Website: Tool
The Inside Pulse:
Unless you’ve been taking a nap since 1990, you’re probably already familiar with Tool: the dark, progessive, bizarre band of miscreants who thrive on dark surreality and hot, emotional anger to fuel their music. The band has essentially taken on the status of legend, with fervent fans who clamour to hear anything they release (or their side projects) and violently defend them. Meanwhile, Tool has fallen outside of the high rotation they once had, but is still a name recognized by most.
Because of their artistic sensibilities, expectations are always huge for Tool, and 10,000 Days is no exception. Lateralus was beloved by the die-hards but decried by casual fans as being too monotonous and non-memorable. Although it’s unlikely that Tool would ever mold itself to public opinion, it’s always a question as to which direction the band will take next. And in this case, Tool took the safe route and stayed the course previously laid out.
Positives: As atmospheric as ever, Tool will always catch the ear of a casual listener. The first single, “Vicarious” has already enjoyed extensive rock radio airplay and, as the first track on the album, answers most questions about what one should expect to hear. “The Pot” will make fans of Aenima jump up and smile, as it seems Tool momentarily remembers their magical formula of zest and catchy syncopation which brought them to the forefront of the genre. Unfortunately, that’s the only sign.
Negatives: It’s difficult to classify this disc as anything other than “Lateralus Part II.” Virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor, Tool spends more time meandering and creating mood than making songs. A beautiful sonic backdrop, yes. A collection of meaningful and memorable songs, not so much. It’s upsetting that a band that was once so innovative and fascinating has drowned itself in… well, itself. One may go to far as to say that 10,000 Days is a completely pointless release; who wants to wait years and years to hear the same album they heard before?
Cross-breed: Tool mixed with more Tool. Add in a little more Tool.
Reason To Buy: Die-hard Tool fans will not be disappointed in the least, obviously, as Maynard could belch the National Anthem and they would buy twelve copies. But old Tool fans who disliked Lateralus and people who never really got into the band will not be won over by 10,000 Days. If you have no real opinion on the band, this disc is some beautifully dark progressive rock that makes for a nice backdrop, but is extremely tedious without much to offer beyond two standout songs.
