A highly anticipated collaboration is set to enhance the gaming experience for fans of Final Fantasy 14. Renowned guitarist Tom Morello, known for his work with Rage Against The Machine, has teamed up with Caleb Shomo, the vocalist of the band Beartooth, to create a new anthem titled “Everything Burns.” This track will serve as the official soundtrack for the upcoming Arcadion raid, scheduled to launch on December 16, 2023.
The Arcadion raid promises to be a thrilling addition to the game, challenging players with the task of conquering the heavyweight tier after successfully navigating the cruiserweight division. According to the official description, “The threat of psychonekrosis ever looms, and to claim its cure, you must seize the grand champion’s crown – and make your rightful ascension!”
Morello expressed his excitement about the collaboration on social media, stating, “Very excited to announce that I’ve been working on something very special with the team at Final Fantasy 14. It all started when Jason Charles Miller told me that Soken-san (Masayoshi Soken), the composer of Final Fantasy 14, was a huge Rage Against The Machine fan and wanted to collaborate.” Morello further elaborated on the creative process, noting, “We wanted to make something super heavy and super powerful. I wanted to make an absolute rocking banger of a track that would mirror the energy and potency of this game.”
The new track, “Everything Burns,” will be available on streaming platforms next week. A brief preview has already been shared by the official Final Fantasy 14 account on social media, heightening anticipation among fans.
Collaboration Highlights and Musical Fusion
The collaboration between Morello and Shomo has drawn attention not only for its star power but also for its unique musical fusion. Soken, who has described Morello as one of his “favourite” musicians, emphasized the seemingly nonsensical yet harmonious relationship between rock music and the Final Fantasy universe. In an interview earlier this year, he stated, “I don’t know why Final Fantasy matches so well with that type of music but, to me, it felt like the game experience was asking for rock.”
This partnership marks a significant moment for the franchise, as the previous Arcadion raid was soundtracked by Chrissy Costanza’s “Give It All.” The upcoming patch will also introduce a new quest titled “Into The Mist,” which promises to expand the narrative and challenge players further. The official description reveals, “The machinations of Calyx and Preservation have been thwarted, releasing Alexandria from the throes of chaos.”
Looking Ahead for Rage Against The Machine
As Morello continues to make waves in the gaming music scene, he also reflects on the future of Rage Against The Machine. Earlier this year, he described the band’s trajectory as “a volatile situation.” He highlighted their successful run, including five sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden in 2022, stating, “If there’s never another show, then that’s quite a way to go out. But in the meantime, I cross my heart and hope to die, I am carrying the torch for every one of those riffs and all of the meaning in those songs.”
In a related development, pop-punk band Neck Deep has recently launched a video game to commemorate the tenth anniversary of their iconic track “December,” showcasing the ongoing intersection of music and gaming.
As fans eagerly await the release of “Everything Burns” and the accompanying raid, the collaboration between Morello and Shomo exemplifies the innovative spirit of Final Fantasy 14, continually pushing the boundaries of video game music.
