LATERALUS

Well, it seems that it is an expressed wish of Maynard James Keenan only to conceive masterpieces, so we have to patiently wait 5 years for an album to be in the stores. So Lateralus is no exception, it is in the same level of the previous masterpiece Aenima. Comparatively, Lateralus has explored a bit more the progressive vein of their previous release. They achieved it quite well, managing the pressure of not to disappoint the fans. In my opinion, they surpassed it.

The Tool's trademark style is present, their original strange introspective and scary ambiences, noisy and grungy guitar style like a fusion between SONIC YOUTH noise rock, and grunge. That's why many grungers like TOOL, because, in some way, they are some sort of "evoluted progressive grunge band". Adding that, Maynard's unique voice and the elaborated drums playing.

Lyrically, Maynard continues in his very ironic and direct speech, criticizing the worst aspects of human society using complex metaphors. You have to read and read several times to understand the full meaning of Maynard speech! Great lyrics!

The highlights of the album are many. The first track The Grudge with its fine architecture (each different part of the song is well orchestrated with the others, it is a true unit): presents several enjoying guitar riffs elaborated drumming and introspective subtle parts. Schism, perhaps the most "eatable" song at first listening but that does not mean it isn't one of the best of the album: more again good riffs, good melody and one mellow touching part as Maynard sings "Cold silence has/a tendency to/atrophy any/sence of compation". The duo Parabol/Parabola, perhaps the higher highlight of the album, great guitar work (take look to the ending part, it's like you were not in this planet)! The sad suite Lateralis is also very enjoyable. The last track perhaps is not so catching like the rest of the album, but they end the album in a good way! Highly advisable album! Not only to progressive metal fans, but also too all kinds of progressive fans!

It's a must! The TOOL's style of play is unique, you don't find it anywhere!

My rate: 8/10