ÆNIMA

Ænima is the second full length studio album from american experimental rock/ metal act Tool. I really enjoy their debut album Undertow and Ænima is IMO an even better and more mature album from Tool. I was introduced to Tool in the mid-nineties by a couple of bandmates who was devoted fans of Tool ( they also loved Primus who was one of the other big names on the experimental rock/ metal scene in the nineties). My two friends played drums and bass respectively and when you listen to this album and Tool´s music in general it´s very obvious why a drummer and a bassist would love Tool´s music.

Tool´s music benefits greatly from their excellent rythm section and the music is generally very rythmic. Another dominant feature in Tool´s music is the dynamics. Great contrasts between soft and subtle parts and heavy loud and angry parts. The heavy parts sometimes resembling explotions of anger and the soft parts can be seen as quiet before the storm. The mood of the music can be compared to repressed anger. Maynard James Keenan is a very emotional singer.

There are many great songs on Ænima. The albums opener Stinkfist which is also the song with the most memorable chorus is a great song and the next song Eulogy really shows Tool´s rythmic abilities. Great progressive rock track that one. My two favorites here are Forty Six & 2 and the energetic and hilarious Hooker with a Penis. Third Eye who ends the album is a great experimental rock track that features samples with comedian Bill Hicks from his Dangerous and Relentless albums. Most notable is his comments on musicians drug abuse and how it has influenced their music.

The musicinship is excellent. Tool has a distinct sound that no one comes close to replicating. There has been a lineup change as Paul D'Amour has been replaced by new bassist Justin Chancellor.

The production is great. Pleasant and very professional. Deep and warm.

Ænima is one of the most important albums from the experimental rock/ metal scene in the nineties and it was the album that cemented Tool´s leading position on that scene. I don´t listen to Tool much these days but both Undertow and Ænima comes out of the shelf on occasion and they are always a great listen that reminds me of my youth. I was considering giving Ænima 5 stars but as it has lost a bit of it´s magic for me as the years has passed I´ll rate it 4 stars. It´s very recommended though for people into rythmically and dynamically challenging rock/ metal.