![tool aenima album cover artist tool aenima album cover artist](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2c/48/82/2c4882976c31f7392b9b4a973a3adcaf.jpg)
The band save the high octane track for last. He takes the spotlight on his very own drum solo behind a quirky electronic melody in the shorter “Chocolate Chip Trip.” Carey also brings back the tablas and polyrhythms in “Fear Inoculum,” laying down a hypnotic groove while the guitars and electronics build into vintage Tool territory, a welcoming decision for the album opener. Drummer Danny Carey impresses as always, keeping things locked in and acting as the heartbeat of the band alongside the bass guitar. A loose, ambitious nature is felt throughout Fear Inoculum while always having purpose. Moments of the album like the intro of “Culling Voices” and the long instrumental jams can sound like a band riffing on ideas for extended lengths of time, and Tool always make it worthwhile and varied enough to not become tedious. “Culling Voices” is more straightforward and contains an absorbing, calm first half that eventually explodes with a heavy finale not dissimilar to a louder outro from Ænima. Like many of the longer songs, the second half is mainly instrumental and emphasizes all manner of amazing guitar leads and soloing. Keenan sounds excellent throughout the record, his voice resembling the airy qualities of the lighter A Perfect Circle material, and shines especially on “Descending” by showcasing his versatile emotional and vocal range. “Descending” carries a triumphant vibe as it progresses, swelling from guitar ambiance into a classic Tool song that recalls moments from Lateralus. “Pneuma” is a more subdued piece, with a solid chorus and a fantastic instrumental jam in the second half. While this epic is one of the standouts, the others contain a similar feeling of purpose as each one develops. The guitars then get heavier and tension gradually builds until the incredible final few minutes, being one of the best climaxes of the band’s career. After a calm intro, Justin Chancellor’s watery bass line takes the lead. “Invincible” is undeniably compelling throughout, beginning with a climbing guitar melody that anchors the entire song. The magic they create together sounds more transcendent and harmonious than bands half their age.
![tool aenima album cover artist tool aenima album cover artist](https://www.metalkingdom.net/album-photo/2018/02/287-Tool-Cnima.jpg)
The band have evolved and aged gracefully, with the instrumentalists laying down some of their most impressive and technical performances yet, especially the rhythm section. Some quick moments in the album recall older tracks, particularly “Disposition,” but the album is not a retread of the past. This devotion to the craft and refusal to waver in their vision is one reason why they have inspired the kind of fevered devotion and countless imitators they have amassed.Įven over a decade since releasing any music, Fear Inoculum sounds like it could have been written at any point during Tool’s classic period.
#Tool aenima album cover artist full
Despite finally relenting and putting their music on iTunes and streaming services, frontman Maynard James Keenan made a point that Tool are hardly a singles band, and their music requires patience to get the full experience. Fear Inoculum is a mammoth album of nearly all 10+ minute long songs, with an absence of shorter, more accessible tracks like “The Pot” or “Schism.” The band requires full attention and a clear mind to be fully immersed into their dense soundscapes, having continued to not compromise their style in the wake of further success. The anticipation led to perhaps unrealistic expectations, but it would be foolish to not believe in Tool delivering on what they do best. The thirteen-year gap leading to this has only served to bring fervor to the ever increasing fan base wanting to hear what the progressive metal giants would deliver next. The rampant curiosity for what a new Tool album would sound like has gotten more and more exaggerated each release cycle. Review Summary: The long-anticipated and infamous new Tool album was worth the long wait it’s a massive, compelling piece of music that unfolds beautifully and balances their unique style with plenty of rewarding new elements.