwatchman, and his collaborations with Bruce Springsteen.

“It’s everything I love about rock and roll,” he said. “Big riffs, big ideas, and the belief that music can still change the world.”

Along with Relentless, Morello has already released two singles that preview the album’s message: “Pretend You Remember Me” and 2024’s “Soldier in the Army of Love.” Both tracks blend activism with melody, pairing fiery political statements with hooks designed to move arenas. “There’s plenty more coming,” he promised.

The musician also confirmed his long-awaited return to Latin America in 2026, starting with Lollapalooza Chile on March 13 and Estéreo Picnic in Colombia on March 21. He hopes to add Mexico to the itinerary, a country that holds special meaning for him.

“Some of my favorite shows have been in Mexico,” Morello recalled. “From Rage Against the Machine at Iguana’s in Tijuana in 1992 to The Battle of Mexico City, to Audioslave and Prophets of Rage, those fans have always been incredible supporters of my work. I can’t wait to get back and rock with them.”