LATERALUS

Over the decade of Tool's colorful career, they have produced a totally different sound than that of other grunge/metal bands such as Nirvana or Mudhoney. Each album has been a journey of lyrics straight from the void of depressive genius that is Maynard James Keenan. And with such powerful lyrics being backed by the masterful percussions of Danny Carey, the low, ominous guitar stylings of Adam Jones, the constant thundering bass work of Justin Chancellor, and the incredible vocals being shot through Maynard James Keenan, this band has hit that euphoric point in rock that so few bands have achieved.

With that said, "Lateralus" has it's flaws. As a few of the tracks slowly slip into a meditative state that some heavy metalheads might shy away from, whereas true Tool fans will stand by it. from the opening to "Parabol" to the closing of "Parabola", it is obvious to see that Tool's style is like no other band. It becomes radioactive, you'll either continue listening to Maynard's haunting wails, loving it for it's dark overtones, or you might just turn off the CD and headbang to Soundgarden. Buying this album is a risk to those who love metal for merely the thunder behind it, rather than taking a chance to taste the rain.

Now as the pros and cons have been laid out, the final verdict of this album would be to buy it, whether you'll love it or not, it IS and essential album in ANY metal/grunge collection. and even if you're NOT into Tool's style of metal, there is always something to appreciate in this album, and we can leave to you, the buyer, to decide what it is.

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