OPIATE (EP)

It is very difficult to review this EP, the debut from one of the most influential bands in the metal pantheon, without being influenced by what followed it. Four superb albums mean that this precursor EP attracts a lower ranking than it might otherwise receive.

'Opiate' is raw, unvarnished metal with only hints of prog. It hits hard and it hits early, with the first two songs setting out TOOL's stall unambiguously: 'Sweat' and 'Hush' are powerful, featuring MAYNARD's trademark emotional voice, some outstanding bass from D'AMOUR and excellent guitars and drums. The songs that follow do little to diminish the strong impression. This really is three-star material, but in the light of what follows it can only be viewed as non-essential.