10,000 DAYS

The production of the album is really good , with more balance progagonism of every instrument compared to Lateralus, where the guitars are god. I find the obsession of Maynard to distort his voice in some songs a bit annoying, but otherwise nothing to complain about the sound of the record.

Vicarious is just a perfect song, with outstanding lyrics and a perfect balance between commerciality, technicity and obscurity. But Jambi is even better, presenting the best Adam Jones guitar work to date. Just amazing start for this album!

But sadly, Wings for Marie is too slow and boring, despite the solid lyrics. 10.000 Days is better, thanks to the powerful second half, but inevitably the sensation of quality descent is there. But suddenly comes The Pot, another great song with one of the best Maynard James Keenan works on vocals. A classic!

But Tool does it again... Lipan Conjuring is absurd and pointless again, while Lost Keys (Blame Hoffmann) is a superficial introduction for Rosetta Stoned with nice guitar layers, but nothing more. Since Aenima this band is obsessed in introducing this little silly tracks wich are normally just pretentious, dull and unnecessary. And 10.000 Days is no exception.

Nevertheless, Rosetta Stoned is another thrashing track, with funny lyrics, very rhythmic and complex. Very good!

But then comes Intension... Once again too slow, but with mysterious and cryptic lyrics, very well written and a song wich leads to Right in Two, another highlight on this albums with top lyrical work. Similar to 10.000 Days in intensity and structure, but better.

And Viginti Tres? A vain reference to Nostradamus and the Antichrist, really boring.

Conclusion: 10.000 Days contains five great and three nice songs. The rest is rubbish. But the problem is that the good parts are so incredible, that I must give this album four stars. Is by far not so good as Lateralus, and it's also clearly under Aenima in my opinion, but it's another strong release from one of the most interesting and unique bands un progressive metal. And it contains the best lyrics of the band's history in my opinion! And that's is not a little thing.

Let's hope the best for the album that Tool are composing right now! I think It will not be their best, but I hope that surpasses this not so great 10.000 Days.

Best Tracks: Vicarious, Jambi, The Pot, Rosetta Stoned, Right in Two.

My rating: ****

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