Tool - Lateralus

Tool - Lateralus


Tool is a band that I have listened to since I was old enough to comprehend what music was. I still remember hearing them on the radio when I was young and being amazed that there was music like that being made despite all of the terrible pop music being played as well.

I read a review somewhere that referred to this album as a "monolithic puzzlebox," which I agree with completely. Every time you listen, there is something new to be noticed. This was their second album to introduce more progressive elements to their music and leave behind some of their grungy and thrash influences.

The evolution of this band is pretty remarkable when you compare their early works to albums like Lateralus:

Here is a bunch of very angry young men.


....and these are those same musicians years later(give or take a bass player):


Thematically, this is a very interesting and diverse album. The syllables Maynard uses at one point in the title track make the Fibonacci sequence, while the lyrics revolve around spirals, nature, and reaching a higher level of awareness. Other songs convey anger in a calm and meditative way, broach the subject of basic communication, and serve as great TOOLS for blowing off steam.

Throughout countless listens, I have really connected with this album, both personally and emotionally. I hope you take the time to listen to this in its entirety sometime. It's quite an experience.

I really encourage you to find an actual copy of the CD. The artwork contained is some of Alex Grey's best.
http://www.mediafire.com/?dzv7zv44jrt