In case you were unaware, TOOL finally released their sixth album. This album has been much anticipated for fans after waiting 13 years. This August, they released their EP, Fear Inoculum. Along with this release, TOOL has finally joined the rest of the digital world, releasing their music on all streaming platforms leading up to this release.
Still holding onto the classic album release method, fans who pre-ordered the limited release CD were given a listening experience. Each CD was packaged in a very innovative and creative way that only TOOL could think of, combining all the visual elements of their album art into a full-circle listening experience.
The CD comes with a 36-page booklet with lyrics, album art, band member portraits-the whole book itself is a piece of art. After you get past the booklet and open the CD, it opens to reveal a small HD screen and speakers with the album art coming alive. With the trippy melodies TOOL is known to incorporate into their music playing on a loop, this is a whole experience.
The CD comes with only 7 songs, whereas those who purchase the digital album are not left without and get the full 10 track album, with shorter interludes between tracks.
The album starts with Maynard’s otherworldly vocals and each song balances their heavy rock and hypnotic sounds. With each song being 8-14 minutes long, they all transition so smoothly, it’s like listening to one long TOOL song. This album was very mesmerizing and almost meditative to listen to, but it still gave plenty of opportunities to break out the air drums.
“Pneuma” is one of my favorites so far. It starts with a great beat that reminds me of “Lose Yourself.” It’s the perfect TOOL song as it has all of the transitions of a heavy song, and goes into the long solos that’s relaxing and easy to get lost in.
“7empest” is quickly becoming a fan favorite off this album. It opens with a fantastical tinkling, then the heavy drums and guitar give it a heavy secondary intro while Maynard brings his heavier, angrier vocals to the track.
If for some reason, you have yet to listen to the new album, you can expect it to be as great as any of their previous albums. It’s the perfect creation for the TOOL canon. You can stream it on any streaming platform, and purchase it anywhere you get your music.
Track List:
- Fear Inoculum
- Pneuma
- Litanie contre la Peur
- Invincible
- Legion Inoculant
- Descending
- Culling Voices
- Chocolate Chip Trip
- 7empest
- Mockingbeast
