Evil, death, murder and carnage can be beautiful. Or at least that’s what one can believe when they listen to Tool and like it. A band that single handedly created a type of sub category spawning countless people who wish they had a tenth of the talent. Getting that out of the way, realize that these are some of the most talented and most disturbed individuals on the face of the Earth, adopting beliefs that would scare most people who decide to read any of these guys’ bookshelves. They have all been active in other projects but no matter what, fans, myself included, always froth at the mouth at the mention of another CD made by this great band. So what have they brought this time around? Some of the tightest most intense music made in this millennium. If I had to describe this cd in a phrase I’d have to say it’s a thumping dark cathartic mantra, or something on those lines. And like my Pearl Jam heroes, these guys are all past 40 and apparently have it under their skin to show the new generation of pussy rockers what a real big bold rock and roll cock sounds, looks, and feels like.
Breakdown
1. Vicarious 7:06
First single from the album. Dark, intense, drums that steam roll over you and guitar and bass work you want to fight to. This is what they should put as background music in UFC WHILE they fight.
2. Jambi 7:28
What’s this? A one two punch of hard tracks? This album can’t possibly be this heavy on so many songs. Great effects, great vibe and that’s the way a truly Tool song has to be. Born rough, brought through its life smoothly screaming with impressive crescendos and ending in a guttural yell.
3. Wings for Marie (Part1) 6:11
This is actually the first part of a 17 minute song. Its build up is surreal and intense and you can’t help but wonder what visuals would go with this in a tool video although my mind’s eye is quite active.
4. 10,000 days (Wings Part 2) 11:13
Continuing with wings for Marie, the songs plods along, taking its time to create the appropriate mood to take you on a journey into the darkest corners of your mind. Float in your subconscious but put your seat belt on, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
5. The Pot 6:21
First verse you don’t know where it’s going. Enter the music… It’s another musical trip into purgatory and it feels good to burn.
6. Lipan Conjuring 1:11
In a nutshell… WTF?
7. Los Keys (Blame Hoffman) 3:21
Atmospheric, brooding, spooky. Great setup for Rosetta.
8. Rosetta Stoned 11:11
Erratic, pissed off thoughts spewed in a tabla heavy song. The drumming is top notch on the entire album, but a few parts on this track are just insane.
9. Intension 7:21
Slow song that would feel right at home in their last album Lateralus. Slow, patient, highly atmospheric. Definitely a good song to get high to… or maybe not.
10. Right in Two 8:55
Another dark trip into the void. Imagine a man walking through a barren wasteland with no recollection, no purpose yet filled with anger. That’s what this song makes me feel like even if the lyrics have nothing to with what I mentioned.
11. Viginti Tres 5:02
One of the longest outros to an album, signaling its end, until you listen again and again.
So in retrospect, this is an incredible album any Tool fan needs and any true rock fan should dig in to. Sweet dreams, if you’re able to sleep anyways.
Oh and by the way, if you’ve ever wondered what a fallen angel would sound like, look no further than Maynard James Keenan.
0 comments:
Post a Comment