10,000 DAYS

While some of you may know that I'm not a metal fan, I've always enjoyed pretty heavy stuff, one of my first loves being the Alt. Rock/Grunge genre with bands like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden featuring lots of heavy distorted riffing and a bit of aggressivity from the vocalists but never going too far and sounding like thrash metal bands which I'm not able of digesting at all, despite repeated attempts.

Well, Tool with 10.000 Days combines the aggressivity and style of grunge(alt. rock if you want) with the complexity and experimentation of bands such as Wetton-era King Crimson. Any metal fan will have no doubt about their metal-credentials since Adam Jones does a massive job with his guitar employing some gut-ripping riffage but also alterning to atmospheric bits for a more dynamic sound. The rhythm section couldn't be better, compromised by Justin Chancellor and Danny Carey, both really are fundamental to Tool's original sound, they add a lot of power to the band that bands like Metallica lack, but that's just a useless comment coming from a non-metal fan.

As for the vocals, Maynard James Keenan is also responsible for Tool's originality and distinction from the rest. He can be very delicate as well as emotionally agressive with his singing, giving as well a more dynamic feel to the band unlike various other metal bands which have singers that either only growl or, on the contrary, ''sing'' in the altitudes of the sky(extremely high-pitched) which makes those band in that aspect monotonous.

When it comes to the Progressive bit of the band, the main factor is the use of very complex time signatures which as a contrast to the technical bit of the band, Tool swifts a lot from totally relentless bits to echoey and dark moods which has Maynard's delicacy.

However, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Tool are pioneers or innovators from the metal genre, what I'm saying is that they're indeed a distinctive Prog Metal band unlike those who follow Dream Theater's footsteps, that with 10.000 Days and Lateralus have made me, a non-metal follower, a fan.

4 stars: If only it were a tad bit shorter this would have been a masterpiece, I can assure you. Recommended to fans of Prog Metal that have yet to seek other than Dream Theater-inspired bands. Also recommended to Prog fans that like Grunge.

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