LATERALUS

Tool are the kind of group in which each album they produce and sell has its own feel to it. Every one of their works is individual, there's no real common surface sound [aside from the obvious intensity put into it] throughout their discography. Undertow was sort of grungy and metallic, but still had its progressive elements. Ænima was still very agressive, but the songs were constructed in a different means, and far more progressively. The recent 10,000 Days album was very dark and atmoshperical [heavy still in tact by all means], but it just had a different style of sound.

Then there's Lateralus. This album is perhaps the most original and gripping of the Tool releases, as its sound branches off from anything any band in Progressive Metal have ever constructed. The layering, the soundscapes, the textures, even the segue tracks are welcoming on this album. Everything Tool put into this screams "Progressive," but still seems to maintain the angst and emotion that heavy music has. Its basically intense prog without the boringness or the cliche keyboards, or fiddling with xylophones or bagpipes or whatever those pretentious, spacy burnout prog artists are doing. Lateralus is indeed a unique and powerful release, arguably Tool's best [though one should never have to choose their favored of Tool's work, that is indeed a decision no one should ever have to make]. The album begins with...

1. The Grudge: ...this song. At a first listen, its a great song, but not much happening here. Well, listen closely [or with headphones]. There are patterns on the drums and bass that match higher than those patterns explored by Meshuggah or Pelican. The more you hear this song, the more you manage to take in how brilliantly mathmatical it is. The Grudge is a fairly heavy song, consisting of very strong parts and a 20-second scream by the man himself, Maynard James Keenan. Its about letting things go, and forgivness through...alchemy? Cryptic as they may be, the lyrics are insightful and as a usual Tool song are open to interpretaton. Unforgettable track. 8.5/10

2. Eon Blue Apolcalypse: People are screaming "filler" all over the place here, but I'm not complaining, its a neat little guitar piece that establishes a good foreground for the next track. It would probably be more important to the overall layout of the album if it were only a bit longer, though. 6/10

3. The Patient: One of the best tracks that Lateralus has to offer, and perhaps the best set of lyrics, The Patient is surely a trip to remember. Opening with Eon Blue Apocalpyse-reminiscent guitars, and some atmospherical computerized-synth noises, it may seem a bit foriegn to an average Tool fan, but once the vocals kick in, you feel as if you're right at home, but still on an amazing journey. When the song denses up with distortion and throbbing drum patterns, the experience intensifies, all in all delivering an indescribable and brilliant piece kudos to Tool. 9/10

4. Mantra: This one I don't always get, but hey, to each their own. Whatever Tool wants to do with segues is fine with me, as long as there's plenty of substance on the album. 5/10

5. Schism: Radio single, yes. Music video, yes. But prog indeed, and also the defining bassline that makes Justin Chancellor a fine bassist to respect. I didn't know that these types of time signature existed [the band jokingly refers to it as 6.5/8] until I listened to this album. Schism seems constructed for radio at first, but much like all of Tool's catalog, doesn't follow cookie-cutter instructions that the media dishes out. And hey, if you ever invite Maynard over to hang out, don't test him with a jiggsaw puzzle, 'cause he knows the pieces fit [can't stunp MJK!]. Beautifully done. 8/10

6. Parabol: Its debatable whether or not this one is really "filler." I think it serves as a beautiful intro to "Parabola." Not much can be said here, its sort of calm, ambient, just a chill-bridge into the next song, which isn't either calm nor ambient. 6.5/10

7. Parabola: Yes! Another song that is played on the radio but still has progressive inclinations and credentials [without being soft or boring]. Hats off to Keenan and Jones for a foward performance here, both hold a lot of notes and put a lot into this song [except Jones is holding guitar notes, and Maynard is putting fourth vocal notes]. Fairly intense but not quite as dark as your typical Tool track, Parabola offers a new kind of Tool atmosphere: a vortex of beauty and significant crunch to pacify the metal heads and those damned progressive elitists with their high expectations and whatnot...7.5/10

8. Ticks and Leeches: Ah, so much for not dark...most brutal track on the album, but still quite enjoyable. If you've heard it, I don't have to tell you twice that Carey on drums is magnificent, and Maynard deserves more than usual credit [due to the fact that he sort of screams, which is a strain on his usual angelic and melodic voice, sort of like if Steve Wilson screamed]. This track especially strays from the album's perky morals [thusfar Lateralus has displayed forgiveness, patience, communication, and love in the song's lyrics] by singing about people who take things from you, or parasites. Well, so much for forgiveness....anyway, a great and intense track, though the part where it settles down in the middle could be shorter, I believe that everything Tool does is for a purpose. 8/10

9. Lateralus: Woah. I mean...woah. This song is complete and utter art. One of Tool's most brilliant compositions. Words can hardly describe how intense this song is, but at the same time manages to articulate itself more than any Tool song I've ever heard. Almost ten minutes and about 9745 changes [well, not actually, that was a bit of a hyperbole...], this song never fails to amuse. Unpredictable and amazing, the title track of this album is amazing [and even better live]. 9/10

10. Disposition: The first of three tracks that blend together to make one "song" which is a little over 20 minutes [I think it achieves epic status]. Disposition is the first part of aforementioned epic, serving as a sort of intro. Compared to the previous few songs, its rather mellow, containing rhythmic tribal drums, a well-patterned and fine-tone controlled guitar part, and a smooth bassline. Its a fantastic song, but towards the end it just gets a bit repetitive, but otherwise perfect. 8/10

11. Reflection: Perhaps this track is the best song that this album has to offer. Clocking in at over 11 minutes, Reflection is the core of the final epic on Lateralus. It sort of picks up where Disposition left off, with the same sort of sound to the instruments, but is much heavier somehow. There's also a new instrument added into the mix: a strange, middle-eastern sounding violin is instituted in the 4-minute build-up to the vocals. Ah, and on the note of the vocals, Mr. Keenan is showing off some of his finest pipe work, with some serious note-holding that still astounds me each listen. Even as it starts to fade out into track twelve, the effects of listening to Reflection are permenant: enlightenment. I have always found it helpful to listen to this song whilst in a state of deep contemplation. My favorite song off of Lateralus. 9.5/10

12. Triad: Wrapping up the D/R/T trio, this one is purely instrumental. Keenan's vocals from here on out are absent from the album, and although they are missed, the rest of the band does fine without him for this one. Very heavy but still mesmerizing, kudos have to go to the drums and guitar here [but Chancellor is always in high performance mode], and what a pleasant, thought-provoking way to end the album. 8/10.

13. Faaip De Oiad: There's a bridge of silence after Triad. signifying that Faaip de Oiad isn't actually "connected" to the rest of the album. Which sounds about right because tit doesn't offer much; this is basically a recording of a prank call to some LA radio station talking about Area 51 and such, with some weird static added in the background for effect. The best part of this track is Carey's drumming, which provides an errie backdrop but its very well coordinated drumming. Only worth two or three listens, I usually skip this one or just never listen to it. 4.5/10

I'm not exactly sure how to follow up my review of Lateralus, so I'll make it short and simple: Each decade has a progressive masterpiece that defines how prog has...well, progressed to that point. Tool's album Lateralus has surpassed almost every piece of progressive music I have ever had the fine opportunity to experience, and with such amazing musicianship and production quality, climbs above the mountains of other prog albums that don't offer what this does. To me, no band can top Tool's emotionally riveting and inspiring music, which thrives as if it has a heart of its own. No matter who you are, if you listen to anything progressive, you need to listen to this album at least once, because it is a true masterpiece of our time.

-SS