I enjoy to go on the Internet and to find information about other things. My favourite thing to do i...
I enjoy to go on the Internet and to find information about other things. My favourite thing to do is to ride my bike and listen to music, Green Day in general.
Member since:05.09.2002
Reviews:21
Members who trust:9
I can only begin to imagine the pressure put on Tool's shoulders over the past few years; Aenima accomplished and embodied what few albums can. It was complete, alarmingly deep, meticulous, and more importantly, it's own being. It was created as if in a musical void, absent of influence and resemblence. In fact, I can confidently proclaim that Aenima is among the ten best albums of the 90's.
So how do you even begin to top an epic such as Aenima, or even match the scale of Aenima for that matter? While I can't tell you how, I can clue you into something that most Tool fans shouldn't find surprising: Tool have found the way, and have followed the path. That's right, I believe that Lateralus has topped Aenima.
Now, I'm not saying this after having heard the album only several times. I have listened through the entire album over a dozen times already, trying to digest every bit of the album and make as much sense of it as I can. In the months to come I will no doubt discover new subtleties, new perspectives, etc... Aenima continues to grow on me to this day, even after having owned the album for 2 years.
Lateralus is ferociously true to Tool's sound, musicianship, and style. At times the music drifts in a quiet daze with soft, resonant guitars accompanying Maynard's soothing voice, while at other times the pounding tom-toms and double bass drums tears through the musical landscape, fueled by Maynard's thick, rough wails. As a vocalist, Maynard has grown far beyond his capabilities showcased on Aenima. He now tries for more daring melodies with a thicker, more firm voice. The vocal effects are few on Lateralus, as they should be. Maynard's voice has approached the threshold of perfection, and there is no reason to tamper with perfection.
The percussion is also a standout on Lateralus. Quiet bongos, chirps, clicks and more underline each song's progression adding an edge to the music unlike any other. The percussion is far more prevalent on Lateralus than on Aenima; this is only a testament to Tool's meticulous nature and maturity.
On a whole, Lateralus is definitely a more angered Tool. "Parabola" and "Ticks & Leeches" feature some of Tool's most vicious material since their earlier material. The last few riffs and tempos on "Ticks & Leeches" are about as "metal" as Tool have ever sounded. This is not to say that the entire album is marred by overly ferocious overtones...the soothing, introspective moments remain, and are in great abundance across the album, even in the heavier songs.
Above all else, however, Lateralus demonstrates maturity. I'd say that in general maturity is the album's motif; song structures are more intricate, the guitar work is more daring, and the vocals are near perfection. Lateralus is the product of a more wise, venerable Tool.
Highlights of the album include "The Grudge," a strong, high-impact opening track, "Schism", the album's shining, beautiful single with incredible melodies, and "Reflection", an 11-minute long voyage through percussion solos and vocal magic by Maynard.
What more can I say? This album will undoubtedly take several months to grow on me...ideally I would review the album in several months time, however it's only fitting to write a review now. Honestly, give Lateralus a listen. Give it several listens. When it starts to make sense you'll be dumbfounded and hopelessly addicted. And if any of you were privileged enough to get tickets to any of their shows, I envy you. It will undoubtedly be one of the year's best performances.
Visit Tool's website at: www.toolband.com
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I love SCHISM and I really, really want this album!
rishibave 23.12.2002 14:47
ARGGHH sorry wen i posted my comment half of it had been typed into a microsoft word box!!arghh!!sorry!!i ment.....superb op-they sound quite good-my friend is really into them but i aint too sure.....rishi
The epic scope of Tool's excellent third album, Lateralus, could well spell a whole new ... more
era for metal. To many casual rock fans, frontman Maynard James Keenan is probably better known as the vocalist in the more MTV-friendly A Perfect Circle but it's i...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
The epic scope of Tool's excellent third album,Lateralus, could well spell a whole new era ... more
for metal. To many casual rock fans, frontman Maynard James Keenan is probably better known as the vocalist in the more MTV-friendly A Perfect Circle but it's in...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Very alternative time changes, original, dark and innovative Disadvantages: Very alternative time changes, songs can be too long for average listeners
Cubert 31.07.2004 (31.07.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Tool - Lateralus
Advantages: Very alternative time changes, original, dark and innovative Disadvantages: Very alternative time changes, songs can be too long for average listeners
Cubert 31.07.2004 (31.07.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Tool - Lateralus
Nov 21st, 2002
very helpful by (100%):
![Poison, The [ECD] - Bullet For My Valentine](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/771/prod_small-6344771.jpg)
![Greatest Hits Vol.1 (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Korn](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/605/prod_small-5878605.jpg)
![Meteora [Digipak] [ECD] - Linkin Park](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/745/prod_small-5332745.jpg)
