10,000 DAYS

Tool returned in 2006 with an album that has a few shining moments, but which ultimately falls short of their earlier works. That's not to say it's a bad album by any means, but given the pedigree of albums such as Aenima and Lateralus, for me it is somewhat of a disappointment.

The first half of the album is very strong. Jambi in particular is a standout. Very much influenced by touring buddies Meshuggah, it features some of Adam Jones' most complex guitar work. The polyrhythms of guitar, bass and percussion intertwine wonderfully and help to keep things interesting for the duration.

The centrepiece of the album is Wings For Marie Pt 1 and Pt 2. Clocking in at over 17 minutes, it's a moody, regretful and cathartic journey. In the earlier "A Perfect Circle" track "Judith", frontman Keenan delivers a scalding, contemptuous appraisal of his mother's religious beliefs in the face of her physical disabilities with lines such as "F$#k your God, he did this, Took what you had and left you this way." Now after her passing, he gives the strong impression that he wishes he could take those words back, praising her patience and her unshakable faith and likening her to an angel. "It's time now, Give me my wings." It's a deep and intimate window into Keenan's soul and thus one of Tool's most powerful moments on any album. Add to this the unbelievable bass playing of Justin Chancellor and it makes for a killer track.

Unfortunately, there's not a lot to like after this. "The Pot" is a great upbeat rock track, just the tonic to follow on from "Wings" and to lift the listener out of that dark and sorrowful moment. But then? The second half of the album is dominated by segues and ambience and all in all seems bereft of ideas. "Rosetta Stoned" is silly and a bit of fun but doesn't provide any lasting appeal. "Intension" sounds like the formative stages of a good song, but doesn't go anywhere. "Right In Two" provides the only substance in the last 40 minutes of the album, but as a song is only average.

This could have been a good, engaging 50 minute album. As it stands, it seems Tool were intent on maintaining the 70 minute plus standard of previous works, but just simply did not have the inspiration to fill it with anything meaningful. The resulting meanderings detract from the album as a whole.

As an addendum I would like to praise the CD packaging, which is very inventive and unique, complete with stereoscopic glasses built into the front cover. It's a great incentive for fans to go out and buy the product rather than just downloading it.

A solid 7/10 but I'll round it down to 3 stars.