OPIATE (EP)

Tool's first recorded work,which is a 6 song ep,barely hints at the complex,progressive albums that are to come(Aenima and Lateralus).The sound quality is not on the same level as their subsequent albums,but the enthusiasm and energy of the band is readily apparent.The first three tracks,Sweat,Hush and Part of Me(an excellent live version of this song is featured on Salival)and the two live tracks(recorded at The Jello Loft in Hollywood,Ca.) Cold and Ugly and Jerk-Off are nice crunchy metal tunes and sound like they easily could have come from their first full length studio album Undertow.The gem on this ep is the last track,Opiate,the lyrics which are a scathing condemnation of the power and greed inducing abilities of organized religion and it's leaders."Choices always were a problem for you/What you need is someone strong to guide you" or "My God's will becomes me/When he speaks,he speaks through me/He has needs,like I do/We both want to rape you".No one ever accused Maynard James Keenan of being subtle.Maynard's voice is strong and powerful,hinting at the ungodly ability he has to hold and susutain notes.Adam Jones churning guitar riffs and the excellent drum and bass work of Danny Carey and Paul D'Amour(on loan from the band Peach) round out Tool's dark,gloomy sound.All of the themes you find in Tool's music are here,disdain of organized religion,hypocrisy,fear,greed,nonconformity.Not an essential album,but proof of and a testament to the bands evolution.Good album,3 stars.