Aenima - Tool > Reviews > BEST ALBUM EVER

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Maynard James Keenan, Danny Carey, Justin Chancellor, Adam Jones .
Disadvantages:	-

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

It was released by the Rock/Metal band Tool, in 1996, so it's pretty old. But why are people still buying it? Truth is, it's a good album.

Tool began in 1990 with their debut Ep, Opiate. It contained only seven songs (if you include The Gaping Lotus Experience), but it made the fans beg for more. Undertow followed, in 1993 (also a great album, although somewhat dark and depressing). And in 1996...Aenima.

***STINKFIST***
A great rock song. Used as a single when Aenima first came out, it is easily accessible, compared to the rest of Aenima. Great guitar and drums on this song. Perfect example of 'hard rock' Tool.
10/10

***EULOGY***
This is a slightly longer song. It probably 'something you'll get used to'. The percussive introduction is great. Inspiring vocals by Maynard on this song, as well as great lyrical content. It'll be one of your favourites before long.
9.5/10

***H***
H is a fairly experimental tune. It is softer than the rest of the album, with wandering guitar melodies and a strong bassline, if you can hear it. Maynard's voice on this song is softer on this song, and he shows his range well. Also a great song for guitar or bass. One of my favourites.
9.5/10

***46&2***
Another good song. Starting off with a dark, Egyptian-sounding bassline, it ends with an unbelievable drum solo (Danny Carey IS God). A challenging song for drummers, and also a magnificent song.
9.5/10

***HOOKER WITH A PENIS***
This is similar to Stinkfist in a lot of ways. It is another 'hard rock' song, touching on the borderline with metal. This also gets a while to get used to, but once you do, you'll be headbanging.
9.5/10

***JIMMY***
This song is about Maynard, when he was eleven. Strong lyrics and vocals back this song, but I believe the instrumentation, is a little weak coming from the talented musicians that Tool are.
8.5/10

***PUSH IT***
One of two of my favourite songs on Aenima. This voyage clocks in at 9:55, but is very much worth the wait. After the first calm few minutes, there is a lovely tabla break in the song, by Carey. The guitars are soft and melodic, as well as Maynard. But then, all of a sudden, it explodes into ripping guitar and spectacular drumming. Maynards voice at the climax of the song is immensely powerful. Good lyrics in this song, although it is hard to determine a subject. Fantastic song for drums, bass, guitar, and vocals.
10/10

***AENIMA***
Another great song for the album. Similar to Stinkfist in the beginning, it turns out a lot differently. The chorus erupts into anger and hatred, whilst the verse is much softer. After a blistering guitar solo, the song becomes quiet once more, with Carey playing triplets with his two feet. At the end, the song once more erupts into a strong, tribal ending. Brilliant song.
10/10

***THIRD EYE***
Third Eye is the longest song Tool have ever done, at 13:46. Some people love it, some people hate it, some people don't even listen to it. Personally, I love it. I can listen to the whole song, simply in anticipation of that unbelievable guitar solo at the end. Amazing. This song really establishes Adam Jones as a skilled guitarist, and firmly emplants the rest of the band as very, very talented musicians. Carey and Chancellor keep time together, with a very strong, rhythmic bassline, whilst Maynard once again provides his powerful vocals. Fitting end to a great album.
10/10

Aenima was the album of the nineties.

***Schism***