OPIATE (EP)

"Opiate" is the first Tool release and is a fair EP that got them into the music scene where they would eventually make an indelible impact. This is not prog metal as they would become but still rocks hard, and features wonderful riffing from Adam Jones and Maynard Keenan's inimitable vocal style. The tracks are far shorter and concise than they would release on subsequent albums, and sound more like alternative nu- metal than the complex musicians they would develop into. The songs are exuberant and exciting showing a band in their development stage, that were aggressive, darkly innovative, and wanted to conquer.

They would have to wait till "Aenima" to make a significant impact but this EP is rather endearing. 'Hush' and 'Part of Me' are heavy and have the signature Tool sound. The live tracks are intriguing showing an early immature Tool, and have some amusing introductions especially on 'Jerk-Off', one of the better tracks.

The longest track is the 8:28 minute 'Opiate/ The Gaping Lotus Experience', that musically is excellent but I feel offended by the lyrical content, especially the ghost track. Overall an EP showcasing the beginning of Tool, who would develop into one of the most inspirational bands over the next 8 years.

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